Freedom of Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out freedom of information events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the freedom of information events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Freedom of Information Events Today
Join in-person Freedom of Information events happening right now
DC BitPlebs #2 (MOVED TO TEAISM PENN QTR)
**\*\* MOVED TO TEAISM in PENN QUARTER \*\***
**\*\* 400 8th Street NW\*\***
**\*\* Please be sure to purchase something at the cafe/restaurant \*\***
Join us at Teaism in Penn Quarter for the BitPlebs!
DC BitPlebs are [Socratic Seminars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socratic_method) that do not require advanced and technical understanding of Bitcoin. The topics we discuss include:
\- Freedom tech
\- Hashrate and mining economics
\- Custody and self\-sovereignty
\- On\-chain data
\- Scaling solutions \(LN\, Ark\, Cashu\)
\- Privacy
The full agenda will be posted [here](https://bitcoindistrict.org/bitplebs).
**IMPORTANT: No photos, videos, or audio recordings. The meeting will be held under the Chatham House rule, meaning it's ok to share information and stories from the session, but not to share who said what.**
# **Agenda:**
6:00PM - 6:30PM - Meet & greet
6:30PM - 8:00PM - Discussion
8:00 - Walk nearby for a beer
CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR -and- EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSION on 2/23/26 from 5-7pm
This CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR -and- EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSION is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 5pm-7pm for CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR -and- EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSION at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour2-23-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour2-23-26.eventbrite.com).
Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event.
Join us as Paul Marengo, the Festival Director of ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington, will lead a 30-minute educational discussion on grant writing designed for filmmakers and arts organizers. In this session he will break down key elements of successful grant proposals, offer practical advice on identifying suitable funding opportunities, and share insights into how to communicate project goals and community impact effectively to potential funders.
Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour2-23-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour2-23-26.eventbrite.com).
Check out our DC Filmmakers T-shirts on Amazon at[ https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y](https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y) to help support the group.
This event is produced by[ DC Filmmakers Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers) in partnership with[ TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC),[ WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video),[ Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc.
Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), [ ](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash/)[ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash), and Adobe Software.
Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the[ Silver Branch Brewing Company's Menu](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/).
PARKING: Paid parking available one block away at the county's Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron Street (Better pricing than street or private parking.)
See you there on 2/23/26! Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour2-23-26.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour2-23-26.eventbrite.com).
Deep Conversations at Bethesda Library -- Spiritual Accidents?
*The library is open, we are meeting today!*
“There’s no recipe for a lightning bolt, enlightenment is always an accident, but there are ways of making yourself more accident-prone”
-- *[Richard Rose](https://tatfoundation.org/about-richard-rose/)*
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.***
***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”***
***— Shawn Nevins***
'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth.
We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion.
Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs.
A few other guiding principles of our group:
* No one is obligated to share
* Be honest with yourself and others
* Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do
* Keep the focus on the person being questioned
We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour.
\*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\*
Please contact us with any questions!
Free Full Body Workout
Free Full Body workout!
We offer body weight, heavyweights, cardio/ Hitt/ Boxing and personal training. Nutrition plans health & wellness coaching as well. For more information and to redeem your free trial class and fitness analysis, contact Coach L at 365dmvfitnesstraining@gmail.com or (301) 747-3622.
New Magazine Essays Discussion Club
MDC DSA’s New Magazine Essays Discussion Club meets in person to discuss new essays from some of the Left’s most thought-provoking magazines. All are welcome to join the club’s meeting to discuss three essays from the latest issue of *[n+1](https://www.nplusonemag.com/magazine/)*. For more details and links to the readings, check out [the group's info doc](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hgx8ZJgQSPUvtbnKRDt5OXZWPij3jVEuLAY-5usdv5o/edit?usp=sharing).
Please RSVP on [Action Network](https://actionnetwork.org/events/new-magazine-essays-discussion-club-13/) to receive further updates on this event.
\* \* \*
This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters.
Not a Member? Please consider [becoming a Member](https://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC). Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford.
Profs & Pints DC: Gaining Greenland, Losing a Continent?
[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Gaining Greenland, Losing a Continent?”** on the historic roots and political drivers of an unexpected international crisis, with Garret Martin, senior professorial lecturer at American University’s School of International Service and co-director of its Transatlantic Policy Center.
[Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-greenland](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-greenland) .]
Most Americans did not give much thought to Greenland prior to the start of President Trump’s second term. That changed, however, in the early weeks of January, when our nation’s President seemed intent on taking over the large island, long part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
His demands for the island risked tearing apart the transatlantic alliance, as shown during the Davos World Economic Forum. And while Trump eventually backed down, the crisis could resurface at any time.
Gain an understanding of how Greenland found itself in the position of being an international flash point with Garret Martin, an expert on Europe, NATO, foreign policy and transatlantic relations who has given excellent Profs and Pints talks in the past.
