Social Movements

(Full title – Breaking the 'Invisible Chains of Slavery': Recognition's Motivational Problem and Frederick Douglass's Abolitionist Politics of Shame) This talk reads Frederick Douglass as a theorist of recognition and examines one of the counterintuitive ways that he navigates what I call the “motivational problem.” Struggles for recognition encounter the motivational problem when there is no clear desire or need on the part of powerful individuals or dominant groups to confer affirmative recognition to those struggling for recognition. While most studies of the political and moral salience of recognition focus exclusively on the misrecognition of the oppressed, Douglass confronts the motivational problem by orienting the attention of his readers and audiences to a form of misrecognition experienced by white slaveholders: a recognition of a humanity that is falsely assumed to remain intact and undistorted as a result of slaveholding. Douglass rhetorically leverages this discrepancy for an abolitionist politics of shame. By demonstrating how slaveholders alienate their humanity, Douglass seeks to not only shame slaveholders but erode their external sources of recognition and persuade his white northern audiences to dis-identify with the slaveholders and thereby implicitly recognize their own misrecognition of the master’s humanity. Douglass sought to make slaveholding appear to white Americans (among others) as unappealing as it is in reality and thereby persuade his white audiences to adopt abolitionist principles. William Gregson https://www.politics.utoronto.ca/people/directories/graduate-students/william-gregson PhD Candidate Department of Political Science University of Toronto **About the Speaker:** I specialize in political theory, especially critical theory and the history of political thought. My dissertation focuses on the relationship between freedom and recognition and explores how intersubjective recognition is vital for achieving freedom even as it has the potential to inculcate new forms of dependence. Through an engagement with Frederick Douglass, Frantz Fanon, and Judith Butler, the dissertation seeks to paint a more complex historical and theoretical picture of how the concept of recognition evolved to become an important modern category. My work on Fanon and recognition can be read in *Political Theory.* Beyond my engagements with debates on recognition, my interests in political theory extend to questions concerning the role of love in a life of human flourishing. I am currently working on a series of co-authored papers with Joshua D. Goldstein that wrestle with the political and philosophical perplexities posed by modern family life and its institutional boundaries, particularly through a critical engagement with G.W.F. Hegel’s political thought. The first of these articles can be found in *The Review of Metaphysics.* **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*** This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. Free pizza and refreshments will be provided at the event. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat [here](https://youtube.com/live/s82P2HZCFU0). About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca): The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life. In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society. The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai

