Human-to-Human Communication

**🎤 Elevate Your Communication & Leadership at Mighty Docklands Toastmasters!** Ready to level up your confidence, leadership skills, and public speaking prowess? Welcome to Mighty Docklands Toastmasters, where your journey to self-improvement begins! 🌟 What to Expect: * **Expert Toastmasters Guidance**: Our sessions follow the proven Toastmasters framework, ensuring you receive the best possible support and mentorship. * **Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere:** Immerse yourself in a friendly and vibrant environment, surrounded by like-minded individuals on their own journey of self-improvement. * **Diverse community:** Connect with 15-20 like-minded people at every meeting. Come and experience it for yourself! We welcome guests and newcomers alike, eager to meet anyone interested in advancing their public speaking and leadership abilities. 📅 **We meet every 1st, 3rd & 5th Monday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.** ***Please come by 6:15 pm, for a prompt 6:30 pm start. Visitors will not be allowed in after 6:30 pm due to access-controlled doors.*** ✉️ Please email **docklandstoastmasters@gmail.com** for more information. Attending any Toastmasters meeting as a guest is free, however membership to Toastmasters International is a paid activity, details of membership fee etc will be shared over email post attendance. 📍**Find us at the Community Hub:** The Community Hub at the Dock is the building **next** to the Library. There will be a signage at the access contolled front door. Head down towards the library and then head past the park on the left. Entrance is from the street side. [Front of building](https://imgur.com/a/ugh5ay3)

We meet at the Essendon Bowls club, 50 Raleigh St, Essendon VIC 3040. Toastmasters is an opportunity to refine the various aspects of public speaking and a very encouraging environment to experience growth.

You must be able to snorkel and swim on your own. I’m not an instructor or first aid qualified. We’ll meet on the beach close to this carpark: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vNXxagvhVLDz8AMr9?g_st=ic Parking is $5/hr afaik. Aiming to explore around the Tea House Reef. There’s Ricketts Point Beaumaris cafe close by to have a debrief/compare what we spotted after. Depending on the weather conditions, we might have to postpone. I’ll update this event the day before.

Have you been interested in woodworking, 3D printing, CNC, cosplay or Electronics? Come visit Maker Community to get a tour of our space, learn about our memberships, have a chat with our members and discuss your dream projects.

A mix of dance classes, connections & laughter! We love offering a diverse range of moves to keep things fresh and exciting, and it’s always amazing to see our dance community connecting on and off the dance floor. It’s all about coming together, learning, and having fun! Brighton Beach Bowls Club 2B South Rd Brighton 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Beginner & Intermediate levels $25 CASH or PAYID

Please note that **this event is not open for photographers** (no option to bring Camera/GoPro or tripod). We will be taking photos of people with the Milkyway. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please get your tickets on Trybooking ($Early Bird - $20, Regular - $25) : [https://www.trybooking.com/DJSDD](https://www.trybooking.com/DJSDD) We will scan Trybooking tickets at the meeting point. Please note that Trybooking tickets will only be refunded if the event is moved or cancelled. Trybooking Tickets are non-refundable. There is no option to also transfer the ticket to a new date. Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid" status on your RSVP**. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. **Meeting Point**: Let's meet in the Corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Street (Station Side - Near the steps) at 7:50 PM and head to one of the semi locations (80km away from Melbourne). Driving to the destination is not an option for any of our stargazing events. We should be back in the CBD around 12:20 AM on Tuesday. You do have an option to take an earlier train and get back to Melbourne around 11:45 PM. **Meeting Point Photo**: [https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2](https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2) \*\* Please make sure you bring your Myki. Please ensure that it has atleast $11.40. Please ensure that your myki money is added before coming to the meeting point. \*\* Please carry a jacket as the temperature is expected to be around 22-24°C. Cost: Organizer Fee: $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular Transport: Myki Money: $11.40 Concession: $5.70 Shared Taxi: $50-$60 per person (This only applicable when the Vline train is cancelled and there is no replacement bus) Photos: All the images will be uploaded to our Facebook Group (Explore Melbourne) - [https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb ](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb)and meetup. I take one solo photo for everyone with the Milkyway. These events are not aimed at photographers. Location: For the safety of people attending the event and flexibility to change location at the last minute based on the weather forecast, we will only share the location details with people at the meeting point. For the safety of people attending future events, please do not share the Milkyway location with anyone. Also, please do not tag the location when sharing photos on Social Media. The Milky Way Galaxy is one of the most interesting naked eye sights in the night sky. We live under light-polluted skies, and to see a glimpse of the Milkyway, we need to travel outside the city. We run Milkyway events near Melbourne (40-50km away) and events in premium locations (over 80-100km from Melbourne CBD). We will mention premium events on the title of the event. Please only attend this event if you can keep the location a secret. Many Solo and some group photos from previous events: [https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1F0fE1-s4mkkNIi1oATIVBE3I5riDTRO3](https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1F0fE1-s4mkkNIi1oATIVBE3I5riDTRO3) Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. We have seven simple rules in place to protect our community and for everyone to have a positive experience. ❌ Not a dating group! – We’re here to make friends, not find soulmates. No flirty business, please! 📵 No phone numbers, please! – Feel free to swap social media if both parties are cool with it, but let’s keep our digits private. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 Please do not advertise other events or groups. 😅 Don’t be a social octopus! – Give people space to chat with others. Please don't be clingy. 🚗 We don't allow carpooling due to safety incidents/our public liability insurance not covering motor related accidents. 💰 No sales pitches! – No selling, no MLMs, no pyramid schemes, no “life-changing mentorship” offers—let’s keep things scam-free. By joining this event, you’re giving us a virtual pinky promise 🤝 that you’ll follow the rules. Break them, and—poof!—you’re out for good. No second chances, no do-overs. Let’s keep it fun, friendly, and drama-free! **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [[https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

