Legislative Issues

Come hang at Sports & Social DC from 5pm-8pm for our Happy Hour! Get to know new people, socialize and hang out! Discounts on select drinks and a great menu from the team at Upstate FTW! Message me for any questions and look forward to seeing everyone there!

Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center. At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience. Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following: group riding dynamics; safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting; hill climbing; audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers; what to bring on each ride; etc... Bring your questions, water & a snack. When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well. Helmets a MUST. If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride. PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group. Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop. Happy Pedaling !! \~Maya

Join host Sarah Hassmer for her birthday at AGUARDIENTE: Soul of the Caribbean at GALA Hispanic Theatre on Friday, May 1 at 8PM! I will be exploring whether there are outdoor dining options nearby, as I still don't dine indoors with my health conditions. You can purchase tickets online at [https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/pr/1245626/pe/11665586](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/pr/1245626/pe/11665586). Use code MAGIC25 to receive 25% off (must purchase by April 8). There are also cheaper rates if you are a senior, military, teach, student, or under 25. If you struggle with steps, there is an elevator on the Orchestra Left side, which is where I'll be in Row A. If you need the English subtitles, those screens will be on the left and right-hand sides of the stage. You'll get a better view of the screen and stage if you can get up to Row E or higher. In this exciting new musical two immigrant writers from Colombia and Puerto Rico, who are living in New York City, journey back to their childhoods to reconnect with the rich Caribbean culture. The production draws inspiration from traditional Caribbean rhythms, cumbia, bomba, currulao, and the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez. En este emocionante nuevo musical, dos escritores inmigrantes que viven en Nueva York, uno de Colombia y el otro de Puerto Rico, viajan al pasado para reencontrarse con su infancia y reconectar con su rica cultura. La producción está inspirada en ritmos caribeños tradicionales, cumbia, bomba, currulao y el realismo mágico de Gabriel García Márquez. Book by \| Libro de **Luis Salgado** Music by \| Música de **Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez** Lyrics by \| Letras de **Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez & Luis Salgado** Choreography by \| Coreografía de **Luis Salgado** Conceived by \| Concebido por **Luis Salgado & Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez** Bilingual with surtitles in English and Spanish \| Bilingüe con sobretítulos en inglés y español WORLD PREMIERE\. COMMISSIONED BY GALA \| ESTRENO MUNDIAL\. COMISIONADO POR GALA

### **During this soothing and vibrational sound session you will have the opportunity to wash away stress and what no longer serves you under the full moon energy.** ***What is sound healing/Sound Bath? During a sound healing experience also known as a sound bath participants lie down comfortably, allowing their bodies to relax and open to the healing frequencies from the soothing vibrational sounds filling the space.*** ***The session will feature an array of instruments, including crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, gentle chimes, gong, and other vibrational instruments, each chosen for their unique resonant qualities. As the session unfolds, the sounds will recalibrate every cell in your body, creating a nurturing environment where you can connect to your innerself. The experience will make you feel refreshed, aligned and rejuvenated.*** \*\*What to bring:\*\*Your own water bottle, Eye mask (if you have one) Comfortable clothes lay down. Yoga Mats and Blankets will be provided or bring your own for extra comfort. **About Jenny Perez Curandera:** Jenny is a Full Time Curandera Shamanic Healer born into the Curanderismo tradition that utilizes Traditional Curanderismo Shamanic Healing modalities past down from previous generations. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion). Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after the sound healing session send an email to healing@curanderasheart.com or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with plenty of food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important. **DATE 05/01/2025** **TIME: 6pm-7pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. PLEASE DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS LOCK IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER.** **Energy Exchange: $45** **Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205** **Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM** **healing@curanderasheart.com** **703\. 531\.7046 call or text** \*\*What you may experience during this session:\*\*Stress Relief and deep relaxationAbility to connect to your higher self, Ancestors and the divineRelief physical painRelease anxietyImprove emotional balanceIncreased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peaceAbility to create self-love and improve relationships **\*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds for missed, canceled reservations or if you arrive after session has already started\*\*\*\***

Social Sips & Bites friends - we’re heading out for something fun, lively, and full of great vibes! Join us in Historic Downtown Manassas as the streets come alive for First Friday - a full-on block party experience you don’t want to miss Here’s what’s waiting for you: • Live music filling the streets • Local shops & restaurants with special deals • Outdoor vibes, energy, and great people everywhere • A perfect mix of social, fun, and discovery This is one of those nights where the whole town feels alive - and it’s even better with our SSB crew. Come out, bring your energy, and let’s take over Manassas together.