Join the crew for a cost-split weekend at Tremblant. Slopes, hot tubs, and good vibes. We are kicking off **go further** with a simple mission: get good people together to do cool things. We have secured a chalet for the four nights and have **up to 6 spots available**. We are running this trip purely at cost to fill the house, and build our community. **The Itinerary:** * **Weds, Feb 4:** Our flight leaves Toronto Pearson Airport (**YYZ**) at 7:45am, landing in Calgary International Airport (**YYC**) at 10:15am local time. * From there we'll be picking up our rental car(s). If meeting in Calgary, we can pick you up from the airport, or arrange somewhere in the city. We'll grab a quick coffee/snack and head straight to Canmore for lunch, followed by our Airbnb check-in. The first evening will be an option to cook at the chalet or visit a local restaurant. * **Thurs, Feb 5-Sat, Feb 7:** We'll have 3 full days of skiing combined at Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine - which can be decided based on conditions and group preference. * During these days the car(s) will be dedicated to being at the ski resorts early enough to get in a full day (approx. 9am-3:30/4pm on the slopes). Note that driving time is 25-60+ minutes to get to the ski resorts from the chalet. * Any other activities (apres ski in Banff town, hot springs, etc.,) will be planned outside of these times, unless otherwise agreed upon by the group. If you plan to go off group itinerary you will need to arrange for your own transportation. * **Sun, Feb 8**: We'll check-out of our Airbnb at 11am. There will be a group option to stay in the Canmore area for lunch, or to spend time in the downtown Calgary area. Our departure flight back to Toronto is at 5:15pm, and will aim to arrive at the airport at approximately 3pm. **The Cost:** This is a shared-expense trip. The selected attendee will contribute approx. **$500-$600** to cover their share of the pooled costs: * ✅ **Accommodation:** 4 Nights in our shared chalet + access to hot tub ammenities. * ✅ **Transport:** SUV rental, gas and parking charges from Calgary Airport to Canmore, Banff, ski hills and group activities. **The Accommodations:** * **The Chalet:** Our Airbnb is a 5.0 star-rated 3 bedroom chalet located in one of the best areas of Canmore, 20 minutes from the gates of Banff National Park. It has several nice restaurants and stores in close walking distance, and a 10 min walk to the downtown Canmore strip! * **Beds/Bedrooms:** There are 3 bedrooms with 5 beds, ranging from double to king sized beds. * **Costs:** Approximate costs for the 4 nights will range from $350-$500/bed, or $87.50-$125 per night, depending on the the bed size and privacy provided. * **Priority:** Priority for rooms and beds will be to have all male and female guests in separate rooms first, then allowing for couples if available. Only one bedroom will be guaranteed as private. Please inquire for further details. * **Hot Tub:** Located within our chalet complex is a communal hot tub, available on a first-come, first-served basis during reserved time sessions. A maximum of 5 people are allowed in the hot tub at one time and the maximum usage time is 30 minutes per day. The hot tub is open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. * **Parking:** We have 2 parking spots provided. **How to Join:** 1. **Select the "Attend" button.** 2. [Fill out our Ski Trip Questionnaire](https://forms.gle/xeNNhK5SRgAChwxu6) to let us know more details about you! 3. We will review the application and reach out to confirm details. 4. **Note:** Since we will be sharing a vehicle and living quarters, we review applications to ensure safety and group compatibility for everyone. **Not Included:** * **Airfare + Transport:** If travelling from a different city, you will need to arrange your own airfare and applicable transport costs to meet us at Calgary Airport or at an agreed upon pick-up spot within the designated time window (10:30am-11:30am local time). * **Lift tickets:** Once we have confirmed your availability and you have arranged your own airfare you can **[purchase your Ski Big 3 lift tickets here](https://www.skibig3.com/ski/lift-tickets/?days=3&month=12&age_category=8&year=2025).** * **Food & Drink (Wed-Sun):** You are responsible for your own meals/drinks throughout the trip. * **Ski/Board rentals:** Note that due to car space we cannot guarantee room for large amounts of equipment in our rental vehicles. Please check with us if you are unsure. You can conveniently rent at the Ski Big 3 rental centre in Canmore for all 3 days through using this link here: **[Ski Big 3 Rental page](https://www.skibig3.com/products/rentals/?startdate=2025-12-21).** **Who is this for?** Anyone 19+ looking for adventure and community. New faces welcome!

PLEASE CONTACT Jason at 905-308-4100 FOR DETAILS.

Cha Cha Cha Dance Meetup 💃 Wednesdays | 6:30 PM Mississauga Studio All levels welcome. Learn from a professional, certified teacher and enjoy a fun, social dance experience.

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $45 depending on which type of class you want to continue with.\* These French, Spanish, and English, classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a francophone, hispanophone, or anglophone country. *English in this class can only taught in French and Spanish unless you are an advanced learner* The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. **Program is also offered in private and online classes**. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other French nor Spanish classes are as oral as these ones. We guarantee it! Group classes are hosted at **600 Bay Street** (Wishbone Animal Rights Lab) every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Call (647)787-9953 upon arrival if no one is there to let you in, and someone will come down to let you in. Parking is available across from the Greyhound bus station on Elm Street and Bay Street.

**Paint My Love** is a guided creative experience exploring love - in all its forms. ***Love of self. Love we were taught. Love we long for.*** ***Love in friendships, family, community, and romantic relationships.*** Through art, reflection, and small-group conversations, we’ll create space to slow down and explore what love actually means to *us -* beyond clichés and socially imposed expectations. This is not an art class and you don’t need to be “creative.” This is about expression, curiosity, play, and connection. Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-my-love-a-creative-exploration-of-love-connection-tickets-1982076347712?aff=oddtdtcreator ### What to expect * Guided prompts exploring love, relationships, and self-connection * Art materials to experiment, play, and express freely * Small-group, facilitated conversations * A warm, intentional space for meaningful connection, without pressure * Laughter, lightness, and room to be human We care deeply about creating events that feel both **heartfelt and fun**. Play is an important part of how we connect, and this evening will hold space for both depth *and* joy. ### Who this is for This event is for you if you: * Are curious about love and how it shows up in your life * Want deeper, more intentional conversations * Enjoy creative experiences without needing to be “good” at art * Are craving connection that feels authentic, gentle, and grounded Come solo or with a friend, many people arrive alone and leave feeling connected. ### What’s included * All art materials * Guided facilitation and prompts * Small-group discussions * A cozy, welcoming café setting Food and drinks will be available for purchase from MottoMotto Café. ### Accessibility MottoMotto Café is accessible directly from street level. If you have any accessibility needs or questions, please reach out - we’ll do our best to accommodate. We’re committed to creating inclusive, thoughtful experiences for all.