You’ll learn how the United States’ interest in Greenland has deep roots, dating back to expansion interests in the 19th Century, and strengthened by the island’s security role during the Cold War.
We’ll also look at how the abundance of critical minerals in Greenland make it the subject of particular attention, and how interest in Greenland is fundamentally tied to drastic changes occurring in the Arctic. Not only is climate change likely to significantly increase maritime traffic via northern routes, there also is growing concern that the increasing accessibility of the Arctic could make it a major source of military tension between great powers.
Finally, Dr. Martin will discuss Greenland as a story of emancipation, describing how the island has sought in past decades to carve greater autonomy from Denmark.
You’ll gain an appreciation of how Greenland sits at the intersection of economic security, environmental change, great power rivalry, tensions over sovereignty, and change within the transatlantic alliance, and thus is likely to remain the subject of considerable international attention well into the future. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Image: Greenland’s coast as photographed by Robert Eime (Creative Commons).
Freedom of Information Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
The Pros and Cons of Service Consistency
In an era focused on scalable efficiency, the pursuit of absolute service consistency is often seen as the ultimate goal. But what is gained and what is lost when service offerings are entirely predictable? Does aiming for uniformity stifle necessary adaptation and human connection?
Join us for an intimate discussion exploring the often overlooked trade-offs of **service consistency**. We'll dive into when consistency builds “trust and reliability”, and when it becomes “a barrier to designing flexible, empathetic, and truly customer-centric experiences”.
**#ServiceDesign #ServiceConsistency #ServiceManagement**
**What’s a Service Design DC salon?**
Our salons are an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow designers, engage in meaningful conversations, and gain fresh perspectives on the evolving landscape of our field. Space is limited to ensure an intimate atmosphere and encourage deeper conversations.
Whether you have been to a past salon or will be a first timer, we’d be happy to have you join this group discussion of service design practitioners and enthusiasts in the Washington D.C. area!
**Evening Agenda**
* 6:00 P.M. - Doors Open / Socializing \*
* 6:30 P.M. - Salon begins
* 8:00 P.M. - Salon Wraps up
\*We will provide light refreshments, including food and drinks, during the salon.
**Note about RSVPs:**
* Due to the limited number of available spots, we kindly request that you update your RSVP if you are unable to attend so others may have the opportunity to join. Thank you for your understanding.
***
Many thanks to our host and sponsor, **Technical Assent!**
*At Technical Assent, we believe that government can be a platform for service innovation where services can be designed to be more relevant to customers, more reliable, and delivered at a lower cost.*
*Our company exists to build high-performing government service organizations — government-to-citizens (G2C), government-to-government (G2G), and shared services. Our approach is unique in that we improve service performance from the bottom-up, starting with customer experience. We use that insight to design and modify the talent, tools, and technology that deliver government services to each customer. Technical Assent is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business appraised at CMMI-SVC Level 3.*
RSVPs are on Eventbrite - AI and Microsoft Power Platform Summit DC 2026
**Make sure to RSVP** **[here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summit-na-roadshow-washington-dc-tickets-1743387451799)** **at the Eventbrite site** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summit-na-roadshow-washington-dc-tickets-1743387451799
**The detailed agenda is located here.** https://dynamicscommunities.com/event/summit-na-roadshow-washington-d-c-2/
Exciting Announcement: Join Us for a Cutting-Edge AI Community Event in DC!
Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Power Platform? Look no further! We're thrilled to invite you to a dynamic and engaging community conference focused on AI and Power Platform, set to take place right in the heart of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
**The conference is free, and you will need a government-issued ID to enter the building.**
FRIDAY International Dev't, Affairs & NGOs Networking HourS
This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development.
HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS.
Rules to abide :
1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\.
2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\.
3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\.
4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\.
5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\.
6\. This is a face\-to\-face event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\.
7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\.
8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\.
9\. When you get there\, we greet you and take you to your respective group\.
10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\.
11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.***
***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***
***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).***
Authentic Relating Training (ART)- Level 1
Friends Join Us for a Transformative Two-Day Workshop on Authentic Relating on Feb 28th and March 1st. ART Level 1!
Authentic Relating is about creating deeper, more meaningful connections by being open, honest, and present with others. In this workshop, you will learn practical tools to communicate more effectively, understand and express your true self, and cultivate empathy and trust in your relationships.
**What to Expect:**
* **Interactive Exercises:** Engage in a variety of activities designed to help you practice authentic relating principles.
* **Group Discussions:** Share experiences and insights in a safe and supportive environment.
* **Personal Growth:** Discover new ways to connect with yourself and others on a deeper level.