$29 per person for 2 hours of training (includes table hire) ## 🏓 MELBOURNE TABLE TENNIS COACHING @ MSAC Ready to seriously improve your table tennis — or finally start the right way? Join our **ongoing in-person group coaching sessions at MSAC**, where you’ll train in a structured but fun environment with players who come regularly, as well as new faces every week. Our sessions are designed for **both total beginners and advanced players.** You don’t need experience — and you won’t be bored if you already have it. ### What to expect * ✅ **10–15 players per session** * ✅ **2 experienced coaches on court** * ✅ **Structured drills + match play** * ✅ **Individual feedback based on your level and goals** * ✅ **A welcoming group that trains regularly** You’ll work on **technique, footwork, consistency, tactics, and real match situations** — not just hit balls randomly. We organise the group so everyone is challenged at the right level. ### Why people love these sessions * Ongoing training with a real community * Fast improvement, not just social play * A great way to **move, learn, and make friends** * Fun, supportive atmosphere with serious coaching behind it Whether your goal is to **learn from scratch, get fitter, sharpen your skills, or start competing**, this is a perfect place to train. ### What to bring * 🏓 **Bat/paddle** (if you have one — if not, we’ll provide it) * 👟 **Sports shoes (runners)** * 👕 **Comfortable sports clothes** * 💧 **Water bottle** * 🧴 **Small towel** Grab your paddle, bring your energy, and come hit with us at MSAC. Please send me an email to: p.tretinik@gmail.com to confirm attendance. This helps me to book enough table for a smooth session. NOTE: If this is not your first time coming to this meet up, the cost is $36 for the whole 2 hours.

## 🌱 **Understanding Social Connection** [Ticketed Event](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/feb-22-understanding-social-connection-ages-2035-tickets-1981398694834?aff=oddtdtcreator) ### **For Young Adults (Ages 20–35)** 📅 **Date:** Sunday, 22 February 🕓 **Time:** 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 **Location:** **RYVE**, 38 Shafton Street, Huntingdale VIC 🤝 **In collaboration with Social Threads x Kismetrix** This is a **guided session to develop skills and tools for social connection**, designed especially for young adults who want to feel more comfortable expressing themselves and understanding others. The session supports people in their **20s and early 30s** who want to: * feel more at ease in social situations * express themselves more clearly and confidently * better understand others in conversation * build practical skills for stronger, more natural connection You don’t need to be outgoing, confident, or experienced. You also don’t need to be looking for dating or networking. This is a space to **learn, practise, and grow** — at your own pace. ### ✨ What this session is This is a **facilitated, experience-based session** focused on understanding how social connection works in real life. You’ll be supported to: * 💬 practise starting and continuing conversations * 🧠 develop practical tools that help conversations flow naturally * 🤍 build awareness around listening, expression, and understanding others * 🌱 strengthen social confidence through guided practice There’s no spotlight, no forced sharing, and no pressure to perform. ### 🔧 Skills & tools you’ll develop * starting conversations comfortably * expressing thoughts and feelings with clarity * listening and responding with presence * noticing what builds (and blocks) connection * applying these tools in everyday social situations ### 🏡 What to expect * a calm, **indoor environment** designed for comfort and focus * gentle facilitation with clear structure * small-group conversations centred on practice and learning * practical insights you can use straight away You’re always in control of how much you participate. ### 🎯 Who this is for This session is ideal if you: * are a young adult wanting to improve social connection * feel shy, thoughtful, or socially reserved * want to better understand yourself and others * are curious about connection and ready to practise **Age guidance:** Open to adults **18+**, with the core audience being **young adults aged 20–35**. To keep the space relatable and comfortable, participants outside this range may be redirected to sessions better suited to them. ### 🎟️ Pricing * **Early Bird:** $19 * **Standard:** $29 [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/feb-22-understanding-social-connection-ages-2035-tickets-1981398694834?aff=oddtdtcreator) Or [Official Webstie](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/all-events/?event=26223) Places are limited to maintain a comfortable and supportive environment. ### 📌 Please note * ❌ Not speed dating * ❌ Not networking * ❌ Not therapy * ✅ A guided session focused on developing skills and tools for social connection Come as you are. Curiosity is enough. ## **🔗 Stay Connected with Kismetrix \| True Connection** **Love this event? We run a variety of experiences to help people meet and connect in meaningful ways.** **📧 s[ocial@kismetrix.com.au](mailto:ocial@kismetrix.com.au)** **🌐 [www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au)** **📱 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559826808523) & [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/kismetrix-singles-events-84848288353)** **🤝 Collaborations: [collabs@kismetrix.com.au](mailto:collabs@kismetrix.com.au)** **📄 Important Notice:** By registering for this event\, you confirm that you have read and agree to Kismetrix \| True Connection’s[ Terms & Conditions](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/terms-and-conditions-2/),[ Privacy Policy](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/privacy-policy/),[ Disclaimer](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/disclaimer/) and [Code of Conduct](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct/). **Some events may be non-refundable as stated in their individual descriptions.**

THESE Day time Events are for those Ready to gain more information about Spiritual Growth, THE JOURNEY. It has been slotted to run for 3 Hours, but anyone can stay the entire time or freely choose to leave early. I have DVD or CD recordings that help those interested get a far greater understanding about Jesus / Isa / Yoshua's Teachings (Same Brilliant Man/ Eternal Soul when on Earth and named Differently by 3 Different Religions - Christian - Jesus, Muslim - Isa and Jewish - Yoshua). There are also DVD or CD recordings from Joseph Campbell, Deepak Chopra, Mother Theresa, Stuart Wilde, David Hawkins, Esther Hicks, Dennis Waitley, Gregg Braden, Wayne Dyer and Other Smart Spiritual and Gifted Teachers of The Human Mind and Spirit. Topics that can be covered include: How "A Course in Miracles" came to be, Near Death Experiences, The Second Coming, The Evolution of Mankind's Spiritual Understanding, The Human Ego, Buddhism, The Christian Teachings EDITED FROM The Bible, Taoism, Ayurveda, Zen, Chi, The Bhagavad - Gita and Guided Meditations. We can workout on the Day what to watch, listen to or discuss to advance The Group Spiritually. There are Guided Meditations, The Entire - A Course in Miracles and many of The Current and Recently Departed Famous Spiritual Teachers on CD. There are also DVD's and CD's for learning how to control Emotions and Reduce Stress. NOTE: SPIRITUAL TRUTH can be stranger than what most humans call fiction on this planet, which has a long history of Hardship, War, Struggle with a sprinkle of Beauty, Excitement and Peace to attract us, give value and delay or purpose of rising above this dimension.