**Join [TILE.]** at the **most popular Saturday Language Learning Social Event & Party in Toronto! 🍁** **[TILE.] = Toronto International Language Exchange [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tilelearning/)** **[TILE.]** now has a **2-for-1 special event,** which includes: **1.** From **[6:30 - 7:15 PM](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher):** An optional new $5 small group 45-minute **[English language class](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)**[ ](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)led by a certified language teacher **2.** From **[7:15 - 11 PM](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto):** Our usual huge group **[BIGGEST LANGUAGE EXCHANGE SOCIAL EVENT AND PARTY IN TORONTO](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto)** (Cost: *$0-$5\*, see below)* Both events happen Saturday on the 2nd floor of the Madison Pub (14 Madison Avenue). ***Attend either or both events!*** Meet Toronto locals and international friends. Talk to language teachers and speakers to learn English, French, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and much more! Join us for board games, conversation, dancing, singing, and more! Make sure to get a nametag from one of our helpers. *You **must** read the full event description below before attending. By attending, you agree to all the terms listed.* **[TILE.] Toronto International Language Exchange** event details: * We are on the 2nd floor of the Madison pub on the patio with all the international flags! *The dance floor opens around 10 PM, and the live piano bar singer start around 10:30 on the 1st floor.* * With our night ride promotion, the second event (the 7:15- 11 PM Party & Social event) is **FREE** for women who will be traveling alone at night to promote inclusion and equity\*. This event normally $5. * The cost for the first event (the 6:30 - 7:15 PM English Language class) is $5 for everyone. **PAY** **$5** right at the event by **CASH, CREDIT, or DEBIT**, or **SEND $5 E-TRANSFERS** to: **TILETORONTO1@GMAIL.COM**. You can also support the bar by buying a drink or appetizer. **\*** The second event ends late at night. It is 100% your own responsibility to ensure you get home safe. We can simply waive the $5 event entry/cover fee for women who will be traveling home alone so that they may instead put this money towards taking a safe ride home. \-\-\-\-\-\- **IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Meetup Group** By attending any TILE events, including these ones, you acknowledge and agree to the following: * *The organizers and hosts of TILE events are are not liable for any loss, injury, damage, or other unforeseen outcomes that may occur before, during, or after any event.* * *Participation in TILE events is entirely voluntary and at your own risk. You are solely responsible for your own safety, personal belongings, transportation, behavior, and well-being. It is your responsibility to assess the risks involved in any activity or location and to act accordingly.* * *TILE and its organizers do not provide insurance and cannot guarantee the safety, accuracy of information, or quality of venues, third-party services, or other attendees.* * *By attending, you release TILE, its organizers, and affiliates from any and all claims or liability, and you agree to conduct yourself respectfully and in accordance with local laws and venue rules.* * ***If you do not agree with this disclaimer, please do not attend TILE events.***

Note: You may be removed from the attendance list if you've participated in the previous week's event. This allows for more people to experience this Meetup. Avengers put your costumes on and let’s go and save the world!
Well we can’t save the world (yet), but we aim to try to play a small part in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by making their day a bit better!
Description: Before the event the organizer will post a list in the comment section of the attendees and what they are responsible to bring (food/drink, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies). We normally ask each attending member to bring approximately $15-20 worth of ingredients/supplies to our event. We will use the items to prepare and serve food/drink at The Meeting Place.
Timeline: We will meet on location at 11:00 am, with lunch served between 12:30-1:00 pm.
Membership Dues: Membership dues are $2.00 for the calendar year. Membership dues go towards paying for food/supplies incurred by no-shows. Membership dues are due at the first meetup of the year that you attend.
No Shows/Late Un-RSVP: We’re relying on members who RSVP to bring key ingredients for recipes! Please try your best to show-up or alternatively change your RSVP early so another member may fill the empty spot.
\*\*\* If you are on the waitlist, keep checking as you may be moved into attendance to replace someone. We will try to message you to confirm your attendance in advance.
Donations will be assigned before the event.