Speaker: Colburn Clark: Stalking, Harrassment or Neither - Small Lawsuits Targeting Local Campaigns. Colburn will discuss how business owners attempt to manipulate the law to shut down effective pressure campaigns and what we can do to avoid these lawsuits, fight these lawsuits, and protect first amendment rights for all kinds of activists. Come to hear some inspiring stories and learn about your rights to freedom of speech. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

DMV adult Lego enthusiast club meeting

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **"Eugenics Then and Now,”** on a dangerous movement in science and its lessons for current research, with Carlo Quintanilla, molecular biologist and health science policy analyst at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-eugenics-then-and-now](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-eugenics-then-and-now) .] Global concerns about the return of eugenic thinking were reignited by Chinese scientist He Jiankui’s 2018 announcement of the first gene-edited babies, Lulu and Nana. He was quickly condemned by the scientific community and jailed for illegal medical practice, but he and others around the world continue experiments with goals echoing eugenic ambitions. As genetic technologies advance at extraordinary speed, society faces a new set of ethical questions about shaping the traits of future generations. Are we entering a new era of eugenics? If so, how should we respond? Hear such questions tackled by Carlo Quintanilla, who studied rare genetic mutations in human disease as a graduate research scientist and instructor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and now works at the intersection of genomic medicine, science, and society. Dr. Quintanilla will begin by discussing the origins and history of eugenics, tracing its development in the 19th and 20th centuries as an idea, a scientific movement, and a set of policies. He’ll examine the rise of Social Darwinism in the United Kingdom, forced sterilization programs in the United States, and the atrocities committed by the Third Reich in the name of “racial hygiene.” From there, he’ll explore how our ability to shape human health and heredity have been transformed by modern reproductive and genetic technologies such as in vitro fertilization, prenatal and embryo screening, and genome editing. You’ll learn how these tools hold enormous promise when it comes to the prevention and cure of rare and debilitating genetic conditions, yet also raise profound questions related to their potential enablement of a new, technologically driven form of eugenics. Dr. Quintanilla will then delve into the ongoing debate among scientists, bioethicists, and policymakers over what should be classified as eugenics today. He’ll highlight recent controversial uses of genetic and reproductive technologies that are pushing ethical boundaries faster than society can define them, from embryo selection for traits like IQ and height to speculative military interest in genetically enhanced soldiers. These examples raise urgent questions: Where should society draw ethical boundaries? Who gets to decide? And is the term “eugenics” still useful for guiding policy and public debate? We’ll close by examining the social, political, and regulatory forces that will determine the future, considering whether they will restrain the push toward further genetic control or accelerate it. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: The frontispiece of the 1883 book Inquiries into Human Faculty and Its Development, by pioneering eugenicist Francis Galton (Wikimedia Commons / Metropolitan Museum of Art).

Volunteers are needed for the **[51th Annual One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/?isFirstPublish=true)** (ODH). The ODH is a fully supported event that requires about 100 volunteers to put on and pull off. Volunteers must be enthusiastic, dependable, and hardy — showing up to work on time, *regardless of weather*. First-time volunteers get a free ODH T-shirt as a token of appreciation. Many volunteers are former ODH'ers paying back some of the help they received, and/or are family and friends of a hiker. If you are a veteran volunteer and want to reprise your role or would like to try something different, if you are an interested newbie, or if you just need more information about volunteering, email Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) — *Please do not instead RSVP, message, or comment.* Photo albums of previous ODH's: **[bit.ly/MWS-ODH](https://bit.ly/MWS-ODH)**. **1) SUPPORT-STATION VOLUNTEERS** are needed to man/woman stations that provide food, drink, and assistance to hikers. If you are interested, let us know your preference in terms of time of day and amount of time you are willing to help. The more flexible you are in terms of location and time, the better. Except for the first three stations (through Edwards Ferry), you do not have to stay for a station’s entire period of operation, although that is preferable, and — yes — many volunteers serve at more than one station. The stations are: * Old Anglers, 5 to 7:30 am * Seneca Creek, 7 to 11 am * Edwards Ferry, 9 am to 2 pm * Whites Ferry, 10 am to 3:30 pm * Monocacy, 11 am to 6 pm * Point of Rocks, 1 pm to 8 pm * Brunswick, 2:30 to 10 pm * At Harpers Ferry and Bolivar (5 pm to midnight), where volunteers are also needed to guide hikers along the towns’ route. If you are willing to take on especially challenging tasks, we need you! Let Mike know. **2) BIKE PATROLLERS** are needed to ride their bikes to check on hikers all along the (mostly) unpaved route, providing assistance as needed. Patrollers are needed from about 6:30 am to midnight. If you are interested, or for more information, email Bike Patrol Coordinator, Jeff Comer (Comer.Jeffrey@Gmail.com), or Mike. **3) FIRST AIDERS** that can administer first aid to hikers as needed at major support stations. If you have first-aid or medical training, we’d love your help. If you are interested, or for more information, email First-Aid Coordinator, Jason Hauf (LJHauf@Gmail.com), or Mike. For official updates about the ODH, join our email list by sending a blank message to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io . To learn more about the ODH, check out [onedayhike.org](https://www.onedayhike.org/). ***Year in and year out, volunteers are what make the ODH the great event that it is!***