**📣IMPORTANT📣:** registrations are essential! Attendees that have not registered will be charged $5 to enter. For FREE entry, get your membership below: [https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeMembership-FluentFast](https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeMembership-FluentFast) **== Find someone to practice with before the event ==** (Optional:) post the language you're learning (and teaching language) in the comments so the right people can connect with you. E.g. a comment like: "#learnFrench #teachEnglish seeyou all soon :-)". **Overview:** Every week, over 150 people from 23+ countries meet at out language exchange to practice a new language and make new friends over a beer.🍻 The first thing you will notice when you go to New To Melbourne is the great community atmosphere; people in our group are friendly and helpful and always welcoming of new group members. I hope you can bring a friend and join us for some language practice :-) Our language exchange is free and runs every We3ednesday night, there's cheap food & drinks if you arrive at 6pm and want some dinner ;-)🍻🍟 **If you want to attend:** Event cost: **FREE**! (you must register for free entry: [https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeMembership-FluentFast](https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeMembership-FluentFast)) **First Time? / What is a language exchange?** If you've never been to a language exchange (many people haven't) we wrote an article for first timers (based on our 8+ years of running language exchanges). It's a comprehensive article and well worth reading: [https://bit.ly/firstTimeAtTheLanguageExchange](https://bit.ly/firstTimeAtTheLanguageExchange) **===== EVENT FORMAT =====** When you arrive, you receive a badge with your native language and the languages you would like to learn. Place them on your chest with your native language on the right and other languages you are learning on the left. Then go meet people and exchange languages! What to bring: Pen and Paper and good vibes! Age Group: 18+ **===== FREE BEER AND PIZZA FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! =====** We're looking for friendly volunteers who want to help out and welcome newcomers to the group. We provide free beer/drinks and food (pizza wedges etc) and a friendly team of other volunteers to hang out with. If it's your first time at the event, you're welcome to applt - our volunteers are often newcomers too :-) To find out more about volunteering at our language exchange, please see the link below: [https://bit.ly/NTM-Lang-Exchange-volunteering](https://bit.ly/NTM-Lang-Exchange-volunteering) **===== Group Rules =====** We pride ourselves on running events where people feel safe and open to making new friends. To protect our group members, we have several rules in place: 1\. This is \*not\* a dating group\, please do not ask for people's numbers / socials\. Contact them via the meetup\.com private chat if you want to get in touch\. 2\. Please do not advertise other groups / events / tours on this page or to this groups attendees during / after events\. 3\. Please do not advertise products and services \(e\.g\. MLM / mentorship\)\. Please do not ask our attendees to complete surveys\. 4\. Please do not add people to wechat / whatsapp groups\. By join our group or attending our events, you agree to these rules. If you attend an event and someone is breaking these rules, you can speak to the host if you wish. **===== MENU🍔 =====** The management gave us a special menu with some cheap eats :-)🍟 This section will be updated soon. **===== NEW TO MELBOURNE! =====** This event is run by New to Melbourne! We run fun and affordable event for people mostly between 18-35 including: international students, backpackers and even some locals :-) You can find all our upcoming social events and tours here: [https://bit.ly/FF-Free-language-exchange](https://bit.ly/FF-Free-language-exchange) See you soon! :-)

**Join your local guides on the best pub crawl in Melbourne!** Meet at WAX Music Lounge on 250 Flinders St, and explore the best, most well-known venues with people from all over the world. With **4 free 'welcome shots'** upon entry to each bar followed by exclusive drink deals at each, you'll see just why Melbourne is known as the nightlife capital of Australia! Experience a range of Melbourne's most famous bars & pubs throughout the night, with **free entry** for all, and reduced entry/recommendations at the end of the event to keep your night going strong! Play games, **win prizes** and mingle with locals, travelers & everything in between on the most sought-after event in Melbourne! * **4 FREE SHOTS** * **4 BARS ALL WITH FREE SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRY** * **PLENTY OF GAMES AND PRIZES TO BE WON** * **UNLIMITED MEMORIES & CHANCES TO MAKE FRIENDS IN THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA!** Starting at 5:30PM at WAX Music Lounge on 250 Flinders St, you will receive your skip-the-line wristband, free welcome shot and mingle with other attendees before we introduce our games and prizes to be won throughout the evening. We then mix it up weekly, visiting some of Melbourne's most iconic and well-known bars with your pub crawl crew who have lived and breathed the city for most of their lives. **Make sure to lock in your spot ASAP as tickets often sell out!**

Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Looking for your community in Melbourne? Welcome to Lounge Asia — The premier social exclusively for Global Asians. ⚡ WHY JOIN? (Your Benefits) ✅ Find Your Tribe: Instantly connect with people who share your Asian heritage & values. ✅ Real Conversations: No loud club music. Just a relaxed vibe for genuine chats. ✅ Safe & Chill: Your "Third Place" mid-week to relax and be yourself. ⚡ WHO IS THIS FOR? * This event is exclusively for people with Asian backgrounds. * Global Asians: Living, working, or studying abroad. * Cross-Cultural: Returnees, TCKs, or Mixed Heritage. (We curate this space to share our specific shared experiences. Thank you for respecting this.) 📍 WHEN & WHERE 🗓 Date: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month ⏰ Time: From 6:00 pm 📍 Venue: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Entrance: Enter via Little Lonsdale St only. (No entry from inside Melbourne Central). 💰 Entry: Buy 1 Drink from the bar OR Pay $3 at the door. 🚨 HOW TO JOIN (Mandatory) 1. You MUST RSVP on this page. STRICT POLICY: No RSVP = No Entry. We check the list at the door. 2. Follow Instagram: @_lounge_asia 3. 🎁 VIP ACCESS (Founding Members) Join the VIP list for early access to our official app & special party invites. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ HOUSE RULES (Zero Tolerance) To protect our safe environment, we strictly ban: 🚫 Solicitation: No MLM, business recruitment, or poaching. 🚫 Harassment: No pickup artists or creepy behavior. Violators are removed immediately. 🌏 OUR VISION "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Australia: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (1,500+ Members) 🌏 2026 Expansion: Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Cebu. ⚠️ IMPORTANT ID Required: Passport or Driver’s License (18+). Student IDs: NOT accepted. VIC Law: ID checks are required at the licensed bar. 👥 Your Host: 🎤 David – Your friendly Melbourne host! Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 メルボルンでコミュニティをお探しですか？ Lounge Asiaへようこそ — グローバル・アジア人のための最高の交流会です。 ⚡ 参加するメリット ✅ 仲間が見つかる: アジアのルーツや価値観を共有できる人とすぐにつながれます。 ✅ リアルな会話: 騒がしいクラブではありません。リラックスして会話を楽しめます。 ✅ 安心・安全: 平日の夜、素の自分でいられる「サードプレイス」です。 ⚡ 参加対象 * 本イベントは、アジアのバックグラウンドを持つ方限定です。 * Global Asians: 海外在住、勤務、留学中の方。 * Cross-Cultural: 帰国子女、TCK、ミックスの方。 (共通の経験を共有する場を作るため、ご理解をお願いいたします。) 📍 日時・場所 🗓 日程: 毎月 第3水曜日 ⏰ 時間: 6:00 pm から 📍 場所: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 入口: Little Lonsdale St側の入り口からお入りください (Melbourne Central内からは入れません)。 💰 参加費: バーでドリンク1杯購入 または 入場料$3 🚨 参加方法 (必須) 1. このページで必ずRSVP (参加登録) をしてください。 厳格なルール: RSVPがない場合は入場できません。入り口でリストを確認します。 2. Instagramをフォロー: @_lounge_asia 3. 🎁 VIPアクセス (創設メンバー) 公式アプリの先行アクセスと特別パーティーへの招待を受け取るには、VIPリストに登録してください。 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ ハウスルール (ゼロ・トレランス) 安全な環境を守るため、以下を厳禁とします。 🚫 勧誘行為: MLM、ビジネス勧誘、引き抜きは禁止です。 🚫 迷惑行為: ナンパ、不快な行動は禁止です。 違反者は即座に退場となります。 🌏 私たちのビジョン "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 オーストラリア: ブリスベン、シドニー、メルボルン (メンバー1,500名以上) 🌏 2026年展開: 東京、ホーチミン、セブ ⚠️ 重要 ID必須: パスポートまたは運転免許証 (18歳以上)。 学生証: 不可。 👥 ホスト: 🎤 David (メルボルン担当) Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 正在墨爾本尋找屬於你的社群嗎？ 歡迎來到 Lounge Asia — 專為全球亞裔打造的優質社交圈。 ⚡ 為什麼要參加？ (你的收穫) ✅ 找到歸屬感: 立即連結擁有相同亞洲背景與價值觀的朋友。 ✅ 真誠對話: 這裡沒有吵雜的夜店音樂，只有輕鬆交流的氛圍。 ✅ 安全放鬆: 週間放鬆身心的「第三空間」，讓你做回真實的自己。 ⚡ 適合誰參加？ * 本活動專為擁有亞洲背景的人士舉辦。 * Global Asians: 在海外生活、工作或求學的亞裔。 * Cross-Cultural: 海歸派、TCK 或擁有混合文化背景者。 (為了分享共同的經歷，我們特別規劃此專屬空間，感謝您的理解。) 📍 時間與地點 🗓 日期: 每月的第三個星期三 ⏰ 時間: 6:00 pm 開始 📍 地點: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 入口: 請務必從 Little Lonsdale St 入口進入 (無法從 Melbourne Central 內部進入)。 💰 費用: 購買一杯飲料 或 支付 $3 入場費 🚨 如何參加 (必須遵守) 1. 你必須在此頁面報名 (RSVP)。 嚴格執行: 無報名 = 無法入場。我們將在門口核對名單。 2. 追蹤 Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP 會員 (創始成員) 加入 VIP 名單，搶先體驗我們的官方 App 及獲得特別派對邀請。 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ 規範 (零容忍政策) 為了維護安全的環境，我們嚴禁： 🚫 推銷招攬: 禁止直銷 (MLM)、商業招攬或挖角。 🚫 騷擾行為: 禁止搭訕騷擾或任何令人不適的行為。 違規者將被立即請離。 🌏 我們的願景 "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 澳洲: 布里斯本、雪梨、墨爾本 (成員超過1,500人) 🌏 2026年擴展: 東京、胡志明市、宿霧。 ⚠️ 重要事項 必須出示 ID: 護照或駕照 (須滿18歲)。 學生證: 不接受。 👥 主辦人: 🎤 David (墨爾本負責人) Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 멜버른에서 커뮤니티를 찾고 있나요? Lounge Asia에 오신 것을 환영합니다 — 글로벌 아시안을 위한 프리미엄 소셜 모임입니다. ⚡ 참여해야 하는 이유 (혜택) ✅ 공감대 형성: 아시아의 문화적 배경과 가치관을 공유하는 사람들과 즉시 연결됩니다. ✅ 진솔한 대화: 시끄러운 클럽 음악이 아닙니다. 편안한 분위기에서 진짜 대화를 나누세요. ✅ 안전과 휴식: 주중의 피로를 풀고 온전한 나로 돌아갈 수 있는 '제3의 공간'입니다. ⚡ 참여 대상 * 본 이벤트는 아시아 배경을 가진 분들만을 대상으로 합니다. * Global Asians: 해외 거주, 근무, 유학 중인 아시아인. * Cross-Cultural: 귀국 유학생, TCK, 또는 다문화 배경을 가진 분. (공통의 경험을 나누기 위한 자리이므로, 이 점 양해 부탁드립니다.) 📍 일시 및 장소 🗓 날짜: 매월 셋째 주 수요일 ⏰ 시간: 6:00 pm 부터 📍 장소: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 입구: 반드시 Little Lonsdale St 쪽 입구로 입장해주세요 (Melbourne Central 내부 연결 불가). 💰 비용: 바에서 음료 1잔 구매 또는 입장료 $3 🚨 참여 방법 (필수) 1. 이 페이지에서 반드시 RSVP(참가 신청)를 해야 합니다. 엄격한 규칙: RSVP 없음 = 입장 불가. 입구에서 명단을 확인합니다. 2. Instagram 팔로우: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP 멤버 (창립 멤버) VIP 리스트에 등록하고 공식 앱 조기 사용 권한과 특별 파티 초대장을 받으세요. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ 운영 규칙 (무관용 원칙) 안전한 환경을 위해 다음을 엄격히 금지합니다: 🚫 영업 금지: 다단계(MLM), 비즈니스 권유, 스카우트 행위 금지. 🚫 괴롭힘 금지: 헌팅 목적이나 불쾌한 행동 금지. 위반 시 즉시 퇴장 조치됩니다. 🌏 우리의 비전 "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 호주: 브리즈번, 시드니, 멜버른 (멤버 1,500명 돌파) 🌏 2026년 확장: 도쿄, 호치민, 세부. ⚠️ 중요 사항 신분증 필수: 여권 또는 운전면허증 (18세 이상). 학생증: 불가. 👥 호스트: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 正在墨尔本寻找属于你的社群吗？ 欢迎来到 Lounge Asia — 专为全球亚裔打造的优质社交圈。 ⚡ 为什么要参加？ (你的收获) ✅ 找到归属感: 立即连接拥有相同亚洲背景与价值观的朋友。 ✅ 真诚对话: 这里没有嘈杂的夜店音乐，只有轻松交流的氛围。 ✅ 安全放松: 周间放松身心的“第三空间”，让你做回真实的自己。 ⚡ 适合谁参加？ 本活动专为拥有亚洲背景的人士举办。 Global Asians: 在海外生活、工作或求学的亚裔。 Cross-Cultural: 海归派、TCK 或拥有混合文化背景者。 (为了分享共同的经历，我们特别规划此专属空间，感谢您的理解。) 📍 时间与地点 🗓 日期: 每月的第三个星期三 ⏰ 时间: 6:00 pm 开始 📍 地点: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 入口: 请务必从 Little Lonsdale St 入口进入 (无法从 Melbourne Central 内部进入)。 💰 费用: 购买一杯饮料 或 支付 $3 入场费 🚨 如何参加 (必须遵守) 1. 你必须在此页面报名 (RSVP)。 严格执行: 无报名 = 无法入场。我们将在门口核对名单。 2. 关注 Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP 会员 (创始成员) 加入 VIP 名单，抢先体验我们的官方 App 及获得特别派对邀请。 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ 规范 (零容忍政策) 为了维护安全的环境，我们严禁： 🚫 推销招揽: 禁止传销 (MLM)、商业招揽或挖角。 🚫 骚扰行为: 禁止搭讪骚扰或任何令人不适的行为。 违规者将被立即请离。 🌏 我们的愿景 "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 澳洲: 布里斯班、悉尼、墨尔本 (成员超过1,500人) 🌏 2026年扩展: 东京、胡志明市、宿务。 ⚠️ 重要事项 必须出示 ID: 护照或驾照 (须满18岁)。 学生证: 不接受。 👥 主办人: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Bạn đang tìm kiếm cộng đồng tại Melbourne? Chào mừng đến với Lounge Asia — Cộng đồng hàng đầu dành riêng cho Global Asians. ⚡ TẠI SAO NÊN THAM GIA? (Lợi ích của bạn) ✅ Tìm thấy sự thuộc về: Kết nối ngay lập tức với những người chia sẻ di sản và giá trị Á Đông. ✅ Trò chuyện chân thực: Không ồn ào như vũ trường. Một không gian thư giãn để trò chuyện thật sự. ✅ An toàn & Thoải mái: "Không gian thứ ba" giữa tuần để thư giãn và là chính mình. ⚡ DÀNH CHO AI? Sự kiện này chỉ dành riêng cho những người có nguồn gốc Châu Á. Global Asians: Đang sống, làm việc hoặc học tập ở nước ngoài. Đa văn hóa: Du học sinh về nước, TCK, hoặc người có dòng máu lai. (Chúng tôi tạo ra không gian này để chia sẻ những trải nghiệm chung cụ thể. Cảm ơn bạn đã tôn trọng điều này.) 📍 THỜI GIAN & ĐỊA ĐIỂM 🗓 Ngày: Thứ Tư tuần thứ 3 hàng tháng ⏰ Thời gian: Từ 6:00 pm 📍 Địa điểm: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Lối vào: Vui lòng chỉ vào từ đường Little Lonsdale St (Không có lối vào từ bên trong Melbourne Central). 💰 Vào cửa: Mua 1 đồ uống tại quầy HOẶC Trả $3 tại cửa. 🚨 CÁCH THAM GIA (Bắt buộc) 1. Bạn PHẢI đăng ký (RSVP) trên trang này. CHÍNH SÁCH NGHIÊM NGẶT: Không RSVP = Không vào cửa. Chúng tôi kiểm tra danh sách tại cửa. 2. Theo dõi Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 THÀNH VIÊN VIP (Sáng lập) Tham gia danh sách VIP để truy cập sớm ứng dụng chính thức & nhận vé mời tiệc đặc biệt. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ NỘI QUY (Không khoan nhượng) Để bảo vệ môi trường an toàn, chúng tôi nghiêm cấm: 🚫 Chèo kéo: Cấm đa cấp (MLM), tuyển dụng kinh doanh, hoặc lôi kéo. 🚫 Quấy rối: Cấm tán tỉnh làm phiền hoặc hành vi khiếm nhã. Người vi phạm sẽ bị mời ra ngay lập tức. 🌏 TẦM NHÌN CỦA CHÚNG TÔI "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Úc: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (Hơn 1,500 thành viên) 🌏 Mở rộng 2026: Tokyo, TP.HCM, Cebu. ⚠️ QUAN TRỌNG Yêu cầu giấy tờ: Hộ chiếu hoặc Bằng lái xe (18+). Thẻ sinh viên: KHÔNG được chấp nhận. 👥 Chủ nhà của bạn: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Naghahanap ka ba ng iyong komunidad sa Melbourne? Welcome sa Lounge Asia — Ang premier social na eksklusibo para sa Global Asians. ⚡ BAKIT DAPAT SUMALI? (Ang iyong Benepisyo) ✅ Find Your Tribe: Agad na kumonekta sa mga taong kapareho mo ng Asian heritage at values. ✅ Real Conversations: Hindi maingay na club. Relaxed na vibe para sa totoong kwentuhan. ✅ Safe & Chill: Ang iyong "Third Place" sa kalagitnaan ng linggo para mag-relax. ⚡ PARA KANINO ITO? Ang event na ito ay eksklusibo para sa mga taong may Asian background. Global Asians: Nakatira, nagtatrabaho, o nag-aaral sa ibang bansa. Cross-Cultural: Returnees, TCKs, o Mixed Heritage. (Ginawa namin ang space na ito para maibahagi ang aming shared experiences. Salamat sa pagrespeto nito.) 📍 KAILAN AT SAAN 🗓 Petsa: Tuwing ika-3 Miyerkules ng buwan ⏰ Oras: Mula 6:00 pm 📍 Venue: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Entrance: Pumasok sa Little Lonsdale St lamang (Walang entry mula sa loob ng Melbourne Central). 💰 Entry: Bumili ng 1 Drink sa bar O Magbayad ng $3 sa pinto. 🚨 PAANO SUMALI (Mandatory) 1. KAILANGAN mong mag-RSVP sa page na ito. MAHIGPIT NA PATAKARAN: Walang RSVP = Hindi Makakapasok. Tinitingnan namin ang listahan sa pinto. 2. I-follow ang Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 VIP ACCESS (Founding Members) Sumali sa VIP list para sa early access sa aming official app & special party invites. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ HOUSE RULES (Zero Tolerance) Para maprotektahan ang aming safe environment, mahigpit naming ipinagbabawal: 🚫 Solicitation: Bawal ang MLM, business recruitment, o poaching. 🚫 Harassment: Bawal ang pambabastos o creepy behavior. Ang mga lalabag ay tatanggalin agad. 🌏 ANG AMING BISYON "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Australia: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (1,500+ Members) 🌏 2026 Expansion: Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Cebu. ⚠️ MAHALAGA ID Required: Passport o Driver’s License (18+). Student IDs: HINDI tinatanggap. 👥 Ang iyong Host: 🎤 David Global Asian Social: Lounge Asia Meetup @ Melbourne 🥂 Mencari komuniti anda di Melbourne? Selamat Datang ke Lounge Asia — Sosial premier eksklusif untuk Global Asians. ⚡ KENAPA SERTAI? (Manfaat Anda) ✅ Cari Geng Anda: Berhubung segera dengan orang yang berkongsi warisan & nilai Asia anda. ✅ Perbualan Sebenar: Bukan muzik kelab yang bising. Suasana santai untuk borak sebenar. ✅ Selamat & Santai: "Tempat Ketiga" anda pada pertengahan minggu untuk berehat. ⚡ UNTUK SIAPA? Acara ini adalah eksklusif untuk mereka yang berlatarbelakangkan Asia. Global Asians: Tinggal, bekerja, atau belajar di luar negara. Silang Budaya: Mereka yang kembali, TCK, atau Warisan Campuran. (Kami menyediakan ruang ini untuk berkongsi pengalaman bersama. Terima kasih kerana menghormatinya.) 📍 BILA & DI MANA 🗓 Tarikh: Setiap Rabu ke-3 setiap bulan ⏰ Masa: Dari 6:00 pm 📍 Lokasi: Diesel Bar & Eatery (Melbourne CBD) 🚪 Pintu Masuk: Sila masuk melalui Little Lonsdale St sahaja (Tiada laluan masuk dari dalam Melbourne Central). 💰 Masuk: Beli 1 Minuman dari bar ATAU Bayar $3 di pintu. 🚨 CARA MENYERTAI (Wajib) 1. Anda MESTI RSVP di halaman ini. POLISI KETAT: Tiada RSVP = Tiada Masuk. Kami semak senarai di pintu. 2. Ikuti Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎁 AKSES VIP (Ahli Pengasas) Sertai senarai VIP untuk akses awal ke aplikasi rasmi kami & jemputan parti khas. 👉[GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ⚠️ PERATURAN RUMAH (Toleransi Sifar) Untuk melindungi persekitaran selamat kami, kami melarang keras: 🚫 Solicitation: Tiada MLM, perekrutan perniagaan, atau curi tenaga kerja. 🚫 Gangguan: Tiada gangguan seksual atau kelakuan yang tidak menyenangkan. Pelanggar akan dikeluarkan serta-merta. 🌏 VISI KAMI "Connecting Asia & The World" 🇦🇺 Australia: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (1,500+ Ahli) 🌏 Pengembangan 2026: Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Cebu. ⚠️ PENTING ID Diperlukan: Pasport atau Lesen Memandu (18+). ID Pelajar: TIDAK diterima. 👥 Hos Anda: 🎤 David

