Organizational strategies

​**Due to the popularity of the event, registration is required at [https://luma.com/dcmahjongg](https://luma.com/dcmahjongg).** We do not use the RSVP system on Meetup. ​ **Drop-in games every Sunday afternoon at the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum.** * **Lessons (11:00 - 1:00) for new and returning players begin promptly at 11:00.** The fee is $10. * **A Support Table (1:00 - 3:00) is available for those who have taken a lesson and want to play with an instructor overseeing the game.** The fee is $5. * **Drop-in play (1:00 - 3:00) for** all experienced players. Tables are labeled for All Levels and Mahj Mavens. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Play is free, but a donation of $5 is encouraged to help defray event costs. ​ If you own a mah jongg set, we encourage you to bring it. Please bring your NMJL card if you have one. ​The museum is located one block from the Judiciary Square Metro station (Red line). Street parking is available, and a paid garage is located at 3rd and G Streets. You do not need to be a member of the museum to participate. On entry to the building, you will be directed to the Nosh Pit, where you can also purchase a snack and coffee while waiting for the games to begin. *Photographs taken by Museum staff during the program may be used for educational and promotional purposes in print and online publications. Attendance at the event implies your consent.*

Open gaming at Panera! New players welcome. We have many games on hand or you can bring your own. We are happy to teach or learn one of yours.

Guest Speaker: Haven King-Nobles, Executive Director of Fish Welfare Initiative Post-PAM Animal Action: TBD Haven King-Nobles is the cofounder and executive director of Fish Welfare Initiative, an organization that works in Asia to implement welfare improvements for our underwater cousins. His talk will focus on what activists should know about fish farming, how FWI helps fishes, and the strategic implications of all of this for our movement. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Higher Grounds – Del Ray is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Del Ray who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Join us for a cozy Hot Chocolate & Dessert Walk through Georgetown 🍫 We’ll be stopping by a few cafés and dessert spots to try some desserts and hot chocolate in the neighborhood, with short walks in between for good conversation and winter vibes. Not a big sweet tooth? No worries, you’re welcome to grab savory bites along the way too. The exact crawl route will be shared with confirmed attendees. Come hungry, dress warm, and be ready for sugar, strolling, and meeting new people. Your RSVP helps us plan a smooth and enjoyable day! This event is public, so feel free to bring a friend (20s and 30s only). If they are not a member yet, no worries! We’ll share how to join Strawberry Matcha when you arrive. **Deadline to RSVP:** February 12th

Come join us for in-depth discussions on topics relating to moral and political philosophy. This is a group for members who are comfortable discussing topics that are often anxiety producing and controversial. *"Aristotle was a realist who believed that reality and knowledge are found in the physical world, accessible through sensory experience and logic. This led to contrasting views on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality itself. Plato emphasized abstract, ideal concepts, while Aristotle prioritized empirical observation and the study of the natural world."* \- Google Gemini Following Aristotle's lead, this group will lean heavily on empirical data to make arguments. The Socratic method is still the preferred way to engage in conversation, and Platonic Idealism is still relevant to the conversation as points of reference.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-40s-60s-valentines-edition-tickets-1980498949672](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-40s-60s-valentines-edition-tickets-1980498949672)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT Come meet your your VALENTINE! We have lots of success stories. Our Speed Dating Event is just like a happy hour. It is structured and with purpose. So, come relaxed, natural and be ready to have fun. As usual we will try to make it a low pressure event. The only huge favor we ask from you, is to be on time. Ticket price includes a ***COMPLIMENTARY*** ***DRINK (House Wine/House Beer/Rail Drinks)!*** DRESS CODE : Anything red is highly recommended. DATING SESSION : 1\. We mingle and socialize for the first half hour\. 2\. We will give each couple 3 minutes seated interaction time\. 3\. After we finish the rotation\, the party continues at the cash bar \(which means you pay as you go\)\. 4\. Since we paid for the venue\, it is non\-refundable\. However\, we will refund fully if the event is cancelled\. 5\. The payment secures serious and committed people and it is subject to increase\. 6\. RSVP will be open up until matches between sexes evens up\. However\, RSVP doesn't guarantee attendance\, unless you buy your ticket\. We constantly update the RSVPs\. 7\. If you are not able to attend you can sell your ticket to same sex\. 8\. For the dating session\, we seat one man across from each woman\. Then\, we rotate each man to the next woman\, until each man has met each woman present\. Please try to speak loud\, since everyone would speak at the same time\. 9\. After the 3 minutes time is up\, you will then secretly circle yes or no on your date card depending on whether or not you would like to get to know the person you just met better\. 10\. Address will be sent\, to ticket holders\, on day\-off\. 11\. This is meant to be an intimate experience and we have very limited space\. RSVP soon\! http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/b/9/f/600_432575743.jpeg Payment Instructions : 1\. Login to see the 'Get Ticket' button\, on the ticket link\, after RSVPing\. Then hit the button\. 2\. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for\. 3. **If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card".** 4\. If you have a Paypal account\, simply log in\, and pay as you normally would via Paypal\. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and they hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1\. Go to Settings 2\. Scroll down to Safari and click on it 3\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. For Google Chrome Users : 1\. Open Google Chrome\. 2\. Click on the three dots and you will see many options\. 3\. Click on Settings\. 4\. Scroll down to content settings\. 5\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. Refund and Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. PARKING INFO Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking. We highly recommend a shared ride or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKETS. IT RULES.**

