Non-violent Communication

The Phoenix DC Club of Toastmasters International congregates at the Petworth Library. Its location of 4200 Kansas Avenue is nestled within the Northwest quadrant of Washington, DC. We are on the #70 bus line and within proximity of the Georgia Avenue Petworth Metro Train Station on the Green/Yellow line. Club Phoenix DC #2226 has been in existence since March of 1998. We meet on every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs à moitié prix. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez débutant ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with half-priced appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from beginners to native fluency. We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

**What Kind of World Do We Want to Live In? (Free Event)** **In times like these, we can see more clearly the potential for humanity when it works together in unison – as well as the challenges if we don’t and continue to operate as we have been before. If you could design the world of the future, what spiritual values would you want to see in it to help realize those potentialities?** **All of us hope for a better future for ourselves and for our children, but how do we get there? What sort of ideas and behaviors will we need to leave behind – and what values will we need to build the foundation of the future on? And how can we work together to build a future that works for all of us, where each of our fullest potentials as human beings can be realized?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on what a future society might look like and the role each of us can play in creating it. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role of spirituality in the unification, peace, and progress of all.** **“The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979629953481?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. DIK Bar is located upstairs. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that historic **[DIK Bar](https://www.dupontitaliankitchen.com/dik-bar/)** (aka Windows) is hosting Go Gay DC! Get ready for another gathering of members of the LGBTQ+ Community! About 20 LGBTQ+ folk from all over the DMV and world are expected. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Arrive anytime that's convenient for you! Most attendees will likely arrive by 7:00 p.m. You're welcome regardless of where you live. Bring friends and meet new people. This is the place to be. This LGBTQ and Allies community-wide social provides everyone a chance to socialize, network, and share community spirit in a spacious setting. This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) At this exciting event, you'll even get to meet Go Gay DC's Founder **[TJ Flavell](http://www.tjflavell.com)**! Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. Name tags will be provided. It's FREE to attend; cash bar. There will be a bartender on duty; cash or credit card is fine. Casual attire is fine; this will be a relaxing and fun time. The event is free to attend but registration is highly recommended to get in. [See the happy hour menu](https://www.dupontitaliankitchen.com/Bar-Menu/). Dupont Italian Kitchen has been serving delicious Italian cuisine for over 30 years. But it’s so much more than just another Italian restaurant. It’s a second home to a loyal crowd of regulars, a hangout spot for LGBTQ+ residents and their families, and a beloved part of the 17th Street community. It’s one of the District’s top spots for people watching—where you can enjoy a Mimosa or Sangria on the patio as the crowds pass by. But perhaps most importantly, it’s one of the rare restaurants left in DC that retains a small-town feel—where the customers and staff know each other on a first-name basis. Invite your friends. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. (Note to handicapped There is unfortunately no elevator.) Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies nonbinary non-binary

Title: Quantum Enhanced Digital Therapeutics: Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Health Informatics for Mental Health Date: Jan 24 2026 13:00 - 15:00 EST Summary: This talk offers an accessible overview of how quantum computing ideas may inform the next generation of digital tools for mental health. Ishan will sketch potential roles for pattern discovery, adaptive interfaces guided by human-computer interaction, and approaches to protect patient privacy, using examples drawn from public literature. The focus is on what is feasible now, what remains experimental, and how careful evaluation can guide responsible progress in health informatics. The session closes with open questions and a practical framing to help the community explore this space. An overview of where quantum computing could add value to digital mental health tools today, what is still experimental, and how human-computer interaction and health informatics can guide responsible evaluation. Speaker: Ishan Shivansh Bangroo is a graduate researcher at Penn State University in the College of Information Sciences and Technology. His work sits at the intersection of health informatics and human-computer interaction, with a growing interest in quantum-inspired methods. He studies adaptive clinical interfaces and trustworthy analytics for mental health support, aiming to make digital tools clearer, safer, and easier to use.