The Naarm Solarpunk Meetup presents this special event to kick-off 2026. Our two speakers will take you through the high hopes that many of us had for the impact of the web on society, and the reality of corporate enshittified platforms that are destroying our ability to connect with our communities while building every more polluting data-centers. Please join us for an interesting evening as we walk through these ideas and meet like-minded people who care about using technology in service of **Sustainable**, **Resilient** and **Just** futures. **Reclaiming the Open Web** [Milly Schmidt](https://www.millyschmidt.me/) In the 2000s, a generation of nerds got online and found a wonderful place where you could learn to code, make things, share your art, be part of communities and feel welcomed. We blogged, we vlogged, we shared, we posted, we followed and we were followed. We found a beautiful world where we could connect with our friends and make new ones, all across the globe, and find the people who liked the same things we liked and feel less alone. We signed up for platform after platform, excited about the promise of a hyper-personalised web, where we would see recommendations and content based on our specific interests. We knew there might be some risks, but we thought it was worth it. In the 20 years or so since then, things have changed. The platforms that once connected us have mutated, transformed under a grim late capitalist ethos to be not just extractive, but no longer even for us. How do we get out of this mess? How do we find our way back to the promises of the early web, where we could connect with communities, friends and family, find joy and creativity and learning? And more importantly, what principles should we hold to ensure we don't make these mistakes again? **Neighbourhood-First Software** [Jade Ambrose](https://jade.hopepunk.me/) A vibrant ecosystem of open-source alternatives to big tech walled gardens is a critical part of building the free and open internet that we want, but technical requirements mean that this software is often only run by a small group of skilled enthusiasts. Neighbourhood-First software is hosted in cycling distance of your house, by volunteers in your local community, for the benefit of those less technical. In this talk, Jade will present a manifesto of Neighbourhood-First software, and discuss how it can help support local-first software, the Fediverse, and other key open source initiatives while also providing local resilience in an age of climate uncertainty. \-\-\- These talks were both previously given at Everything Open 2026, and don't require technical knowledge. We will provide some plant-based nibbles. Probably not enough for dinner, please feel free to bring anything of your own that you'd like to eat. This event will be hosted on the stolen, unceeded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. **Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.** **Accessibility info:** Balam Balam place is wheelchair accessible via lift. Wide corridors and accessible toilets are situated on each level. The grounds are entirely accessible via flat concrete paths and ramps. Mask wearing is very welcome. Our speakers will be unmasked while presenting. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help you feel more able to attend this event.