Please RSVP to secure your spot, as space is limited. To learn more please click the link below. You can register online by going here: [https://authenticrelating.co/product/level-1-washington-dc-feb2026/](https://authenticrelating.co/product/level-1-washington-dc-feb2026/)
*Enroll before January 28th and get 100 dollars off.*
AI for Content Strategy: Beyond Generating Content
The rise of practical AI tools is exciting. Right now, tools like ChatGPT and other LLMs are our primary touch points with generative AI. But this doesn't mean we should only be generating content with LLMs (for context we'll also briefly touch on non-LLM probabilistic approaches as well). Since these powerful tools are new to all of us and none of us know the future, we'll explore together other ways of using generative LLMs and how this intersects with automation in general.
**About David**
David works with organizations in early planning for big transformations of complex suites of websites, applications, and systems. David helps companies set their vision, make key systems architecture decisions, and define how to make these major changes happen. Clients include Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Central Bank of Belize; Mideast Broadcasting Corporation; National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine; and Novartis.
International Development, Affairs and NGOs Social [in-person]
To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link (). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event.
ABOUT THE EVENT
This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development.
HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables by industry/sector/specialization. However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that area. PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARD.
Rules to abide :
1. Event is 21+ (bring ID).
2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to connect with others as well.
3. We all are professionals in one or two fields and be willing to share your knowledge and experience to others and try to accommodate as much as possible.
4. If you don't belong the other person's required specialization, LEAVE THEM ALONE.
5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion.
6. This is a face-to-face networking event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message.
7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box.
8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com).
9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group.
Ticket price includes one Traditional Taco and one Rebel Margarita.
As per DC Government guidelines, this is a sit down dinning event. Maximum of six people will be seated per table. We have super limited space! Get your tickets soon.
* We booked the Upstairs Bar for this event and we will have a Registration Station
* Come one, come all; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended!
* Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member
* Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us
* All patrons must wear masks. If you don't wear a mask, we don't allow you to enter and you won't be refunded.
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 those who RSVPed 'YES' 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 organizer 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.
PARKING INFO
There is a parking garage around. However, the event involves drinking and we highly recommend a shared ride or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
**FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK. IT RULES.**
FRIDAY International Development, Affairs & NGOs Networking
This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development.
HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS.
Rules to abide :
1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\.
2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\.
3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\.
4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\.
5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\.
6\. This is a face\-to\-face event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\.
7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\.
8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\.
9\. When you get there\, we greet you and take you to your respective group\.
10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\.
11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.***
***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***
***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).***
Freedom of Information Events Near You
Connect with your local Freedom of Information community
AI Freedom Alliance - Inaugural Summit
**\*\*\*\* More details and sign up at: https://aifalliance.org/summit-2026/ \*\*\*\***
**What is AI Freedom Alliance?**
AI Freedom Alliance promotes the responsible growth of AI guided by practical, commonsense ethics. Our nonprofit is built by
professionals from a wide range of industries and is made up entirely of small- and mediumbusiness representatives—never large tech companies. We provide a counterbalance to big corporate influence, focusing instead on how AI can benefit businesses and the world at large.
**What’s Happening?**
***The inaugural AI Freedom Alliance Summit.***
This full-day event will explore how we can ensure AI is adopted responsibly through shared ethical standards that empower
humanity. The summit will feature interactive and educational sessions led by thought leaders, technologists, policymakers, and advocates who are passionate about making AI fair, transparent, and beneficial for everyone.
**Why Attend?**
Learn about the legal and technical challenges with implementing AI solutions within your organization. Build better solutions while protecting your organization from legal and compliance risks. And learn how to think strategically about AI as a differentiation tool for your business.
This summit is highly recommended for C-Suite leaders to learn as well as interact with each other and our sponsors.
Dance, Connect & De-Stress: Friday Nights at Unity of Columbus
**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus**
Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy!
Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm.
No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes!
Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.
Men's Group meetup
**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.**
How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently?
Then we will go into a topic discussion.
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**COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS**
\*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\*
1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group.
2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another.
3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up.
4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space.
5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable.
6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.
COUNT RMH Housewarmer Volunteering (Ronald McDonald House)
Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process.
Fast track
• Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell).
• Show up and try it out.
• Complete application, etc. later.
Normal process
• Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/).
• Attend orientation in advance.
• At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility.
• Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM.
• Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895).
The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014.
Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.
Free in-person event: Take Control of Your Mental Health
It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself.
Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went?
Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence?
Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.
CMG Gives Back - March: Serve Brunch at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN!
Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! For this event, we’ll help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents, wash dishes and clean surfaces at Fath Mission – Grant Kitchen. 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. 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 10:15am 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, indicated in the attached map. On-site and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details:
\* LSS Volunteer Guidelines: Uploaded to photos.
\* Parking Map Info: Uploaded to photos.
\* LSS Faith Mission Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp46_6ay6iA
\* Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/faith-mission-grant-kitchen-2025
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the 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 update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With very 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.
THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others! Benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering provides a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need.
PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities.
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan













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