**Unity in Action:** How can we apply Dr. King's message of unity and nonviolence to address today's social justice issues? Join us for a meaningful gathering focused on turning shared values into shared action. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the ***Beloved Community***, this meetup brings people of diverse backgrounds together to connect, listen, and collaborate across differences. Through guided conversation, reflection, and practical next steps, we’ll explore how unity, justice, and compassion can move from ideals into everyday practice—in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and relationships. This is a welcoming space for honest dialogue, mutual respect, and collective hope. Come as you are, bring your voice, and leave with renewed purpose and concrete ways to live out unity in action. **All are welcome.**

Join us for brunch and Freethinker discussion! We will meet at Caboose Commons at 11am (in the upstairs area of the building) to munch and chat. We'll organize into a handful of separate tables with 6-8 people at each table. Each person will write down ideas, drop 'em in a hat, and each group will pick 'em out at random to determine our topic(s). We'd love to mix the "louder" and "quieter" voices so that everyone has a chance to weigh in—we want to hear all perspectives! :) We're a very friendly bunch, and welcome participation from newbies and old-bies alike! Come with your best ideas—anything goes. Feel free to post interesting articles, videos or thoughts in the comments section beforehand to inspire our discussion. PLEASE NOTE: We have placed a cap on the event, so if your plans change, please adjust your RSVP, so someone on the Wait List can attend.

**Hi Everyone,** **I'm deeply sorry, but I am cancelling FUTURE FREE HUGS events until such time that I know what's happening regarding the COVID, FLU and RSV hospitalization data!!** **For FREE HUGS events in the past, I have consulted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if the hospitalizations for COVID, FLU and RSV were elevated or not.** **However, the Trump administration has restricted what CDC communicates to the public and has purged or stopped recent hospitalization data on the CDC website.** **There have been no updates on the chart since September 27, 2025** **[https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/](https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/)** **As a result, I'm not willing to risk people's health, nor mine, unnecessarily and am cancelling FREE HUGS events until the hospital data become available.** **Lots of Hugs and Much Love,** **Jeff** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **FREE HUGS on National Mall** **"Spreading More Love"** [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

Shilohites Toastmasters meets every 2nd and 4th Sundays. Meetings start at 4:00 pm, and last one hour. We are a community club open to all. Parking is free. We focus on personal goals for professional development.

This is the sign you've been waiting for! Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

New (old) location - La Madeleine at 500 King St! Hope to see you there

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gf89PPYe3RMAK6Z7SGf5or)]] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

**✅ First class is FREE – only 10 spots available!** Learn real self-defense skills in a small-group setting. No experience needed, open to all adults. 📲 RSVP now and text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm—once spots are gone, they’re gone. ## **Free Intro Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema** Want to learn how to protect yourself while also improving your health, focus, and confidence? Join us for a free first class at **Maryland Systema**, a unique approach to self-defense that blends both physical and mental training. *** ### **Why This Class is Different** Unlike most programs that only teach physical moves, Systema trains your body **and** your mind. You’ll explore: * **Structure** – staying balanced under pressure * **Breathing** – keeping calm and controlling fear * **Relaxation** – avoiding panic and wasted energy * **Movement** – adapting naturally to any situation You’ll also learn to read an attacker’s intentions and respond proportionately—aligned with Maryland’s self-defense laws. *** ### **What You’ll Gain** ✔ Practical skills you can use right away ✔ Better stress control and awareness ✔ Improved strength, mobility, and coordination ✔ Confidence in handling real-world situations *** ### **Class Info** 📍 **Location:** The Compound, Silver Spring (free parking) 🕒 **Length:** 1.5 hours 👥 **Small Group:** Max 10 students for personalized guidance 👖 **What to Wear:** Comfortable long pants and clothes you can move in 💵 **Cost:** Free for first-time students *** ### **How to Join** RSVP here on Meetup to save your spot, then text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm. Spots are limited—once the group fills, we close registration. *** **Maryland Systema** Real-world self-defense training for adults—helping you stay ready, stay calm, and stay safe.