The MLAI Meetup is a community for AI researchers and professionals which hosts monthly talks on exciting research. Our format is: * 6:00 - 6:20: Socializing * 6:20 - 6:40: Announcements and AI news * 6:40 - 7:40: Talk(s) and Q&A * 7:40 - 8:00 Networking * 8:00: Head to the nearest pub for dinner **THREE amazing talks tonight:** 1. **Chaehan So: “Deep Listening AI: A Psychologist's Blueprint for Building a Virtual Friend”** 2. **Dushan Karovich-Wynne: “aigogo: Packaging AI Agents for Production”** 3. **Adam "Spidey" Purdie & Rohan Nowell: "Meet ABI AI in the real world"** Talk descriptions and speaker bios: **Adam "Spidey" Purdie & Rohan Nowell: "Meet ABI AI in the real world"** **Synopsis:** Andromeda's purpose is to build technology that strengthens connections and preserves purpose in people’s lives. This purpose shapes what we build and how we build it. The soul of the product matters as much as its capabilities, and our values are encoded through everyday decisions. Abi is our friendly humanoid robot who is built for this purpose. Where she most strongly differs from a LLM chatbot is in embodiment, she shares a physical environment with you. This comes with a whole new range of challenges, she doesn’t just need to know what to say to hold a conversation, she now also needs to control her body language through gestures. Spidey and Rohan will go through the purpose of Andromeda, how Abi is driving this and how we incorporate machine learning into her physical communication. **Speaker Bios:** **Adam Purdie Spidey**, Mad Scientist / Engineering Manager. Spidey regular meetup goer is best known for his ambitions to take over the world with an army of robotic spiders - furiously developing the spiders and other cuddly horrors by night, by day Spidey is an Engineering Manager in charge of customer applications and platform automation (SRE/Dev/Sec/Ops) and physical robotics. My team do awesome things and I give them all the direction, certainty and space to do it. **Rohan Nowell** is a Machine Learning Engineer at Andromeda Robotics with over 10 years of experience in robotic and autonomous systems. His broad expertise spans control systems, mechanical engineering, physics modelling, and autonomy, including work on uncrewed defence vehicles and miniature robots from his PhD at Monash University. He is currently focused on the complex challenges of Human-Robot Interaction, specifically optimizing for 'delightfulness' in embodied AI systems. **Dushan Karovich-Wynne: “aigogo: Packaging AI Agents for Production”** **Synopsis:** aigogo ( https://github.com/aupeachmo/aigogo )is an open-source project exploring what it actually takes to package, ship, and run AI agents in real production environments. In this talk, I’ll walk through how to use aigogo to package and distribute a real agent that does useful work. This talk isn’t about a finished framework, but an open exploration of what it takes to package and run AI agents in real production environments. Using aigogo as a concrete example, we’ll look at the practical tradeoffs that show up once AI systems move beyond experimentation and start behaving like deployable services. The session is designed to be collaborative and discussion-driven, drawing on the experiences of engineers and data scientists in the room. The goal is to surface what matters most in practice and to help shape the roadmap for aigogo and similar open-source efforts going forward. **Speaker Bio:** Dushan is the founder of Subrosa AI (www.subrosa.ai), he is building at the intersection of AI, risk mitigation, and governance, with a focus on making AI systems secure, auditable, and trustworthy in production environments. On top of his companies products which address data leakage and governance challenges as well as production-level AI agents, Dushan builds and maintains open-source projects that help people instrument, understand, sandbox and distribute AI agents. Outside of work, he's a lifelong dog lover who has been known to pull over to talk to dogs. **Chaehan So: “Deep Listening AI: A Psychologist's Blueprint for Building a Virtual Friend”** **Abstract:** What if AI could truly listen—not just respond with generic empathy, but recognize when you're avoiding a difficult topic, stuck in a thinking loop, or seeking validation you won't accept? In this talk, psychological-researcher-turned-AI-startup-founder Chaehan So shares what building Virtual Friend revealed about creating AI for deep emotional conversations. You'll discover why common approaches like fine-tuning and RAG fail for psychological applications—and what actually works. Key takeaways: * Why "respond with empathy" prompts don't work (and what to do instead) * How to engineer psychological awareness into AI conversations * The hidden patterns that unfold across a conversation—revealing what someone can't say directly Whether you're building AI products, interested in mental health tech, or curious about the intersection of psychology and AI, you'll leave with practical insights applicable far beyond chatbots. **Speaker Bio:** Dr. Chaehan So bridges psychology and AI to create technology that genuinely understands people. As founder of Virtual Friend, he's building an AI companion specifically designed to support young adults navigating anxiety, loneliness, and life transitions—combining clinical listening techniques with cutting-edge language models. With a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, Dr. So brings psychological research methodology to AI development. His interdisciplinary background spans social psychology (Humboldt University Berlin), engineering (TU Berlin), and management (ESCP France), with previous experience as Assistant Professor of Information & Interaction Design at Yonsei University, South Korea. His mission: making AI that doesn't just talk to you, but truly listens.

