Local Issues

This is a **recurring weekly gathering** of open-minded people who want to understand geopolitics **without confirmation bias**. We are not here to repeat talking points, defend camps, or feel morally validated. We are here to **listen, compare perspectives, and learn** — especially from people who come from, live in, or are directly affected by the regions being discussed. Each week, we look at **current and long-term geopolitical issues**, including conflicts rarely covered or oversimplified by Western media. **Topics We Cover** Our discussions focus on **current and long-term geopolitical issues**, including conflicts rarely covered or oversimplified by Western media, sovereignty, and reality as it is, not as it is marketed. We approach geopolitics and society from a realist, sovereignty-first perspective, skeptical of globalist ideology and media **groupthink**. The aim is to understand interests, incentives, history, law, and consequences — not to rehearse fashionable outrage. **Examples of topics we regularly examine include:** **1\. Venezuela & Cuba** Sanctions, regime survival, sovereignty, and how U.S. policy, energy interests, and regional power dynamics shape outcomes in Latin America — beyond Cold War clichés. **2\. Ukraine\, Cyprus & European Borders** Frozen conflicts, divided territories, and how international law is selectively applied when sovereignty clashes with strategic interests. **3\. Iran\, Gaza\, Syria & Lebanon** The Middle East beyond slogans: proxy wars, regional balances, sectarian fault lines, sanctions, militias, state collapse, and why Western media framing often obscures long-term realities. **4\. Congo \(DRC\) & Resource Wars** How minerals, supply chains, and foreign interests fuel instability in Africa — and why some of the deadliest conflicts on earth barely make the news. **5\. Taiwan\, Greenland & Strategic Geography** Why islands, trade routes, chokepoints, and remote territories matter enormously in a multipolar world — and how geography shapes power more than ideology ever will. **What Makes This Different** – We prioritize **voices from affected regions**: Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia – We examine **what Western media doesn’t tell, doesn’t show, or doesn’t contextualize** – We welcome **new ideas, uncomfortable facts, and disagreement** – We focus on power, interests, culture, history, economics — not slogans **This is not a safe space for ideology.** **It *is* a safe space for honest thinking.** In Brussels, there are already debate initiatives that offer structured discussions. Too often, however, a small circle curates skewed propositions and narrows the range of acceptable conclusions, turning moderation into gatekeeping . There are also plenty of spaces dedicated to repeating anti-American slogans or reducing complex geopolitics to partisan outrage. This forum is not one of them. Our approach is different. **We welcome genuine diversity of opinion and lived experience.** No one here will be cancelled, banned, or shamed for challenging dominant narratives. Ideas are debated openly; personal attacks and defamation are not tolerated. **Motions & Proposals Welcome** We actively encourage participants to propose motions for debate. If you suggest a motion, please do so with substance: a clear claim, basic historical or legal grounding, and an understanding of the stakes involved. Motions designed to provoke thinking are welcome; motions designed to score points or repeat media talking points are not. **Languages** The language of discussion will depend on the participants present. Debates are typically held in English and French, but we are comfortable switching or accommodating other languages when the moderation team can support it. Languages we can currently handle include: – English – French – Dutch – Spanish – Italian – Russian – Farsi The goal is understanding, not linguistic purity. When needed, participants may clarify or translate key points to ensure everyone can follow the discussion. If you speak more than one language, that’s an asset here ### **What We Ask of Participants** – Come to understand, not to perform or “win” – Be genuinely open to **new ideas and perspectives**, especially those that challenge your own – Speak from **knowledge**, not slogans — history, law, and context matter – If you bring a topic, come prepared: facts, timelines, sources, and legal or historical grounding are encouraged – Argue **ideas**, never individuals – No censorship of viewpoints – No personal attacks – No defamation or accusations against individuals **Strong disagreement is not only accepted — it is expected.** **Intellectual laziness is not.** **This is not a dating meetup.** Not every social space exists for flirting, hitting on people, or testing romantic opportunities. Anyone who treats this forum as a dating pool, approaches others with unwanted advances, or assumes participation implies romantic availability is misunderstanding the purpose of this group. Conversation comes first. Ideas come first. Respect comes first. If you are here primarily to date, pursue, or pressure others, this is not the right space for you. Boundaries are enforced. Discomfort is taken seriously. **Those who ignore this will be immediately asked to leave.** **Location & RSVP** The event will take place in Ixelles, in a public bar. To keep the discussion safe, focused, and accountable, the exact venue will be shared only with confirmed RSVPs via our WhatsApp chat. Depending on the final size of the group, we have several appropriate and secure venue options in the area. This allows us to: – Adapt the venue to the group size – Avoid disruptive or bad-faith behavior common to fully open meetups – Prevent meetup creeps and repeat offenders – Ensure everyone present respects the rules of conduct 👉 To RSVP and receive the location: **https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX7UkWGZ3UdLQWLBvNdezN** The goal is not exclusivity, but accountability and quality of discussion. If this format doesn’t suit you, this event may not be the right fit.

