Legislation Awareness

**Location:** Crimson Whiskey Bar (Either the downstairs whiskey bar, or main floor bar, TBD) The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. \*\*\* **Topic: The Future of DC** DC is set to undergo a lot of changes over the next 5 years. There are changes to the local political structure, massive real estate projects in the works, and the federal plans to "beautify the city." We want to hear your opinions on these and what direction you would want to DC move toward. **Local Politics** DC will be implementing ranked choice voting in it's upcoming primaries this June for the first time in it's history.[ (Ben from Ben's Chili Bowl Explains this)](https://www.opportunity-dc.org/post/rank-your-vote-dc-launches-first-ads-to-educate-voters-featuring-ben-ali-owner-of-ben-s-chili-bow). This includes elections for mayor, attorney general, and city council, which could have a huge impact on the city's future. **Beautifying the City** Trump issued an executive order in March 2025 titled "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful," and has since gone much further, announcing plans to spend $2 billion within a three-mile radius of the White House, repaving streets and replacing infrastructure he called emblematic of a ["hellhole.](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/aug/22/trump-says-hes-asking-congress-billions-beautify-dc-streets/)" His latest budget takes it even further, proposing a $10 billion ["Presidential Capital Stewardship Program](https://rollcall.com/2026/04/06/trumps-budget-proposal-for-interior-seeks-to-make-dc-beautiful-again/)" for construction and beautification projects in and around DC. **New Developments** It would be impossible to talk about the future of DC without talking about how the landscape has and is changing. Neighborhoods that were previously "Places where you only go to get drugs," like NOMA have become prime examples of gentrified neighborhoods with bustling restaurants and bars. With billions of dollars' worth of residential projects popping up all over the city, other neighborhoods are set to experience similar transformations, especially with developments like the new RFK Stadium.

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Takoma Park with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Takoma Park, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Takoma Park.

It’s been a while… but we’re back for Third Thursday 🎉 Join us on Thursday, April 16, 2026 for a fun evening of good vibes, great company, and a chance to reconnect! 📍 Sports & Social 1314 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 🕕 6–9 PM Bring your friends, meet new faces, and let’s make it a night to remember. See you there! ✨ And yes, we will be having events on Third Thursdays of the remaining months in 2026! Save the dates!

Come volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles so that they can be used again by the community! This event is open to both new and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please be aware that volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver, while volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

AfropolitanDC Presents: The Borderless Black Diaspora Experience \| Thursday April 16th \| World Bank Spring Meetings Editions RSVP Now At: [AfropolitanDC](https://AFPDC2604.eventbrite.com/?aff=MU) Get ready for another amazing night of connections and culture over cocktails Join us for AfropolitanDC: Industry Night—a premier cultural mixer and one of the most anticipated social experiences on the sidelines of the Worldbank Spring Meetings DMV’s largest cultural mixer returns with The Borderless Black Diaspora Experience—a celebration of global Black unity, identity, and culture. From New York to Accra, Kingston to Lagos, and Washington D.C., the Black experience knows no borders—only shared rhythms, roots, and brilliance. This is the spring meetings social social where global leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and policymakers converge to network, celebrate, and reimagine the future of a borderless Black diaspora. Designed to harness the convergence of global and local influence during spring meetings week, this evening fosters collaboration and partnership across the diaspora while showcasing its vibrant culture. What to Expect Power Networking with global leaders, professionals, and innovators Afro-Caribbean Social & Party with top DJs and vibrant diaspora sounds Red Carpet Experience to capture your spring meeting's night in style Cocktails & Culture featuring Afro-Caribbean bites and curated drinks Borderless Connections Mixer with interactive networking and idea-sharing

Want to mess with some electronics? Or perhaps contribute to HacDC's main group project? HacDC's latest event brings hardware projects to the community. We will focus primarily on the main project (Space Blimp!) but please feel free to bring some of your own projects to show off and work on!