Hey all! My name is Sarah, I'm a romance girlie in my twenties, and welcome to the Mostly Romance Book Club! I am a big mood reader so assigned books at book clubs don't really do it for me. I wanted to create a space where anyone can come with whatever book they want, meet new friends, and chat about what they've been reading. When: First and third Thursday of every month, starting in February. 7-8:30 pm. Schedule: First 30 minutes: Introductions and chat about all things books Next 45 minutes: Silently read your personal physical book, ebook, or audiobook (yes audiobooks count :)) Last 15 minutes: Chat some more and wrap up the meeting Check the home page for zoom links. Up to 100 attendees so still join the zoom even if you can't sign up for the event.

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at [BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com.](http://BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com./) Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at [BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com](mailto:BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com) so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

**\| Two Strong Wings: Advancing the Equality of Women & Men** *** **Can humanity truly reach its full potential without all of its members being free to reach and contribute their all? Is equality a tug of war where one side gains at another’s expense? Does empowering women require taking opportunities away from men, or does it actually strengthen the whole and create more opportunities and a better world for everyone?** **If a bird has one broken wing, it isn’t able to fly or live a full and healthy life. Could this same thinking apply to the balance of men and women? The two wings of a bird do not fight for power, strength or dominance. Both wings need to be of equal strength for the bird to soar. Can humanity truly advance if women do not enjoy the same rights, prerogatives and opportunities as men? How can we work to ensure that we are building communities where everyone has the same opportunities to grow and develop and to contribute to the advancement of humanity together?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the essential equality of the sexes. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how achieving that equality is needed for all of humanity to progress and reach its full potential.** **“The world of humanity has two wings – one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. ” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

Regular coffee meetup for people to meet, make new friends, or enjoy general conversations with coffee. Great for those who are new in town or looking for new activities to do! This will be held at Ridgetop Coffee and Tea in Sterling. Additional Note: If you are on the Wait List, you can still feel free to attend if you wish.

**\| The Spirituality of Depolarization** *** **In a world increasingly marked by division and conflict, finding common ground has never been more crucial – and seemingly more difficult. At the same time, if we’re willing to go outside of ourselves, there are a growing number of grassroots efforts – thousands in the US alone! – all exploring various means of depolarization. In this context, might there be a role for spirituality to help guide us towards these aims, towards greater empathy and understanding for one another?** **More and more it seems like we can each pick and choose the bubbles we want to live in, with many of those bubbles drifting further away from others. And while there can be comfort to be found in this, are we maybe also missing out on an even better world we could be living in? What would an approach to our lives and our communities look like that speaks to our fundamental commonalities instead of our differences? How might we find and strengthen a common ground that unites while respecting our unique perspectives and contributions? What has the unique power to connect each and every one of us, to help us find that common ground, to better understand and express our essential oneness as human beings?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the role of spirituality in navigating polarized communities and bridging divides. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how spirituality can help foster a society strengthened by unity and based on understanding amongst its citizens.** **“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

Join Neurodivergent District for a night of camaraderie over karaoke. We are excited to celebrate the 30th birthday of one of our members and hosts, Patrick R. We have a 6:30 reservation with limited seating. If you arrive later, you may not have a seat. We're still happy to have you come and join us. This venue can be **loud and overstimulating** for some, so please feel free to bring supports that help (earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, taking breaks outside, etc.). And no pressure to sing — you’re welcome to cheer others on and/or just come to socialize. **Please note:** you’re responsible for any food/drink charges you accrue. We look forward to seeing you.

**Is it unrealistic or even naive to think that we should try to live a virtuous life in today’s world?** **As children we’re taught to be good, to be kind, to be honest. Yet as we get older, some of these virtues get lost or sacrificed for the sake of expediency or convenience, or a sense that they’re just not compatible with the world today. Even worse, some might think it could allow others who don’t hold to these values to take advantage of us. But what is the impact on a society that no longer values these ideals? What is the impact on us as individuals? Can a spiritual perspective help us to recognize the inherent value of these qualities?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspectives offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the importance of nurturing – and valuing! – good people. Join us for a lively discussion as together we explore how developing qualities like truthfulness, integrity, and kindness can enable the progress and improvement of society as a whole.** **“Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* The event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**