The two-party system that defines American politics has, for over a century and a half, been contested between two major political parties: the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. While their ideologies and their policy preferences have shifted throughout the years, in the past few decades, the Republicans have been on the right-wing side of the political spectrum, and the Democrats on the left-wing side. Both parties have, historically, aimed to win over the centrist vote, with various levels of success. Every so often, a realignment happens in American politics. Society changes, political priorities change, and new coalitions get formed. The United States is currently in such a realignment. The Republican Party has, particularly since the ascendance of current President Donald Trump, changed from a neoconservative party into a right-wing populist one. This has had effects on the electorate. While the Republicans have lost many voters in the affluent suburbs of American cities, they have broken through with the American working class. The 2024 election was the first one in decades where the average Democratic voter was wealthier than the average Republican voter. The Republicans have chosen their direction, and for as long as Donald Trump has a significant influence on the party, this direction is unlikely to change. The Democrats, however, are at a crossroads, and it is unclear where they want to go to. Prominent political figures such as Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Zohran Mamdani believe the Democratic Party should move to the left. This is contrary to the centrist line the party has followed under former presidents Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, and to a significant degree, Barack Obama. Several potential presidential candidates for the 2028 election, such as Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg, have explicitly opted to avoid categorization in the hope of expanding their potential appeal as much as possible. At some point, however, the Democratic Party will need to pick a side. The stakes could hardly be higher. Donald Trump is at his lowest level of approval ever, yet the Democrats are only marginally less unpopular. The 2026 midterm elections will decide who has control over the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the 2028 presidential election will be pivotal in deciding the United States' future. The Democrats have a choice to make: do they attempt to win back the working class voters they lost, while potentially risking their position as the party of "pragmatism and reason"? Or do they focus on consolidating their gains in the suburbs, while potentially risking further implications of being the "party of [cultural] elites"? And more importantly, what do these rivaling visions mean for the future of the United States, and will the Democrats be able to convince American voters that they are actually capable of achieving their goals? This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into **four teams of two.** Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming: * **Respect ideas and people** Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. * **Be concise and civil** Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. * **Respect boundaries and time** No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. * **Follow moderators** They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.