Join our ASL Brunch on Sundays in Greenbelt! All ASL users and learners are welcome. Brunches are alternately held at two restaurants in Greenbelt, both in the same town plaza. ODD WEEKS: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, we meet at Cedars of Lebanon, 103 Centerway. EVEN WEEKS: 2nd and 4th Sundays, we meet at New Deal Café,113 Centerway. We are the Greenbelt ASL Community, a group of both Deaf and hearing people who hang out, chat about everyday goings on, trade stories, get to know each other better, and of course, enjoy food together. Many members use ASL as their primary language, several are interpreters or other fluent ASL users, while others are ASL learners who wish to improve their skills while making new friends. Before or after brunch, you can visit the farmer's market and small coop grocery store in the plaza. Please RSVP so we can contact you via email if needed. Our group is on Facebook as Greenbelt ASL Community. Some longtime Brunch attendees don't mark their attendance here, so feel free to stop by even if you don't see others who have RSVP'd on Meet-up.

It's April and it's time to get outside! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, April 19 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

**Mark your calendar for every third Friday of the month!** Come hang out with fellow freedom-lovers, get the inside scoop on the Liberty Movement in Northern Virginia, and hear what’s brewing with local festivals and upcoming election support. Whether you’ve been part of the cause for years or are just curious about Libertarian ideas, you’re welcome to drop by for food, fun, and lively conversations that keep the spirit of liberty alive!

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Takoma Park with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Takoma Park, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Takoma Park.

**\*\* NOTE--We are meeting 1 hour earlier than usual because of room availability. We will start at noon instead of 1 pm. \*\*** **Life** Charles Louis de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu, was born in 1689 near Bordeaux, France to a noble and wealthy family. He trained as a lawyer at the University of Bordeaux. Through marriage and inheritance of a position in the Parlement of Bordeaux, he was financially secure before 30 and had time to read and write, in addition to his duties at Parlement. His first successful book was *Persian Letters*, an epistolary novel published anonymously in 1721 that satirizes French society from the point of view of two wealthy Persians. He then sought to turn his literary success into social success at court, salons, and the French Academy. In 1728, he took the grand tour; over the course of several years, he visited Vienna, Hungary, Venice, Florence, Rome, and England, where he became a fellow of the Royal Society. His next major work, published in 1734, was *Considerations on the Causes of Romans’ Greatness and Decline*. In 1748, he published his most famous work, one that he claims took him twenty years and that was to greatly influence the American Founders: the *Spirit of the Laws*. He died in 1755. **Themes** The influence of the *Spirit of the Laws* on the Founding generation that crafted the U.S. Constitution has secured for Montesquieu enduring relevance for those who want to understand the Founding Era and the Constitution. In this sprawling work, Montesquieu divides the types of government into republics, monarchies, and despotisms, each of which has its animating principle (virtue, honor, and fear). This contrasts with Aristotle’s categorization of polity, aristocracy, and monarchy, each of which has a corrupted form, democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny, respectively. Montesquieu argued that liberty can be best protected by the separation of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers, which finds expression in the three branches of the U.S. government. Among many other notable ideas in this work, he argued that laws should be crafted to accord with a people’s religion, climate, habits, wealth, and other social and economic factors. Against earlier natural law theorists, such as Grotius and Pufendorf, he argued that war did not justify slavery. In the prior century, Pascal had made a name for himself in taking on the Jesuits in his *Provincial Letters*. Several decades later in *Persian Letters*, Montesquieu used a similar rhetorical setup to satirize Parisan and French life, including religion, social practices, and the monarchy of Louis XIV from the perspective of two Persian travelers, Uzbek and Rica. The Letters show Montesquieu’s willingness to at least somewhat relativize European practices, if only to make points consistent with his own social and political class. In the *Considerations*, Montesquieu takes up a theme that would later make Edward Gibbon famous. One of his arguments in this work is that the maxims that made Rome an empire out of a republic were inadequate to keep the empire. He also argued that chance doesn’t rule events; there are underlying causes that can be discovered. **Reading** Our reading for this month is *[Montesquieu: Selected Political Writings](https://www.amazon.com/Montesquieu-Selected-Political-Writings-Classics/dp/0872200906/)*, about 242 pages. The book includes short selections from the *Letters* (the stories of the Troglodytes and Uzbek’s management of his seraglio) and *Considerations* and substantial selections from the *Spirit of the Laws* touching on principles of the three governments, political liberty, the relationship between laws and climate, slavery, and other topics. Please also read the introduction. **Optional** * [Baron de Montesquieu, Charles-Louis de Secondat](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montesquieu/) in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy * [Montesquieu](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Montesquieu), Britannica * [Montesquieu and the Separation of Powers](https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/montesquieu-and-the-separation-of-powers), the Online Library of Liberty

