Liberty

What does freedom of speech—and freedom of religion—really mean today? Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation featuring experts from the **National Constitution Center**. Together, we’ll explore the First Amendment’s protections around speech and religion—what they mean, how they’ve evolved, and how they continue to shape our daily lives. This is a welcoming space to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue with others in the community. Whether you’re brushing up on your knowledge or diving in for the first time, you’ll leave with new insights and perspectives. All are welcome—bring your curiosity! We'll be in Classroom 1, or you can join us online, via our[ Zoom link](https://constitutioncenter.zoom.us/meeting/register/hc_8FV8yTv6s4DH-i0lMLA). *** ### **Who Should Attend** * Anyone interested in the Constitution or civic education * People curious about freedom of speech and religion * Community members who enjoy thoughtful, respectful dialogue * Students, educators, and lifelong learners * Individuals seeking connection across perspectives ### **What to Expect** * An engaging talk led by experts from the National Constitution Center * Clear, accessible insights into the First Amendment * Opportunities for reflection and community discussion * A respectful, inclusive environment for all viewpoints * A chance to connect with others interested in civic topics

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This will be our last meeting on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please read the last two chapters: Chapter 7: The Empire of Reason Chapter 8: The Religion of Freedom **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) I recommend using an AI tool like ChatGPT to ask these questions: 1. What does Matthew Stewart say about the empire of reason in his book Nature's God? 2. What does Matthew Stewart say about the religion of freedom? I hope to see you there! Fred

What does it look like when ideas come to life, in real time, on the wall? Join NOVA Scribes for a full-day, in-person open house where the public is invited to step inside the world of graphic recording and visual facilitation. This is a come-and-go experience designed for curiosity, exploration, and conversation. Whether you are new to visual thinking or already working with images and groups, you are welcome. The space will be set up as a "theater in the round," (see the image) with visual practitioners working live around the room. Throughout the day, you will see different techniques, styles, and modalities demonstrated in real time, from large-scale graphic recording to visual templates, facilitation tools, and decision-support visuals. You can observe, ask questions, and engage directly with the practitioners as the work unfolds. **What you can expect** * Live demonstrations of graphic recording and visual facilitation techniques * Multiple practitioners working simultaneously, each with their own approach and style * Short, informal demos and tiny teaches that explain how and why specific techniques are used * Opportunities to talk one-on-one with experienced graphic recorders and visual facilitators * A chance to see how visuals support sensemaking, alignment, and group dialogue **What you might explore** * Graphic recording for meetings, conferences, and retreats * Visual templates for planning, strategy, and reflection * Visual facilitation methods that support participation and decision making * Tools, materials, and setup considerations for live visual work * Different visual languages, from icons and lettering to layout and structure This open house is designed to be accessible, hands-on, and inspiring. You do not need to stay all day. Come for 20 minutes or stay for hours. Watch ideas take shape. Notice how visuals change the energy in the room. Ask the questions you have always wanted to ask. If you have ever been curious about how visual facilitation works, or how graphic recording supports groups, this is your chance to experience it up close. **Open to the general public. No prior experience required.** We’re not charging for this workshop, but we will be asking for donations! Donations cover the costs of hosting events on Meetup, to honorariums for new graphic recorders, and scholarships. Please be sure you are registered on Meetup! If you're not registered on Meetup, you will not be admitted.

This **no gi class** focuses on **advanced [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) concepts**, including takedowns, positional drilling, submissions, transitions, situational sparring, strategy development, and live training. While the class is scheduled for **90 minutes**, it may run longer depending on content and participation. This class includes both instruction as well as [rolling](https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/7/29/how-rolling-works-in-bjj) (sparring). The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, payable on-site. **Note:** We are located in **Suite #130**.