Progressive Democrats

Hi Radiant Ladies, After our Saturday walk, join us at Windchimes Café for coffee, friendly vibes, and a relaxed catch-up. 🅿️ 2-hour parking out front. See you there! Lyn 😀

Join party-people from around the globe and discover Melbourne's best bars, lounges, and clubs including a famous rooftop bar/club with amazing city views, a truly wild "underground" nightclub, and a premiere Melbourne ultra-club featuring top DJ’s from around the world -all with exclusive free VIP entry. Enjoy no entry fees, no queues, free shots and exclusive “pub crawl only” drink deals @ every bar! https://pubcrawlmelb.com.au https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melbourne-cbd-pub-crawl-tickets-45461115420

**🔥 MELBOURNE'S NO.1 BAR CRAWL! 🔥** Want an epic night out for just **$20**? Here’s what you need to do: 1\. Click "**Attending**" on the Meetup event 2\. Pre\-book your ticket at [ontherocksbarcrawl.com](ontherocksbarcrawl.com/melbourne/book-now) – Use promo code “**MEETUP26**” on an '**Online Saver**' ticket for $10 off your ticket price! 3\. ARRIVE **BEFORE 18:30** (strict cutoff – no exceptions!) ⏳ Miss any of these steps? It’s **more expensive** on the door! If you're late, your discounted ticket won’t be valid. **WHATS INCLUDED?** 🍹 **3** **Free Shots** 🍸 **1 Free Drink at the last venue** 🚀 **VIP** fast-track entry to **4 top** **venues** 🕺 **Free** pass to the best **nightclubs** at the end of the night 👫 Fun games and friendly guides throughout the night We’re officially TripAdvisor’s #1 nightlife experience in Brighton (UK), Barcelona, and now Melbourne! **ARRIVAL INFORMATION:** 📍 Wax Music Lounge, 250 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia 🕢 Arrive BEFORE start time (18:30) **💡 IMPORTANT INFO:** 🔞 18+ only – bring a valid Driving Licence or Passport (other IDs may not be accepted) 💬 Contact +61 436 399 434 if you have any issues! 🚫 Due to previous negative experiences, we do not allow stag/hen dos or same-sex groups of 9+ on our public crawls. (Private bookings available – email enquiries to info@ontherocksbarcrawl.com) **🔥 DON’T MISS OUT – BOOK YOUR $20 TICKET [HERE](ontherocksbarcrawl.com/melbourne/book-now) NOW! 🎉**

**Fostering genuine love, respect and connection beyond boundaries.** In light of recent events that have taken place, **The Unity Project** is an invitation to come together across cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds to affirm our shared humanity. We are supporting this event because it reflects a similar spirit as Community Conversations – offering a space for reflection, connection, and hope. It is a response to the deeper questions these times invite us to ask: what role can unity, love, and respect play in healing and strengthening our communities? We encourage you to attend, listen, and help nurture a spirit of togetherness that the Unity Project Stands for. Entry is free and all are welcome.

**Join your local guides on the best pub crawl in Melbourne!** Meet at WAX Music Lounge on 250 Flinders St, and explore the best, most well-known venues with people from all over the world. With **4 free 'welcome shots'** upon entry to each bar followed by exclusive drink deals at each, you'll see just why Melbourne is known as the nightlife capital of Australia! Experience a range of Melbourne's most famous bars & pubs throughout the night, with **free entry** for all, and reduced entry/recommendations at the end of the event to keep your night going strong! Play games, **win prizes** and mingle with locals, travelers & everything in between on the most sought-after event in Melbourne! * **4 FREE SHOTS** * **4 BARS ALL WITH FREE SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRY** * **PLENTY OF GAMES AND PRIZES TO BE WON** * **UNLIMITED MEMORIES & CHANCES TO MAKE FRIENDS IN THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA!** Starting at 5:30PM at WAX Music Lounge on 250 Flinders St, you will receive your skip-the-line wristband, free welcome shot and mingle with other attendees before we introduce our games and prizes to be won throughout the evening. We then mix it up weekly, visiting some of Melbourne's most iconic and well-known bars with your pub crawl crew who have lived and breathed the city for most of their lives. **Make sure to lock in your spot ASAP as tickets often sell out!**