What we'll do Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Fund Appeal The Parade needs your Support! Dear Friends of Ireland, On Sunday 15 March 2026, the Saint Patrick's Day Parade of the Nations & Regions Committe organise their 18th annual Brussels Saint Patrick´s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions in historic streets in the city centre, safer and more event, children, and visitor friendly. The Parade assembles at Les Halles Saint Géry from 13.00 and moves off at 13.30, pass the Bourse, pass Galerie Anspach, Munt Plein and the Saint Hubert Royal Galleries, and returning to Les Halles Saint Géry. We’ll also be stopping in Grand Place where VIPs will review the parade from circa 3.30 pm from the Balcony of the two stairs at the City Hall. There will be piped and marching music and a jazz street band to play music recitals to set the atmosphere. The 17th of March is the national holiday of Ireland. Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated in every corner of the world and parades take place in over 140 cities annually where Irish communities have settled. These global celebrations are a symbolic of the impact that a small country has had through the movement of its people. The parade is centrally important as it brings different aspects of Irish art, music, and culture out into the public sphere and invites everyone, Irish or not, to celebrate positive values of inclusion, openness, and community. For Brussels, the parade highlights the city's position as diverse, international capital and strengthens the bonds between two small European countries with a lot of shared history. The Parade is the perfect platform to showcase all that the Brussels Capital has to offer in terms of its rich and varied architecture, cultural attractions, museums, art galleries, historic buildings, and its hospitality with a wide choice of hotels and enticing travel concessions. All this is enhanced by the impressive choice of restaurants with international cuisine. The entire organisation of the Parade is organised on a volunteer basis, but such an event has administrative and material costs. Each year we rely on donations, and we hope that the same people won’t have to pay the costs each year. We need “a little help from our Irish, Belgian and international friends”. A small donation is all that it takes. The scale and size of the parade is directly proportionate to the donations we receive and the number of volunteers we have available to help organise the parade. We want the day to be fun for all the participants and spectators, we want to put on an event that we’ll be proud to have shown on TV around the world to showcase the EU Capital and Ireland’s and other Nations and Regions active participation in the European Union, and we want it to run smoothly so we can repeat it and even expand it next year. That’s what we’re asking you to contribute to. Participation is free and it makes a lovely afternoon family outing. Individuals, friends, work colleagues and cultural groups from all nationalities are welcome to walk in Parade. There is no participation fee. **´´Wear the Green and Be Irish for Day´´** If you wish to help the Parade in any way, please contact the Parade Committee at [patricks.day.parade(at)gmail.com](mailto:patricks.day.parade@gmail.com) Donations to: Irish in Europe Association International (IEAI) Bank transfer to the IEAI Bank Account by using these details: Account name: IEAI, held at Crelan, Parc 50Naire IBAN BE82 8601 1591 3968 When you make a donation, please confirm to [patricks.day.parade(at)gmail.com](mailto:patricks.day.parade@gmail.com) to allow a receipt to be issued to you. Details of the Parade Route Map will be available on [www.irishineurope.org](http://www.irishineurope.org) on 8th March. Details of the Parade Grand Marshal, Parade Ceremonies, pre-parade and post-parade concerts/workshops can be viewed closer to parade date on [https://www.meetup.com/Irish-in-Europe/](https://www.meetup.com/Irish-in-Europe/) .

Join us for a warm, multicultural evening as we share an **Iftar - the traditional meal that breaks the fast at sunset during Ramadan** 🌙✨ Whether you are fasting, curious about Ramadan traditions, or simply looking for a meaningful social experience, this event is about **connection, respect, and great food**. Great Market in Schaerbeek hosts a generous **all-you-can-eat buffet** featuring a wide variety of Middle Eastern dishes, traditional drinks, and delicious desserts — perfect for discovering new flavors together 🍽️ --- ### 🌅 What to Expect ✨ A unique cultural experience in Brussels ✨ Friendly international crowd (typical Sunday Vacations vibe) ✨ Opportunity to learn about Ramadan traditions ✨ All-you-can-eat buffet after sunset ✨ Warm, welcoming atmosphere Fasting participants will break their fast at sunset with dates and water, followed by the full buffet. --- ### 🤝 Who Can Join? ✔️ Muslims observing Ramadan ✔️ Non-Muslims interested in cultural exchange ✔️ Expats and locals alike ✔️ Solo participants welcome — we make sure nobody feels alone This is a **respectful environment** — please be mindful that some participants will be fasting. --- ### 📍 Practical Details 📅 **Wednesday, 4 March 2026** 📍 Great Market — Chaussée de Louvain 650-652, 1030 Schaerbeek 🕰️ Meeting time: **18:15** 🌙 Iftar (sunset): approx. **18:30–18:40** (exact time closer to the date) 💰 Buffet price: ~€34.99 per person (paid directly to the venue) ➡️ Please arrive on time so we can enter together. --- ### ⚠️ Reservation Required Places are limited and this event is popular during Ramadan. RSVP only if you are certain you can attend 🙏 No-shows prevent others from joining. --- ### 💬 About Sunday Vacations We bring together open-minded people from all over the world through shared experiences, from hikes to cultural events and international trips 🌍 Come as strangers, leave as friends ✨