Come out to a evening filled with fun board games at Aslin Beer Company in Herndon! We play a variety of games, including strategy, co-op, and party games! Always welcoming to people who are brand new to the hobby to those who have been playing for years! We will be meeting in the Izzi building (not the main taproom), as there is more table space there and is right next to where you can get food and drinks! There isn't a hard cap on attendees per say, but we would prefer that you sign up in advance so we have a rough head count as to whom to expect! Can't wait to see you all there!

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – February 25 Business Presentation** **Featuring Jennifer Zitelli, Founder of ESL Thrive** **Wednesday\, February 25 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us at 1 Million Cups Loudoun as we welcome **Jennifer Zitelli**, founder of **ESL Thrive**, for a dynamic conversation focused on workforce communication, business growth, and supporting employees for long-term success. **About the Business** ESL Thrive provides **on-the-job English training designed specifically for business success**. Through customized instruction, Jennifer helps employees gain the language skills they need to communicate effectively, perform confidently, and thrive in their roles — ultimately strengthening the businesses they support. Her programs are tailored to meet the real-world needs of small businesses, ensuring employees learn practical workplace language that directly impacts productivity, team collaboration, and customer experience. **Who Jennifer Is Looking to Hear From** Jennifer is seeking feedback from business owners and leaders in industries such as: * Hospitality * Home services * Restaurants * Retail * Any business with employees whose first language is not English **Current Business Focus & Barriers** As ESL Thrive continues to grow, Jennifer is looking for insight around: * Overcoming barriers to business growth * Strengthening marketing strategy * Expanding business development efforts * Effectively reaching her target markets This is an excellent opportunity to share your perspective while supporting a business dedicated to empowering both employers and employees. **Why Attend?** * Learn about a service that directly impacts workplace success * Provide valuable feedback to a growing business * Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders * Be part of a collaborative, solutions-focused conversation **What is 1 Million Cups?** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **February 25 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about communication, workforce development, and business growth. We look forward to seeing you there!

Rockville Vegans will be picking up trash on the outside of Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary as part of their adopt-a-highway program. Poplar will provide all the supplies - gloves, bags, and visibility vests. We will be parking just inside the gate as you enter the farm property.

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

BYO... well, lots of stuff. Our goal for this park visit is to relax. We'll perch along the banks of where the Dan and Staunton rivers meet, and enjoy our picnic dinners and sip warm drinks as we watch the sunset over the water, and then light fade into darkness. Then we'll spend some time sitting back and studying the night sky. There's so much more going on out there than we realize day to day. As a certified Dark Sky location, on a clear night, I'm told you can see the Milky Way. Bring: Blanket/chair, warm drinks, dinner/snacks, a telescope, binoculars, astronomy apps, star maps and a sense of wonder.

Join Nova Subto Meetup Up for an exclusive Business Strategy Roundtable where entrepreneurs and business professionals can network and discuss strategies for mastering entrepreneurship. This event will provide a platform for small business owners to connect, share insights, and learn from each other's experiences. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this meetup is designed to foster growth and development in the business community. Don't miss this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. ***IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING YOUR DEAL PLEASE FILL OUT THIS*** [https://surl.li/vtgoma](https://surl.li/vtgoma)