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cinco-de-mayo-bar-crawl-tickets-1985534988600](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cinco-de-mayo-bar-crawl-tickets-1985534988600)). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT Get ready to put on your party sombrero because the **Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl** will take you south of the border for some bar crawl fun! Enjoy a fun-filled day with cover-free access to Dupont’s most popular bars and rooftops, tons of drink specials, DJs, tacos, margaritas, tequilas, rooftops, giveaways and of course lots of tequila! Gather the crew, because this is **NACHO** average bar crawl! **Time: 2pm-10pm (ticket pick up is from 2-4pm)** ***\*Registration is from 2PM-4PM. You'll receive your wristband and Swags. If you can't make it by 4pm TEXT/EMAIL YOUR QR CODE to a friend, so that they can pick everything up for you.*** ***But the party and specials continue till 10PM!*** **Dress code : We encourage you to wear huipil, quechquémitl, rebozo, enredo, chincuete, posahuanco, refajo, enagua for Women AND sarape, charro suit, sombrero, guayabero, baja jacket, and poncho for Men.** **What do you get:** **Access Venues Cover Free** **Drink Specials ($4 Light Beers, $5 Tequila Shots, $6 Rail Drinks)** **Party Favors** **Entertainment and DJs** **Tons of shenanigans** **All you have to do is grab a ticket, throw on something festive and join the fun!!!** ***Participating Bars: Almost all Dupont Circle's major establishments.*** ***YOU MUST HAVE A TICKET TO ENTER THE VENUES ON THE CRAWL.*** ***Your Favorite Dupont Bars and Clubs Are Going Cinco:*** **There will be a lot of people. Use the comment box of the Meetup to coordinate amongst the group.** **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp' with a saving!** **What is MERTUP?:) Mer + Meetup = Mertup.** **Mer is known as the Meetup guy. He likes to connect people and his fans coined that name for him. So, at his events, everyone will become a Wing Person to everyone:) When you get get there, we will introduce you to someone and you will be responsible to introduce that person to another person. That is MERTUP!** **Enter the Promo Code 'MERTUP' to redeem your 20% discount!** ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cinco-de-mayo-bar-crawl-tickets-1985534988600](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cinco-de-mayo-bar-crawl-tickets-1985534988600)). FAQs REGISTRATION Registration is from 2PM-4PM. You'll receive your wristband. If you can't make it by 4pm TEXT/EMAIL your QR Code to a friend. So that they can pick everything up for you. TICKETS You MUST have your ticket on your phone. Tickets are transferable and not refundable. You can give your ticket to a friend to use if you cannot attend the event. ID Government issued ID is required! It will be checked at every participating bar that you choose to go to. All participants must be 21 years old or older. WEATHER Event goes on rain, snow or shine! STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Reach out to [info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/) HAPPY CRAWLINGS!!! Payment Instructions : 1. Login to see the 'Get Tickets' button, on the ticket link. Then hit the button. 2. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for. 3. **If *you don't have a Paypal account, proceed to the next page and scroll down to see "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card". Then turn off the button 'Save The Info and Create Your Paypal Account'.*** 4. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and it hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1. Go to Settings. 2. Scroll down to Safari and click on it. 3. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. For Google Chrome Users : 1. Open Google Chrome. 2. Click on the three dots and you will see many options. 3. Click on Settings. 4. Scroll down to content settings. 5. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizers a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKET. IT RULES.**