Join us every Wednesday for an authentic Korean experience in the heart of Brussels! 🇰🇷✨ Let’s share Soju, delicious Korean food, fun karaoke sessions, and plenty of good vibes. Don’t miss our photo booth moments and the chance to meet amazing new people from all over the world! 🎉 Free entry, just order at least one drink to support the venue. 📍 Gyosang, Rue Sainte-Catherine 8, Brussels 🕢 Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Come for the language exchange, stay for the laughter, food, and Soju! 🍶🎤

Looking for a cozy and fun way to spend your time in Brussels? Join our **Board Game Meetup**, where we play a mix of strategy, party, and cooperative games. Whether you’re new to board games or an experienced player, you’re welcome! Come alone or with friends — you’ll quickly find a table to join. **Free entrance. Friendly atmosphere. Great people.**

You can now join us for some friendly Badminton games on Wednesdays too! All levels welcome! IMPORTANT: in order to secure your place you’ll need to both book a spot on Meetup AND pay €8 by Sunday 18h00. This is to make sure we can cancel courts if demand isn’t there, and make sure we’re being fair to people on the waiting list. Refunds will only be possible after Monday AM if another player is definitely able to take your spot Always worth joining our Whatsapp group as well for faster, often better, updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FTipqtyIwcZLThbw8KpQtZ?mode=gi_t Follow this link to send on Revolut the payment for the 4/03/2026: https://revolut.me/lucamanunta?currency=EUR&amount=800&note=Badminton%20social%20Wednesday%2004.03.2026%20