**‼️This is a MAFN (Mid-Atlantic Facilitators Network) event. To attend, register at [https://mafn.org/event-6471409](https://mafn.org/event-6471409)** WHEN: Friday\, April 17\, 2026 \| WHERE: Mason Fuse Center \- 3401 Fairfax Drive Arlington\, VA 22201 Don't miss out on this opportunity to Explore \| Sharpen \| Connect We’re bringing the MAFN community together in person this spring - Join us! **What You will Experience** Expect a day filled with fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, and the energy of being in community. Attendees will direct their own agenda around the content themes through interactive workshops and meaningful opportunities to connect and network before and after the conference. **CONTENT Themes:** * Business development in dynamic times * Technology shifts in facilitation * Facilitating amid polarization and conflict **Who Should Attend and Why** If you lead groups, facilitate change, or guide learning, New Frontiers in Facilitation is designed for you. This one-day, in-person conference brings together facilitators, trainers, educators, coaches, mediators, and organizational leaders to explore cutting-edge practices in business development, technology in facilitation, and working across divided contexts. Beyond the sessions, the conference emphasizes intentional networking to help you build meaningful connections that last well beyond the event. Join us and leave inspired, equipped, and connected for the future of facilitation. **SCHEDULE** * Registration & Coffee Networking from 8:30 * Plenary * Rae Ringel - Rupture & Renewal, How Facilitation Evolves in a Polarized AI-Driven World * Six workshops in three parallel sessions (the opportunity to join three in the program) * Bola Audena - Scaling with Purpose: Building a Thriving Facilitation Brand in the Age of AI * Carly Chomer & Kim Fredrich - Make Your Business Development Meaningful Not Mechanical * Christine Gerson & Eboney Dixon-Crump - Clarity, Curiosity and Connection: Coaching Through Polarization & Communicating Across Differences * Jennie Toner-Algin - Find the Beat: Using Musical Techniques to Reduce Polarization and Navigate Group Conflict * Mike Burns - AI and Facilitation: Asking Not What It Can Do, But What It Should Do * Nikki Frias - Building Bridges in Conflict and Uncertainty with Applied Improv * Lunch & Networking * Parallel sessions * Knowledge Cafe: Join table hosts for skills-based learning * Open Space: Join fellow participants to reflect on key learnings, collaboratively explore emerging questions, and engage in self-directed dialogue with peers. * Closing * Happy Hour & Networking from 4:00 **Sponsorships available** Interested in reaching 100+ facilitators and organizational leaders? Contact us today to ask about being the sole presenting sponsor! View Sponsorship Opportunities: [https://mafn.org/resources/Documents/MAFN%20New%20Frontiers%20Sponsorship%20Deck.pdf](https://mafn.org/resources/Documents/MAFN%20New%20Frontiers%20Sponsorship%20Deck.pdf) Email Us: treasurer@mafn.org **Rates** **Members:** Early-Bird (until 11:59 pm on 2/15/26): $99.00 Regular Rate starting 2/16/26: $129.00 Membership Bundle (Member & Registration): $199.00 **Non-Members:** Non-Member Early Bird (until 11:59 pm on 2/15/26): $129.00 **Students:** Current/Active Student: $79.00

