Participatory Democracy

🎟️ **TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR EVENT - [CLICK HERE FOR THE TICKETS](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/impact-pitch-night-tickets-1976033923659)** 🎟️ Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating startups making a difference at our 2026 Impact Pitch Night at The Commons QV! We're excited to showcase four incredible founders building solutions that create meaningful change: 🎤 Sam Freidin – Founder, Wayfarer Mobility 🎤 Brock Hogan – Co-Founder, Places 🎤 Simi Rayat – Founder, Global Joy Mission 🎤 Archana Akhaury – Founder, Social Spectrum Our founders will be pitching in front of an experienced panel of judges: ⚖️ Lucy Lin – Host, Emerging Tech Unpacked ⚖️ Tom Kloosterman – Energy Scaleup Program Lead, EnergyLab ⚖️ Sydney Bentley – CEO & Founder, Next Paws Innovations ⚖️ Robert Gallup – Founder, Oz2US Ventures ### **What to Expect on the Night:** The Impact Pitch Night offers a unique opportunity to connect with a community of changemakers. Guests will: * Network with an ever-growing community of investors, founders, service providers, and startup operators. * Support four incredible early-stage founders as they pitch their solutions to global challenges. * Vote for their favorite pitch of the night. Secure your spot to witness the innovation and dedication of founders working to create a better world. This is your chance to explore transformative ideas and support startups tackling all kinds of solutions. #### **Reserve Your Seat Today!** Don’t miss out on this evening filled with networking, innovation, and celebration. Register now to be part of The Startup Network's Startups Pitch Night and connect with the changemakers shaping a brighter future

**THEME** At this Deep Work we'll explore **how to tune in to the quiet whispers — and the thunderclaps — that life sends our way.** When Lightning Strikes invites us to **recognise the moments of divine inspiration hiding in plain sight, and learn to trust** the nudges, signs and sudden illuminations that point us toward our truest path. **TIMING** \*Please arrive by 7:00PM for a 7:15PM start. The event will conclude at 8:45PM. **SETUP** You will be seated in small groups of about 5 people. We encourage you to sit with people that you don't yet know. :) **TICKETS** We have 2 ticket options: * Early Bird Tickets - $15 (available up to 7 days before the event) * Standard Tickets - $20 For all tickets, we're happy to provide full refunds for any cancellations received with 48+ hours notice. We will be serving tea, biscuits and soft drinks. **PROGRAM** Through carefully selected quotes and interactive discussions, we will: * Explore the art of deep listening — how to distinguish between the noise of the world and the still, small voice within * **Share stories, laughter and insights:** the hunches we followed, the signs we almost missed, and the unexpected sparks that changed everything * **Create casual and fun art** that captures a moment of personal inspiration — a flash of insight rendered in colour, word or form * Develop practical ways to **cultivate receptivity** in our daily work lives — slowing down enough to hear what the universe might be trying to tell us Come ready to reflect, share and listen — to each other, and perhaps to something a little beyond. **Leave with fresh eyes for the guidance already surrounding you, and the courage to act on it.** **PARKING** 2P parking is available directly adjacent to the venue. [Use this link to navigate there.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wY8cyfrbZxKnireeA) There is also underground parking available directly opposite the venue.

**Welcome to our Tuesday Social + Language Exchange Meetup 🌍** We meet weekly at **Fathers Office QV-249 little lonsdale st (Melbourne CBD).** We ask that you **purchase a drink at the bar** or **pay $3 at entry** to support the venue. *** ### 💬 Find your people (New!) Looking to practice a specific language? Post in the discussion using: * **#LearnSpanish** * **#LearnEnglish** * **#TeachEnglish** * **#LearnJapanese** * etc. 👉 This helps others find you faster and makes it easier to connect. *** ### 📲 Join our WhatsApp Community Stay connected before and after the event, meet people, and find language partners: 👉 **Join here:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ) *** ### ⏰ What to expect We consistently have **100–120 attendees** every Thursday (across multiple Meetup groups). People arrive at different times — **best time to come is between 6PM and 9PM.** Come solo or with friends — most people come alone and join conversations naturally. *** ### 🌏 Who attends? A mix of: * Native & non-native English speakers * International students * Backpackers & working holiday travellers * Professionals & expats * Local Australians You’ll meet people from: Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and more. *** ### 🗣️ Why join? 👉 A relaxed, social way to practice English 👉 Meet people from around the world 👉 No pressure, no structure — just conversations *** ### 🍕 FREE DRINKS & FOOD FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! We’re looking for **friendly volunteers** to help welcome newcomers and keep the vibe social. 👉 You’ll get: * Free drinks (beer/soft drink) * Food (pizza, wedges, etc.) * A fun team to hang out with No experience needed — many of our volunteers are **first-timers too**. Interested? 👉 [www.Linguas.au/Volunteer](www.Linguas.au/Volunteer) *** 📲 **More info:** [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) or **@Linguas.AU**