Group Reset — Salsa & Social Series is a social movement experience for people who want to learn salsa-inspired rhythm, move with music, and connect with others in a relaxed, welcoming space. We’ll focus primarily on salsa foundations, with room to explore other Latin and rhythm-based styles over time based on the group’s energy. This is about enjoyment, confidence, and shared movement. Not perfection. Not performance. No experience needed. No partner required. What to expect in this session: • Easy-to-follow salsa instructions • Rhythm and coordination work • Music, movement, and flow • A social, safe and friendly vibe • A fun way to meet people through movement About the series • Weekly on Sundays, 4–5 PM • Designed as an 4-week progression • You’re welcome to try a single session or join the full series How to Register This Meetup page is for event info and RSVPs. All registration and payment happens through my website. 👉 Register here: https://www.sapphenix.com/group-movement You can: • Book a single drop-in session, or • Purchase the 4-week series pass to save. Spots are limited to keep the experience social and comfortable. The series pass is recommended if you plan to attend regularly. Come move, connect, and see if this rhythm is for you.

Theater Night: "Copperbelt" - produced by Soulpepper Theater and NAC. Hey everyone! 🎭 I’m looking to get a group together to go see Copperbelt at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in the Distillery District. It’s a new play that’s been described as an "African Succession." and I am curious The Game Plan * The Cost: $65 flat (Preview Screening) * The Tickets: You can grab your own via the link below, OR I can buy for us so we’re all together. In either case, message me so we can coordinate. * Seating: Hoping to be able to sit next to each other/close. The Earlier the better! * Ticket Link: Check out the play info & tickets [here](https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/copperbelt) Post: If there's interest, we can also grab a bite or a drink in the Distillery District afterwards to chat about the play!

This event is for women in their late 20s to 40s in Toronto who want an active outdoor walk in a city park, in the company of other women. Earl Bales Park offers a mix of forested trails and open park space, making it a great option for a longer walk close to the city. This walk is ideal for those looking for a Toronto hiking or nature walk experience with scenery, movement, and a relaxed social vibe. **What we’ll do** * Walk approximately 8 km through Earl Bales Park, following a loop route that includes wooded trails and open paths * Enjoy a few photo stops along the way * Watch for birds and other wildlife, and enjoy nature observation and casual conversation * After the walk, optionally head to a nearby restaurant for food and social time Duration: Around 1.5–2 hours of walking, plus optional restaurant time after **Why join** This walk offers a longer outdoor experience in Toronto, combining forest trails, park scenery, and a chance to connect with other women. A great option for women looking for Toronto hikes, nature walks, or outdoor social activities with a relaxed group. **Trail conditions & preparation** * The route is mostly unpaved trails and park paths, with some uneven terrain * Dress for winter conditions and changing weather * Depending on the day, some sections may have snow or ice * Sturdy walking shoes or boots with good grip are required **Disclaimer**: This group is intended to provide a calm and enjoyable space for women to spend time outdoors together. Outdoor walking involves inherent risks, including uneven terrain, weather conditions, and the possibility of slips or falls. By joining, participants acknowledge and accept these risks and take full responsibility for their own safety and personal belongings. The organizer is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, losses, or damages that may occur during events. Participants are responsible for dressing appropriately, wearing suitable footwear, and assessing their own physical ability to participate. Photos may be taken during events for group memories or future promotional use. By attending, you consent to being included in these images unless you notify the organizer otherwise. Participants agree to respect the privacy of others and contribute to a positive, supportive environment. Please note that event fees are non-refundable.

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of participants, promote inner peace and purify the environment. OM Chanting is a free practice, however, donations are welcome to help cover the rent of the studio. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Our group, KIND MEALS, will be picking up the tab for pizzas, at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT SLICE, on Sunday, February 8th from 12-2pm. We will be trying out MIKEY'S Vegan Fake-ass BBQ Chick'n pizza and Vegan Fake-ass Pepperoni pizza, as well as some other special vegan pizzas that are served there. All the vegan pizzas are covered with Selfish Cow vegan cheese. The pizza is free, drinks on your own. Join us to learn more about **[KIND MEALS](https://kindmealscolumbus.org)** (a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Cols. Ohio, providing hunger relief services to those in need). All of the food we serve is fresh and vegan! If you love working with community, being of service, looking to hang with some fun like-minded people, and just love to socialize on a Sunday afternoon, join us for some FREE vegan pizzas at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT on 4th and Main. Mikey said the more the merrier!