✨ **Meet new people in Brussels in a friendly, relaxed and international atmosphere.** The ambience is relatively quiet, calm and sober for easy-going casual conversation, with no chaos and loud party music in the background! 🍻 Large selection of drinks and food available 🌍 Internationals, expats & locals welcome 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Over 10,000 members overall in our Brussels community! The event was also covered in a recent article from Brussels Times: [https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1949146/euromeet-the-real-life-brussels-social-network](https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1949146/euromeet-the-real-life-brussels-social-network) 😀 Our events usually attract **30–40 attendees each week**, with an age average of around 35 years old and good gender balance (the event announcement is relayed across multiple social media, not just on this page) 💪 Organized weekly since early 2025 🩷 **Safe, respectful environment, and zero tolerance for any harassment!** The organizer is always present all evening in case of problems. You can also leave any anonymous feedback about the event here under this form: [https://gmogni.aidaform.com/brasserie-meetup-feedback-form](https://gmogni.aidaform.com/brasserie-meetup-feedback-form) **.** Looking to meet new people and expand your social circle in Brussels, as well as your network of professional contacts? Join us **every Friday evening anytime from 18:30** **and until at least 23h** **at** **the** **“Quartier Leopold”** **brasserie**, in the heart of the famous Place du Luxembourg in front of the European Parliament, for a fun, relaxed night of **drinks, food, spontaneous conversations, and great vibes**! 💛 . 📍 **Location**: “Quartier Leopold” brasserie, Pl. du Luxembourg 9, 1050 Ixelles 📌 **Google Maps**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/oCvSP1AGZNX2ZV3C8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oCvSP1AGZNX2ZV3C8) (don't worry if you see the bar marked as "closed" on Google Maps for the Friday nights, they will always be open for us!) **🌐 Website of the venue**: [https://www.quartier-leopold.be/en](https://www.quartier-leopold.be/en) 📸 **Pictures gallery from previous events:** [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LRbsinA1wEtUrDhlyw8K6Uz9YKeq0_dw?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LRbsinA1wEtUrDhlyw8K6Uz9YKeq0_dw?usp=sharing) . ✨ **Why you’ll love it**: ✅ **Everyone is welcome**, even if you don’t know anyone else yet—expats, locals, newcomers, solo adventurers, or groups! ✅ Completely **free to attend**—just grab a drink and join the fun! Please ask the bartenders when you arrive if unsure where to find our meetup group and tables ✅ Possibility to make also useful **professional exchanges and networking** with other participants who work in similar domains, so remember to bring also your business card! ✅ Tons of **indoor and outdoor space available**—the square in front of the bar is quite pedestrian-friendly, and we have a private large room reserved entirely for the Meetup participants at the back of the bar! ✅ Possibility to have **dinner at the brasserie** during the meetup (until 22h), thanks to its comprehensive selection of dishes available in the menu: [https://www.quartier-leopold.be/web/content/1467?unique=b27f82e985f525417a92cbeaf0f1ac1c5e2fb4a0](https://www.quartier-leopold.be/web/content/1467?unique=b27f82e985f525417a92cbeaf0f1ac1c5e2fb4a0) ✅ **Want to keep the night going?** After the meetup, we often continue as a group to explore nightlife hotspots in the city center. . 💬 **Stay connected with our Community**: ▶️ Join our **Facebook/Messenger chat** to get updates and easily find the group on arrival:[ ](https://m.me/ch/Abaqvj9lxNT3_xh7/ "https://m.me/ch/Abaqvj9lxNT3_xh7/")[https://m.me/ch/AbaV86vk4SHop_eD/](https://m.me/ch/AbaV86vk4SHop_eD/) ▶️ Otherwise, if you prefer to use **WhatsApp**, please join this other group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMjWrr9wCR7JYsudMD6XV0](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMjWrr9wCR7JYsudMD6XV0) ▶️ We are also active on **Telegram**: [https://t.me/euromeet_meetup](https://t.me/euromeet_meetup) ▶️ And don’t forget to join our **EuroMeet Facebook group** for many more social events in Brussels: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/euromeet](https://www.facebook.com/groups/euromeet) ▶️ Finally, we also manage a **professional networking group on LinkedIn** as well, for more easily retrieving each other's LinkedIn profiles and identifying people who also work in similar domains: [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13194613/](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13194613/) . Come alone or bring a friend—either way, you’ll leave with **new friends, great memories, and maybe even some ideas on how to develop further your professional career!** See you this Friday! 🍻✨😀 . 📧 Got questions? Reach out to the **organizer**: gabriele.mogni@gmail.com . 👉 Please **RSVP on Meetup** if you would like to attend our next event, so that we can plan accordingly. . ________________________________________________ #BrusselsMeetup #EuroMeet #MeetupBrussels #BrusselsEvents #FridayInBrussels #PlaceLuxembourg #AfterWorkBrussels #EUQuarter #ExpatsInBrussels #InternationalBrussels #BrusselsSocial #MeetNewPeople #MakeNewFriends #BrusselsLife #ExpatLifeBrussels #FridayVibes #SocialInBrussels #InternationalFriends #BrusselsExpats #NetworkingBrussels #BrusselsNights #DiscoverBrussels #YoungProfessionalsBrussels #BrusselsCommunity #FridayDrinksBrussels

In complex organisational environments, pressure often overrides presence — narrowing thinking, reducing trust, and fragmenting collaboration. This session introduces **the** **concept of the *Mental Wealth Field*: the conditions under which individuals and groups naturally access clarity, insight, and collective intelligence.** Rather than offering tools or techniques, the session creates a lived experience of what becomes possible when unnecessary psychological pressure eases. Participants will: * Experience **how presence impacts communication and collaboration.** * Explore **the relationship between pressure, thinking, and decision-making**. * Reflect on **how facilitators can stabilise conditions where insight emerges naturally**. This is not a skills-based workshop. It is an **experiential exploration of the invisible conditions that shape group effectiveness**. **Richard Gordon Kelly** works with people inside organisations where pressure has quietly become the norm. With over 25 years’ experience, he creates spaces where leaders and teams can slow down, speak honestly, and reconnect with what matters. Through this work in the Mental Wealth Zone, Richard helps people feel seen, safe, and trusted - so clarity, connection, and sustainable performance naturally follow.

