Legislation Awareness

**Braver Angels holds workshops, debates, and public presentations designed to bridge the political divide we are experiencing in our country. We’ll hold our next meeting March 10th at the McLean Government Center (1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean) starting at 7 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM.** Our topic this month is Artificial Intelligence, aka “AI”. Are you excited? Are you using some form of AI now? Are you worried about it’s effect on the labor force or the environment, or do you look forward to harnessing its power? Do you think government should play a role in this arena? And who is responsible for the things that go wrong? Come bring your views and join a dialogue! We’ll send more information but for now take a look at these two articles with graphs from the non-partisan Pew Research Center. * [How the US Public and AI Experts View Artificial Intelligence](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=f67afbe50e&e=718ecb4ed3) * [Republicans and Democrats now equally concerned about AI in daily life, but views on regulation differ](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=38af42b78f&e=718ecb4ed3) [And don’t forget to try out Braver Angel’s new Depolarization Dojo where you can practice your skills, sparring with lifelike AI personas, in the quiet and privacy of your own space.](https://braverangels.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb070968609f8aecc37a46472&id=ddf81f6ac4&e=718ecb4ed3) Optional: If you like you can also register on Eventbrite **[here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-do-you-think-about-ai-registration-1984234755568?discount=BRAVER&aff=oddtdtcreator)**. Our primary way of tracking registration is on Eventbrite. Our future is shaped by imagining what can be and putting aside our presumptions of each other. We look forward to seeing you! \*\*\***PLEASE NOTE**, Jennifer Ibarra is the main organizer for this Meetup Group. Please do not direct questions to Marc, but to Jennifer instead.\*\*\*

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.

We’re excited to continue building AI in Practice with our monthly social! 🎉 Each month, we’ll host an informal happy hour and dinner at Upside on Moore in Rosslyn. Come join fellow AI builders, professionals, and curious minds for a relaxed evening of conversation, connection, and community. Whether you’re working on AI systems, advising on responsible adoption, or just interested in how AI is shaping law, compliance, finance, healthcare, defense, software, mission-driven organizations, or public service — this is a chance to meet like-minded people and help shape what this community becomes. 🍸 Drinks and food are available for purchase at the venue. 🤝 No formal agenda — just introductions, networking, and sharing what excites us about AI in practice. We’re so grateful for the early enthusiasm, and we look forward to seeing you each month as this community grows! **Date, Time & Location** 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Thursday 23 October 2025 Upside on Moore 1831 Moore Street Arlington, VA 22209

**DESCRIPTION**: Hurray! C & O Canal National Park's Billy Goat B trail has finally reopened, Let's walk it now before extensive undergrowth blocks our views. Less than 3 miles in less than 3 hours, this is a slow walk, **but on very rocky terrain** with slopes and a stream to cross. We will make full stops to enjoy exceptional river scenery. So much to see and hear and enjoy with many natural curiosities (impressive rock formations, long river vistas and islands and white water stretches, overlooks to climb, beaver lodges, and possibly bird and frog songs). **MEET** at the red brick restrooms building by 1:00 PM for introductions. Hike starts by 1:15 PM and ends around 4:00 or so. **ADVISORY**: This walk is NOT recommended for anyone with stiffness, balance, bending nor range of movement problems. My companion, last week, slipped and fell (not injured). Using poles and watching our footsteps, when we get to rocky and steep parts, we may stoop and stretch in a gingerly manner. The trail, itself, is 1.4 miles and the canal towpath back adds another mile or so to make a loop. https://liveandlethike.com/2016/09/17/billy-goat-trail-section-b-chesapeake-ohio-canal-national-historical-park-md/ **WAIVER:** All participants will sign a Sierra Club sign-in sheet with waiver before we set off on our walk. **BRING**: (Weather forecast is for 80 degrees Tuesday.) Lots of water and sturdy hiking footwear with grooves and traction are essential, hiking pole(s) (We will cross a stream), back pack, sun hat, sun block, layers for changeable hot weather, old plastic shopping bag or other to sit upon, snack, binoculars, camera.

learn more about the HPAP Down Payment Assistance Program \- Get up to $202\,000 in funds from the House Assistance Purchase Program \- Learn what the funds can go towards and the timeline to get approved \- Understand how to sign up for HPAP orientation \- Learn the benefits and challenges of HPAP in detail \- Discuss the current market conditions for HPAP buyers\.