Are you looking for an opportunity to learn more about Buddhism and meditation? Come and join us for our regular Buddhist meditation sessions every Tuesday. Every session will start with a short introductory and will be followed by a guided, 20 - 30 minute meditation. Feel free to join us after the session for some social time and questions and answers. The evening is free of charge, but donations are always welcome. More info can be found here: https://diamondway.org.au/centres/melbourne

Come unwind and connect after work with the R-Ladies+ Melbourne committee and members to celebrate the middle of the year! 🕕 Time: 6pm 📅 When: Tuesday 30th June 2026 📍 Where: Quarterhouse, 693 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008 (right near Southern Cross Station). Great opportunity to meet others that are using R. The idea is build our community and network with like minded coders. Whether you have been to our past events, or want to join for the first time, please come and join us. 🎉 Everyone is welcome! 🎉 \*Please note that food and drinks are not provided at this event and are at the attendee’s expense. It's more of an opportunity to come and socialise with the group and learn more about upcoming events and opportunities. **‼️ Please RSVP** (and update your RSVP if your circumstances change). **‼️**

**Player count: 3 of 5. Two spaces left!** The city has gone to the dogs. The Steward fills the purses of the rich through the backs of the poor. It's time to redistribute the wealth. Welcome to the Robin Hood: Blades in the Dark game, you didn't know you needed. This is the story of your crew as they rail against the injustices of the land and do their best to do good in a world that wants them at each others throats. This game is beginner friendly, and spans 6 fortnights. **Everything you need to learn about the game, will be in session 0.** However throughout the game I will prompt you and aid you in the rules of the game. What to expect: Gritty, fast pace heists where you have to think on your feet. Things are grim, but you are bringing hope back to these streets. In session 0 we will be discussing the setting, the specialty of the game, making characters, including playing the formation of this crew. No equipment is needed as everything will be provided for you. However if you would like to bring your own dice, you will want D6's. When: Tuesdays, fortnightly, 7pm Where: Elder Gods and Dragons (in Carlton VIC) Price: $25 for session 0. $35 from session 1 onwards A summary of the game: Crime has gone up as good people can no longer afford to eat. It is no longer safe. You are sent home from the war and your house has been "requisitioned", you no longer have a place in polite society. But you find a few who are like you. Dislocated, bitter at those who do nothing but enjoy the protections of the current steward and his sheriffs. You gather and through hoods and shadows, you take from the rich and give to the poor.

Come and catch up at the Fluffy Torpedo for some midwinter ice cream (they give 50% of profits to effective global charities). Talk malaria, vitamin deficiencies, fistula repair and all the other effective ways to use our relatively abundant resources to do good in this world.

​Looking to meet people in Melbourne or practice a new language? Get your Tix: https://luma.com/1zsmr7e2 ​Aloha Melbourne is a fun and welcoming weekly social where backpackers, expats and locals come together to connect, chat and make new friends. ​The venue energy is international, social and lively, which makes it especially strong for newcomers to the city. ​Come solo or with friends, most people come alone and quickly meet others. ​**Highlights** * ​Meet internationals, backpackers and locals 🌍 * ​Practice languages in a natural way 🗣️ * ​Karaoke 🎤 * ​Board games and icebreakers such as Jenga, Uno and more 🎲 * ​Pool, ping pong and darts 🎱 * ​One free drink included 🍸 * ​Fun, high-energy but still social vibe ​**How it works / flow** ​Arrive, use your included drink and join a conversation. ​The event is easy to join for solo attendees and works especially well for backpackers and internationals. ​Games and karaoke help break the ice quickly. ​Join the group chat to connect before the event 💬 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/J7UUKaYxxtY6EQQX3xz6IR?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J7UUKaYxxtY6EQQX3xz6IR?mode=gi_t&utm_source=luma)

**Sticky stories are memorable, meaningful, and magnetic. They make people feel something — and that’s what makes them powerful.** You already tell stories — to friends, family, co-workers, and peers. You might need to inspire your team, persuade a colleague to support your ideas, or influence a client to say yes. But if your stories aren’t *sticky*, your message won’t land. It won’t be remembered. And it won’t drive action. Mastering the art of ‘sticky’ storytelling is one of the most valuable communication skills in today’s world. And the good news? It’s a skill anyone can learn. **THIS IS A CURATED GUEST EVENT** Whether you're new to public speaking or looking to elevate your influence and impact… Join us tonight at Port Melbourne Toastmasters as we dive into the principles of powerful storytelling that make messages truly stick. Get ready for a session that will help you speak with heart, connect with purpose, and leave a lasting impression. *Guests, Meetup Group members, and visiting Toastmasters attend for free.* 🌐 [www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org](http://www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org) 📍 Where: Find directions [here](https://www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org/directions.html) ***Port Melbourne Toastmasters is a club for people who are serious about developing their speaking, leadership, and personal presence.*** We offer limited, curated guest sessions throughout the year for prospective members. These sessions allow you to experience our high-engagement, growth-focused environment firsthand — without open access to every meeting.