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 **One Day Hike** comprises two concurrent, non-competitive hikes of 100 and 50 kilometers that follow the C&O Canal towpath, and end at Bolivar, WV. The 100 km event (100K; 62.1 miles) starts at 3 AM from the Thompson Boat Center parking lot in Georgetown, DC; the 50 km event (50K; 31.1 miles) starts at 10 AM from Whites Ferry, MD. Both hikes proceed along the towpath, crossing the footbridge into Harpers Ferry after mile marker 60. The ODH has been held since 1974. During the hike, hikers pass through eight support stations, manned by volunteers (see [volunteering information](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/?isFirstPublish=true)), where they receive food and drink and, if necessary, first-aid assistance. While on the trail, they are monitored by volunteer bike patrols. Hikers must arrive at support stations by cut-off times or are required to drop out, and must finish by midnight. *ALL HIKERS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED.* Photo albums of previous ODH's: **[bit.ly/MWS-ODH](www.bit.ly/MWS-ODH)**. **REGISTRATION:** Registration costs $95 and is done on-line starting Wednesday, February 11, at 5 pm (5-time finishers may register early starting Sunday, February 1, at 5 pm). Note that registration closes when the 350-hiker limit (100K+50K) is attained, which can occur within a few hours. See registration [details](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1niIsqRVC8Zl72JzAvBonqlzg4TLWiaGH/view?usp=sharing). **UPDATES:** For hot-off-the-press, official updates regarding registration and other information, join the ODH email list by sending a blank message to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io. For general information, check out [OneDayHike.org](www.OneDayHike.org). **TRAINING HIKES:** The Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings ([SCPRO](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac)) organizes training hikes in the weeks leading up to the ODH. Although open to all, these hikes are specifically designed to prepare you for the ODH — they become progressively longer, they follow routes with relatively easy trails that are generally flat, and hikers walk at their individual paces. Longer training hikes also allow shorter options for 50K trainees. Doing these training hikes, or following a similar regimen on your own, is the best way to improve your chances of completing the ODH. Training hikes will be held from every Saturday from January 10 to the Saturday prior to the ODH. They are free, and are held at many venues in or near DC, so it’s a great way to explore this area on foot. On these hikes, you will get to meet other ODH hikers and learn their, or share your, tips on long-distance hiking. Each training hike's details will be posted on SCPRO's [Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac) page each week, as well as announced on the email list (see UPDATES above). **VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:** About 100 volunteers are required on hike day to help run the ODH. We need reliable, enthusiastic people to man the support stations, patrol the trail on bikes, and to provide first aid — all while encouraging hikers on their way. People with first-aid or medical experience are especially needed as first-aid volunteers. First-time volunteers receive an ODH T-shirt and the eternal gratitude of the hikers. If you are interested in volunteering, please see [volunteering information](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/?isFirstPublish=true), or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com).

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!

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

A very unusual choice for his group... Unknown Number: High School Catfish is an American [true crime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_crime "True crime") documentary film directed by [Skye Borgman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skye_Borgman "Skye Borgman") and released to [streaming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streaming_media "Streaming media") on [Netflix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netflix "Netflix") on August 29, 2025. The documentary explores the events and investigation into an unknown person [cyberbully](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberbullying "Cyberbullying") and [harassing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harassment "Harassment") teenagers in [Beal City, Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beal_City,_Michigan "Beal City, Michigan") using an unknown number via insults and sexual claims. It also explores the increasingly great impact of the harassment on the community, the eventual reveal of the culprit, and the trial that followed. IMPORTANT INFO: I strongly suggest not reading anything about it online before seeing it. It's best viewed with no previous knowledge. This documentary contains crude terminology and deals with cyberbullying, which may be a trigger for some folks. PLEASE NOTE - WE ARE STARTING AT 6:30, WHICH IS THIRTY MINUTES EARLIER THAN USUAL. Unfortunately, it is only available on Netflix. If you would like to attend but do not have Netflix, say so and maybe we can figure something out.

[The Kind Exchange](https://www.facebook.com/events/3087825058070662/) A gathering to share, swap, and connect with like-minded people who care about plant-based living, sustainability, and mindful choices. This is more than a swap — it’s a space to circulate what we already have and meet others in the community. Bring any of the following to share: * **Vegan-related books** (cookbooks, sustainability, mindful living, etc.) * **Plants or cuttings** (optional) Swap for something new-to-you from others. *The more you bring, the more there is to exchange!* Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly- [https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073](https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVGxJeFRub0FQNmhUcmF3VnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4u9YhVWcSkITKfEn_NajeEUIyxFrXbcaG0HjFHoQn-MCxKlhGlUpFAnsMIzw_aem_vo9QISntFpTtGskmWaVEkQ) Unclaimed books/plants at the end of the event will be donated.