As part of the [DC Francophonie](https://www.francophonie-dc.org/event-list) Cultural Festival, the Embassy of Belgium invites you to a screening of "Rumba Royale" a historical drama set in pre-independence Congo. After the film, co-director and co-writer Hamed Mobasser will sit for a Q&A session, followed by a small reception with Belgian beer! Event registration is free, but capacity is limited. **To reserve tickets, [click here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rumba-royale-screening-and-qa-tickets-1983568476710?aff=oddtdtcreator).** Set in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa) in 1959, “Rumba Royale” follows a photographer drawn into the city’s most exclusive nightclub as Congo approaches independence. Inside the club, music, politics, and desire collide, with rumba mirroring the tensions of a society on the verge of change. The film will be in French with English subtitles. This event is organized in partnership with Embassy of France - La Maison Française.

Join Humor Mill Toastmasters Club for a transformative event focusing on conquering the fear of public speaking, enhancing your communication skills and a bit of humor. * Learn from experienced professionals on how to deliver powerful presentations, build confidence, and excel in leadership roles. * Whether you are a beginner or an experienced speaker, this event will provide invaluable tips and techniques to take your public speaking abilities to the next level. * Take this opportunity to network, practice your speaking skills, and gain insights into effective communication strategies. Enjoy our fun meeting theme as we celebrate Creative Middle Names - join us and see how a bit of humor can help you learn while having fun!

ASL HangOut is a safe fun social All levels D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, Hearing signers, ASL students, ASL interpreter. Hosted by Daniel Berke and his friends Jeremy, Andrew, Nathaniel. and Josh There's always a great mix of people and good conversations We will be meeting at the Tysons Corner Food Court (3rd Floor), Thursday at 7pm! Hope to see you all there! 🙂 Look for a table of ASL signers...don't be shy. 1961 Chain Bridge Rd Tysons Corner, VA 22102 join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/468631322134694

Does it feel like the world is ending? Stop doomscrolling and try some vigorous outdoor activity! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, March 15 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/)

Since 1961, Amnesty International USA has fought to protect human rights as the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Our local group generally meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Cleveland Park Library. Each month, we do letter writing actions, discuss human rights issues in the news, and plan for hosting or participating in occasional events area events. For more information, email Mike Duffy at michaelbernardduffy@gmail.com.

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.

**The NoVA Forward Party's March 2026 Social Event will be at Pisco y Nazca Gastrobar in Reston on Wednesday, March 11th starting at 6:30 PM.** Forward Party members and guests will have an opportunity to socialize with each other, learn more about the Party and other opportunities to participate, all while enjoying wonderful food and drink! Pisco y Nazca is located [about 10 minutes away from the Reston Town Center Metro Station on the Silver Line.](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Reston+Town+Center,+Reston,+VA+20191/Pisco+y+Nazca+Ceviche+Gastrobar,+1871+Explorer+St,+Reston,+VA+20190/@38.9556926,-77.3640052,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b64819e3b9a3af:0x79660a279d78850f!2m2!1d-77.360184!2d38.952766!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b64995fc72437b:0xaa8dff8eae11a6ab!2m2!1d-77.3601954!2d38.9586109!3e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) Pisco y Nazca is also located right next to two Parking Garages, both a couple minutes walk away ([Red](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Red+Garage,+12025+Town+Square+St,+Reston,+VA+20190/Pisco+y+Nazca+Ceviche+Gastrobar,+1871+Explorer+St,+Reston,+VA+20190/@38.9579213,-77.3612486,18.62z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b64819561cb327:0xc3553158d6b54294!2m2!1d-77.3605819!2d38.957638!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b64995fc72437b:0xaa8dff8eae11a6ab!2m2!1d-77.3601954!2d38.9586109!3e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) & [Orange](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Orange+Garage,+Library+St,+Reston,+VA+20190/Pisco+y+Nazca+Ceviche+Gastrobar,+1871+Explorer+St,+Reston,+VA+20190/@38.9579887,-77.3604528,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b6481934febbbd:0xb0133ef1caf8fadd!2m2!1d-77.3588211!2d38.957565!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b64995fc72437b:0xaa8dff8eae11a6ab!2m2!1d-77.3601954!2d38.9586109!3e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) Garages). Here are Menus for attendees to help decide what they would like to enjoy during our Monthly Social (Gluten-Free Options are available upon request): * [Beverage Menu](https://piscoynazca.com/wp-content/menus/reston/PYNRES_Beverage.pdf) * [Happy Hour Menu](https://piscoynazca.com/wp-content/menus/reston/PYNRES_HappyHour.pdf) * [Dinner Menu](https://piscoynazca.com/wp-content/menus/reston/PYNRES_Dinner.pdf) Note: Happy Hour Service will be available during the first half-hour of our Monthly Social (6:30 PM - 7:00 PM). Attendees will be expected to pay for their individual or group items. We look forward to seeing you!