Beginner Zouk Class & West Coast Swing Social Every First Friday of the Month $20 WCS class or party \| $25 for both Zouk class included with party Beginner Zouk class Friday Feb 6 at Crystal Ballroom's West Coast Swing party. Catch the WCS class at 7pm, followed by Zouk in the small ballroom from 8-9pm. If enough people turn out, I’ll play Zouk mixes in the small ballroom for y’all after class, and you're welcome to explore both rooms. No partner, no problem. We suggest bringing a water bottle and non-grippy shoes if you have them. I look forward to dancing with you! 7pm: West Coast Swing Class * Intro to WCS \| small ballroom * Continuing WCS with Corrine Smith \| main ballroom 8pm \- 9pm: Intro to Zouk \| small ballroom 8pm \- 10:30pm: WCS Social \| main ballroom Present. Connected. Beautifully Imperfect. We are **Ensō** dancers

[MOVIE DESCRIPTION BELOW] *Survivors of the apocalypse send a convict in a small submarine to explore a desolate moon that's an ocean of blood.* \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ **PLEASE SEE GROUP BIO FOR FULL FAQ. Meetup only allows a certain amount of characters when posting events from a mobile device and out FAQ is longer than that limit. A condensed version is posted below here** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ First-time attendees: below are some Frequently Asked Questions about events for your consideration: * **What is involved in this type of event? (_Group Watch & Socialize Event)** * We typically arrive before the movie, maybe chat and catch up with folks a bit, watch the movie in the theater, then afterwards have a more extended chat with everyone who saw the movie. * **Do I have to chat before the movie?** * Nope! Totally understandable if you'd rather just watch first so you can have something in common to discuss afterwards. * **Will people approach me/talk to me?** * Not a guarantee as it depends on who is hosting, but a good host or other group members will try to at least say hi to members after the movie and may make an effort to include newer faces in the conversation in some way. Please feel free to jump into the conversation as you feel comfortable and understand this is done with good intent :) We are happy to have you! * **How will I know who is the host or where people are gathering to talk about the movie?** * This depends on each host, but good practice is for the host to indicate a notable item of clothing they are wearing for other members to look out for. But generally we gather in a loose circle in the theater lobby or outside the theater to talk, so if you recognize the host or other group members - that's the spot we've decided on! Just kind of depends on the feel of the group where we gather. * **What is with posting the seat numbers?** * A good practice we've found is to post our seat numbers when we have ordered tickets for a movie. This is just another way for members of our group to find each other as it might not be immediately obvious who is here as part of the group event: some events are at public movie theaters, after all. You are not by any means obligated to post your seat number if you do not feel comfortable doing so, just something we've found that works nicely for encouraging some socialization. * **Will there be food?** * General guideline: if the movie starts at 7ish pm or later, you might wanna have dinner first or plan on buying movie snacks. Restaurant kitchens tend to close around 9-10pm. We sometimes do go to restaurants after movies as a group, but moreso bars whose kitchens may or may not be open. Plus, kind of bad manners for a group to descend upon a bar when the kitchen is closing is 10 minutes lol. Bars are just convenient social places, there is zero pressure to drink but there just aren't many places open late when we may leave movies. There is potential to order or provide food for group events, but it should not be expected unless stated in the event description. * **How do I stay in contact with the group after the movie?** * We have another app we use for discussion because Meetup is somewhat cumbersome to use for casual conversation. The app we use is called Discord. The link is posted below: * Link: https://discord.gg/4r7QxzmSvH * [Place link here] \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ * **Can I create events as a member?** * Initially, no but this group is open to members suggesting events or becoming part of the Event Organizers over time. We don't want to open the opportunity for everybody initially to create events because that kind of role has some responsibility towards it. There are certain permissions granted to that role that not every member should have. However, if a member has a proven track record of treating every group member with due respect, and a willingness to plan events: they can become and Event Organizer and create their own events. Please reach out to leadership if this sounds like something that would interest you. * **Can I donate to the group?** * Absolutely! See group bio

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

Start the year surrounded by Love From the Earth—with delicious vegan eats, sweet treats, artisan goods, and a chance to win one of our raffle baskets filled with plant-based goodies. Support small businesses, enjoy great food, and spend a cozy day with the community. We will reserve a table for this group if there is enough interest. Just comment "interest" below. Don’t miss out—see you there! Check [event page](https://www.facebook.com/events/893838639773267/) for a vendor list.