This is our very first Evocean meetup—and it’s intentionally simple. Join us for a relaxed, welcoming gathering for women living with autoimmune conditions who are craving connection, understanding, and a calmer way forward. No pressure. No fixing. Just real conversation and community. We’ll spend time: • Meeting one another in a supportive, judgment-free space • Sharing why we’re here (only if you want to) • Learning a short, gentle nervous system reset you can use anytime • Setting the tone for what this community will become together This is not a medical talk or a support group focused on symptoms. It’s a space to reconnect with yourself and meet women who truly get it. Come exactly as you are. Energy levels welcome. Quiet observers welcome.

Register at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at [Writing in Nature (New Location) - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/writing-in-nature-february/) Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this regular monthly workshop, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. Registration for each session is open through the morning of the workshop. For directions, click on the Google Map link at the bottom of this page. ***Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

Our next club meeting is on Sunday will start at 2:15, please join early. if you're coming in-person, parking is free and usually ample at the Community College on Sundays, and most of us park where the spaces are designated for staff and have never had a problem. 👉 Everyone is welcome to join our meeting, participate and practice. You'll get a chance to hear our club members speak and then have an opportunity to play the table topics game. **Agenda for the Meeting:** 1. Warm Up 2. Prepared Speeches (By club members) 3. Table Topics Game (Learn to think on your feet) 4. Feedback **Online - Join us via Zoom** https://us05web.zoom.us/j/86218205188 If you haven't used Zoom before, watch this short video on how to join our meeting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=45&v=vFhAEoCF7jg **In-Person** **\- Join us at Montgomery Community College** Meet us at Science Building, room SC 152. The room is located on the ground floor. The exact building address is https://goo.gl/maps/ZEgQH7bKLvzdqtSQ9 For help, please text or call, 301-917-4202.

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 7pm-7:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 7:15pm-8:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 8:45pm-9pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)

**⚡ Laugh a little. Meet new people. Leave feeling lighter.** Join us for a relaxed, small-group afternoon designed to break the winter slump and help you meet a great crowd — without awkwardness, heaviness, and something that just feels fun! 🔁 You’ll move through short, easy rounds of fun conversation games that make it simple to talk, connect, and find people you naturally click with. **Yes, there are actual games — including:** • **Spaghetti + Marshmallow Tower** (2-person teams, light competition energy) 😂 • **Blind Drawing Game** 😂 📍 **Location:** Rented facility in Ashburn (zip 20147) or a private recurring space used for smaller community events. Exact address shared after RSVP. 💵 **Fee:** $12 per person 🕒 **Time:** 2:00–4:00 PM ☕ **Coffee + light snacks on me.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • Quick, low-pressure rounds • Light games that get people talking (and **laughing**) • Authentic conversation with people in a similar life chapter • A warm, friendly, comfortable space **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced or Separated or midlife professionals starting fresh • Entrepreneurs, builders, and people who value meaningful conversation • Men + women who want a fun, relaxed way to meet others in the same chapter of life \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📊 Most attendees are in their 30s–40s–50s — grounded, growth-minded, and ready for something different. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co/)

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 7pm-7:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 7:15pm-8:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 8:45pm-9pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)

Let's get together in a warm and open atmosphere to talk about ethical non-monogamy and how we actually do it. Ask for advice, give some in return, meet and mingle with your peers. Let's kick back and get to know each other and learn a few things. TOPIC: What would you like to do differently in your relationships going forward this year? What did you do last year that really didn't work? What's your stretch goal? The location of our group will rotate between VA and MD. This week, we'll be in VA back at home with our most frequent host. As usual we'll send out the details on the morning of the event. FOOD: bring food that supports the diet you are undoubtedly on this month. Please consider bringing a vegetarian or vegan option; we do currently have active members who need these options. Cut-up fresh fruit is always great! If you don't feel like schlepping, we also always appreciate a donation. Please note: we share the address on the morning of the meeting, via the messaging/email system here. If you don’t have the details by Friday noon, you will need to message us directly to get them.