\-\-\-\-\-\- [REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE (ON LU.MA)!](https://luma.com/12sf0fvk) \-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an evening of collaborative problem-solving as we work on a variety of civic tech projects together. Project needs vary but often include brainstorming, researching, writing, coding, or analyzing data. Check out [our website](https://www.civictechdc.org/projects) for a list of projects which may make an appearance! Meet other civic tech enthusiasts. Learn new skills. Contribute to a project to improve a local civic issue. **All are welcome and collaboration is encouraged.** Laptops are recommended but not required. **Where do I register?** To better serve our growing community, we’re transitioning our event registrations to [Luma](https://luma.com/civic-tech-dc)! **We still love Meetup** Meetup has been an incredible platform for us to build and connect with our community. We’ll continue sharing upcoming events there so that new people can find us, but [Luma](https://luma.com/civic-tech-dc) will be our primary registration platform moving forward. **Why we're making the switch** Meetup’s registration system has some limitations, and we need more flexibility to manage sign-ups and engagement. \-\-\-\-\-\- [REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE (ON LU.MA)!](https://luma.com/12sf0fvk) \-\-\-\-\-\-

Join the group for *Safety Not Guaranteed* at Signature Theatre on Saturday, March 14 at 8PM! You can purchase tickets from TodayTix at [https://www.todaytix.com/washington-dc/shows/44349-safety-not-guaranteed](https://www.todaytix.com/washington-dc/shows/44349-safety-not-guaranteed). There's currently 1 $47 seat left in the dress circle. An imaginative indie-rock musical by Guster’s Ryan Miller and Nick Blaemire (*Soon*, *Glory Days*) based on the film of the same name. *WANTED: Someone to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You’ll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. I have only done this once before. SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED.* After seeing this classified ad, ambitious journalist Darius sets out on an expedition to find its writer. When she agrees to go along for the ride, however, Darius finds herself in way over her head. Heartwarming and hilarious, with an electrifying score, *Safety Not Guaranteed* asks, if you could go back and change your story – would you? “Ridiculous fun…*Safety Not Guaranteed* has an appealingly indie sound...I caught myself humming” – *The New York Times*

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**⚔️ Introduction to Wargaming & Painting Miniature Soldiers at The Arcane Foundry ⚔️** Join me in **The War Room at [The Arcane Foundry](https://share.google/S5i6DYJnJteHWeKtd)** for a laid-back evening of hobby talk and tabletop fun! For just **$15**, you’ll get a **3D-printed regiment of 20 high quality resin models** of your choice to paint — a **$40 value!** Bring your creativity, relax, and let’s make something awesome together. **Choose one from Below:** * 20 Orc Warriors * 20 Empire Soldiers * 20 Dwarf Warriors * 20 Elf Spearmen Step into a world where strategy meets artistry — and where every painted figure tells a story of battle, honor, and imagination. Join **Daclaud** at **The Arcane Foundry** for an evening that introduces newcomers and enthusiasts alike to the timeless craft of **tabletop wargaming** and **miniature painting**. My own journey began with a fascination for fantasy — knights in armor, grim and hardened warriors, and monstrous creatures locked in epic battle. That passion led me to **Dungeons & Dragons**, where I painted my first **Basic Heroes set** and felt the spark that comes from bringing a character to life in miniature form. Not long after, I discovered **Warhammer Fantasy** and **Warhammer 40,000**, and I was hooked. The vision of vast armies clashing across the table — each unit meticulously painted, each story unfolding through dice and imagination — became my creative obsession. During this event, we’ll explore the **origins of wargaming**, from its early military simulations to the richly detailed worlds of modern tabletop battle systems. You’ll learn how to **build and customize your own armies**, paint your first figures, and experience the joy of turning strategy and storytelling into a hands-on art form. Whether you’re drawn by the lore, the hobby, or the thrill of commanding miniature legions, this introduction will open the gates to a world that has captivated hobbyists for generations. **🎨 RSVP today and join us at The Arcane Foundry — where every brushstroke and battle tells a story.**

Window functions have nothing to do with the Windows operating system but provide a “window” to a result set when used in SQL queries. They are powerful, set-based methods to view data in unexpected ways. Window functions provide easy, set-based solutions to solve some common problems: * Using running totals * Performing operations in intervals * Identifying data gaps and islands * Performing aggregates without losing detail Many people are confused by window functions and do not know how to use them properly. This session will explore window functions, how they work, and how to use them. Demonstrations with several examples will solidify how window functions can simplify queries and make them more powerful.

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.

Discover Kiro, AWS’s innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way. In this session, speakers will explore Kiro’s core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents. In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiro’s agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding. What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025 Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows. **Speakers Bio:** Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/) Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry. Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/) **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!