Greetings! \*A Few Quick, Important Notes\*: 1. Location/Further Details/Tickets required at: **[https://convergeworld.org/dc/green-convene-2026/](https://convergeworld.org/dc/green-convene-2026/)** 2. A Free RSVP on Meetup is NOT a ticket for admission to this event. This is NOT a free event. Thanks! 3. Can't make this one, but interested in future events? **[https://forms.gle/4Pnws1HBn5M89Ro28](https://forms.gle/4Pnws1HBn5M89Ro28)** \*\*\* You are cordially invited you to **GREEN CONVENE.** Celebrate the arrival of spring’s most important environmental gatherings with an evening of connection, ideas, and momentum in the heart of Washington, DC. **GREEN CONVENE** brings together the people, organizations, and communities shaping the region’s environmental conversation—across policy, technology, art, and civic life. Taking place alongside a wave of major spring convenings—including DC Climate Week, Green Expo 2026, Earth Day and other initiatives — this event offers a central space to meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships that carry forward into the weeks and year ahead. Whether you’re deeply involved in environmental work or simply curious and looking to plug in, this is your chance to connect with the people driving ideas forward in DC and beyond. Feel free to forward this invitation to friends. I look forward to seeing you on **Saturday 18 April**! Yours,  **John Hanshaw** **Questions? Feel free to reach out at:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhanshaw/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhanshaw/)

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday April 21 from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

Younkin Branch Library (Ashville) meeting space is now reserved for any and all interested in or enthused by playing a game of chess. The second Thursday of each month, 6:00pm to 7:50pm. First gathering is Thursday, May 11th. No fees. Chess sets provided; however, you may bring your own if you wish.

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Join us for an afternoon of peace, relaxation, & healing. This FREE Spring Open House is a beautiful way to step into sacred community by enjoying nourishing food, heartfelt connection, and complimentary sessions. We will be offering FREE mini services: Wax Scryings, Intuitive Readings, Somatic Healing, Soul Embodiment Light Activations, Reiki & Multidimensional Energy Healing, Channeled Card Messages, Vibrational Sound Healing, Healing Infrared Dome Sauna, Chakra & Meridian Healing & Energy Body Clearing & Activation, Psychic Readings, Meditation, Wellness Coaching, & more! Time slots will be available first come, first serve. Optional RSVP to Caitlynn at: [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com] We will also be offering ongoing group talks and activities in our group room. Dr. Ryan Brown, Metaphysician & Transformational Trainer will be speaking at 3pm! This is a perfect opportunity to meet each practitioner & receive an introduction to the many different healing modalities we offer. Spiritual & Wholistic gifts and Gift Certificates & Packages will be available to purchase. They make a great gift for yourself or as a holiday gift of self-care for your friends and family. Mini Service Offerings: Ammatara: Wax Scryings, Intuitive Readings, Somatic Healing, & Soul Embodiment Light Activations Caitlynn: Energy Healing & Channeled Card Messages Ellen: Vibrational Sound Healing Team Member: Healing Infrared Dome Sauna Group Room Talks/Demos: Session 1 \| Intro to Center & Practitioners with Ammatara Session 2 \| Soulbits Circle with Caitlynn Session 3 \| Alternative Medicine with Dr\. Carlos Session 3 \| Group Sound Healing with Ellen Session 4 \| Somatic Healing\, Releasing & Return to Love with Ammatara Session 5 \| Frequency Shifting with Dr\. Ryan Brown Hosted by The Center for New Life Practitioners 6797 N. High Street Suite 333 Worthington Ohio 43085 \*Entrance up the orange ramp to right of building and to 3rd floor\*

Soccer + vegan deli eats = the perfect Saturday ⚽🌱🔥 We’re kicking things off with soccer (all levels welcome!) and then heading to Vida’s Plant-Based Butcher for some seriously good food—Vida’s Reubens, Philly cheesesteaks, Chipotle Cheddar Melt and classic deli sides. Whether you’re playing, socializing, or just here for the food, this is a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy the day! Game → Food → Good vibes 📍 Soccer - Park of Roses 3923 N High St Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Vida’s Plant Based Butcher 1724 Northwest Blvd Unit C Columbus OH, 43212