🎟️ **Registration is essential. Tickets must be purchased in advance via** [TryBooking](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1546728). Registration through Meetup alone does not secure your place. **Ever walked out of an interview wishing you'd explained yourself better?** Or found yourself struggling to organise your thoughts when speaking in a meeting, presentation, or important conversation? Speechcraft is a practical, hands-on program designed to help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. Across three interactive sessions, you'll learn how to structure your ideas, speak with purpose, and deliver messages that people remember. Hosted by Southbank Toastmasters, this supportive workshop series combines expert guidance, real speaking practice, and constructive feedback in a friendly environment. Whether you're preparing for interviews, presentations, leadership roles, or simply want to become a more confident communicator, Speechcraft will give you skills you can use immediately. **Important:** This is a complete three-session program. When you purchase a ticket, you'll automatically be enrolled in all sessions.

OPEN YOUR SPREADSHEETS AND CHECK YOUR OUTLOOK! It’s time for a send off of our two favourite racks here at Tit Incorporated, two tit retiree’s which will be sorely missed, but necessary to move on to better opportunities, the delicate theatrical mounds of Mx Vergara and the powerful pair from Mx Mascaro. Farewell drinks will begin at 6pm and the party (dancefloor) will start pumping at 8! ([TICKET LINK HERE](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1607294)) Seeing as this is a company event, it will be themed so that everyone is in work (in)appropriate attire, and if you choose to come out of office (siren) uniform, there will be an additional fee, so we suggest coming in uniform x. We are raising funds for their formal (medical) goodbye, which will be raised from ticket sales, auctions on the night, merch and vendor sales, dances and a raffle, so bring your cash/be ready to do a very professional cash transfer. There will also be performances with audience incorporated efforts so make sure to come ON DOWN! Their tits have been vital to the company for a combined 23 years, starting their service when they separately commenced puberty, and have been on the clock non stop ever since, so we feel it is important to give them a good send off! Parking the info here so we can circle back later! BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!!!! Please note Pride of our Footscray is only accessible via two flights of stairs. We apologise for our reduced accessibility.

**What Breaks When AI Picks Up:** **Lessons from Voice AI in Australian Healthcare** 181 commits. 10 weeks. 28% were fixes. In this session, Dr Kevin Ong, Co-Founder, CEO and CTO of Voral.ai, and Principal AI Consultant at Equal Experts Australia, shares what really broke when AI was deployed on a live phone line handling patient calls in Australian healthcare practices. From phantom bookings and four-second silent gaps that no unit test could catch, to race conditions where callers were simultaneously handled by multiple AI agents - this wasn’t theory, it was production reality. No polished architecture diagrams. Just hard won lessons from the fixes that followed. **Agenda** 5 30 PM - Gates open (Networking drinks & food) 6 15 PM - G-EE-K Talk 7 PM - Q&A 7 15 PM - Networking drinks (and more food) 8 30 PM - Wrap up

**Who We are..... 🤝** Our journey to bring people together began in January of 2022. The group was started with a simple intention to gather and meet some likeminded people - connecting through the powerful act of meditation and sharing our genuine selves while sitting in a circle that represents equality, harmony and wholeness( *we believe everyone in the circle is a teacher and a student at the same time)*. And over the last 4 years of consistently coming together, we have fostered a beautiful, loving, dependable community where members from all walks of life have experienced a sacred space to sit in silence together and meditate, share their authentic selves, give presence to others and forge meaningful and long lasting connections. The Meditations are guided by Sana(co-founder and host), who is a Trained and certified meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has been guiding meditations for 3+ years in corporate and community settings. ✨ **Do you wish to....** * Experience a simple yet powerful meditation and breathing practice to find calm, relaxation and clarity * Connect with like-minded people in your local community and foster meaningful connections * Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others * Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn) Or maybe you just want to... ☮️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet new people? Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **5 min guided meditation** to land into the space and connect within * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$15 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue, meetup membership and other costs, provide valuable resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present. **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need.

**Get your creative flow going with a Saturday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Parsons Avenue Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

You can sleep in on the Sesquicentennial (observed), we’re shifting to the following Friday. But join the local UX community for a chat and some biscuits to catch up. If you were in CA for Figma Config, tell us all the lines and you can tell me how I can animate an SVG without coding it by hand, and why I’d even want to. Thanks to the team at Nationwide of supporting the group.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

This presentation will be by Ben Iten, humanist chaplain and HCCO Board Member. Speaking on expressing Humanism values in American democracy. This meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online. The formal presentation will start at noon. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. 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)

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) 15 for One Class 20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space. Viva Dance Columbus 2809 Festival Lane Dublin OH 43017

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/