The GRRR Fest, a traveling, politically engaged punk festival, will roar once again across Wallonia and in Brussels, from February 25 to March 7, 2026! It celebrates women artists and all people who identify as such, at the heart of the local and international alternative music scene. On March 5, GRRR FEST will return to La Mule in Schaerbeek after its first visit on February 26. Doors : 19h Price : 15€ at the door (no presale). Program : [https://www.facebook.com/share/1B1zvTHemC/](https://www.facebook.com/share/1B1zvTHemC/) Be N!ce (UK) Dani Cosmic (BE) Lavender Witch (BE)

This Sunday we will check out the blooming daffodils in La Hulpe domain 🌼 Meeting point: Parking Folon. After our walk we shall enjoy what is known as one of the prettiest terraces in Belgium, in La Taverne de l’Homme Bleu restaurant - please let me know if you will be eating with us. You can check their menu online. See you Sunday, Sandra (0497/243455)

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 7 March 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. MIR opened its doors about 4 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café. The café is very beautiful and has great coffee, and many yummy food options. Their Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE BRUSSELS 2026 We meet to allow persons working in the EU Quarter to come along after work and learn how they can help with the Parade Organisation. Volunteers from all nationalities are welcome. More. We meet at the Meeting Point (Resto - Pub - Pizzeria), it will be probably inside but we may sit out of the terrace if sunny and warm. Volunteer Meetings will be organised in the coming weeks.. Come along and briefed and see how you can help. The 18th Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions takes place on Sunday 15th March 2026. We are looking for stewards, musicians, social media helpers and community volunteers to help bring next year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade to life. The parade celebrates the Irish national holiday and the global story of Irish people who have made their homes around the world. Here in Brussels, it is a chance to share Irish art, music, and culture with the wider community and to welcome everyone, Irish or not, into the spirit of inclusion and openness. The event also shines a light on Brussels as a diverse and international capital. It brings together people from many nations and regions, highlights the city’s architecture and heritage, and shows how Belgium and Ireland share long and surprising links stretching back to the 6th century. By joining the volunteer team, you will help create a lively, family-friendly day in the heart of the city. Your support helps us grow a parade that reflects the best of Brussels and strengthens the bonds between our communities. If you would like to get involved, message us here or contact 📧 patricks.day.parade(at)gmail.com

Join us for a fun Saturday evening starting with dinner at Ranchero Kitchen at 6:30 PM, where we’ll be supporting an immigrant-owned local business. Pupusas: Beans, Potatoes, Veggie Homemade juices: Passionfruit, Tamarind, Horchata, Pineapple-cashew After dinner, we’ll head to Skate Zone 71 from 8:00–10:30 PM for skating, music, and good vibes. Come hungry and ready to roll! 😋🛼 Locations: Ranchero Kitchen 984 Morse Rd Columbus, OH 43229 (Same plaza as Ohio BMV license bureau) Skate Zone 71 4900 Evanswood Dr Columbus, OH 43229

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Welcome, readers! Our March read is **_The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver._** The story follows Taylor Greer, a young woman from rural Kentucky who leaves home for the West, only to find herself unexpectedly becoming the guardian of an abused Native American toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, they form a makeshift family with a diverse group of people, including Guatemalan refugees and a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, community, belonging, and finding hope in hardship. The story blends humor with serious issues, creating a story about finding family in unexpected places. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink. We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

By popular demand, we're reserving a special meeting to watch the Oscars at Studio 35...

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!