📚 #InPursuit is a book club for entrepreneurs, creatives, and curious minds who know personal growth fuels business growth. **See a lot of RSPVPs and wonder how it works? We'll break up into groups of 6-8 to share our insights, then swap groups after 30-45min so you can maximise learning from everybody!** *Note: this even is not organised by or affiliated with The State Library of Victoria* **That's what #InPursuit is all about** It’s not a traditional book club, it’s a space for people who are actively designing a better life through the pursuit of business, creativity, and personal growth. This event is for anyone #InPursuit of better business, life and relationships. Instead of reading the same book, we each come prepared to share one powerful insight from something we’ve read in the past 3-months. Anything non-fiction that’s moved us forward. Whether it’s a mindset shift, a productivity system, a new philosophy, or just a truth that punched us in the gut. This is a place to unpack it together and hear what others are learning too. We’re not just here to *read*. We’re here to *integrate*. Because when we grow, our business and our lives grow too. **🔍 Why Join? You'll leave with:** * 5–10 fresh insights from books you may never have picked up * Deeper awareness of how others think, lead, and evolve * New connections with people walking a similar path toward purpose, results, and impact This isn’t a lecture. It’s a room full of people building themselves while they build the thing. **📖 How It Works** First time? No pressure to share, just come curious. We'll break up into groups of 6-8 and share our insights, then swap groups so you can maximise the learning! Returning? Bring one idea you’ve read about in the last 3-months and be ready to speak on: 1. What did you learn? 2. How did it shift your perspective about the world or yourself? 3. How has it changed the way you show up or behave? We keep it structured, but flexible. After sharing, we open up to Q&A, personal stories, challenges, and deep dives. Some of the best insights come from the conversations *after* the share. **🧠 Who This Is For** * Entrepreneurs or side-hustlers finding their footing * Business owners, and doers building toward better * Curious minds who love ideas but care more about action * People tired of shallow conversations and hungry for growth If you’re working on something—or becoming someone—this space is for you. It’s a practice ground for people who want to grow forward. We’re all #InPursuit of mastery, momentum, and the kind of success that starts from within. **Map on how to get there** We're in the Create Quarter on the ground level (back right of the Quad as you enter from Swanson St). We'll likely be on a long table together. https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/SLV-EnglishMap_Jan25.pdf *If there is no room at a table I'll post on the event page that we'll be going to Mr. Tulk Cafe, which is on the corner of the library at Swanson St and La Trobe St.*

Progressibu Japanese English exchange Saturday 4pm-6pm Progressi部 日英言語文化交流 - Saturday 4pm-6pm Share your English and Japanese language and culture at this informal weekly exchange. It's a great chance to improve your English/Japanese, make new friends, and have a coffee Due to meetup website monthly charges, there's a fee of $3 CASH for non Japanese citizens. Please check with the organizer before participating. Please arrive 10-15 min early, due to limited seat Join Progressibu in Facebook / twitter [www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu](https://www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU9yB5_cPpRTKYc3XF8vD06VrLHEQq9YYp1j9Pipvbs2uKX3TXvzsyYNVxa9ZA9pqDHkbLv7yoB7kXwbh9s6e1FCg6-ycT8N1X9rgTgMcQZ6Q&__tn__=q) [twitter.com/progressibu](https://twitter.com/progressibu?fbclid=IwAR0-tRnPLLN7tM9T9RxLODXiRjb2uJecTzmz-3PWGKcaOQaZu_u8oI4kDIk) 本気で話せる、本気で学べる、 本気な人に出会える場を目指して。日本語の初心者でもネーティブスピーカーでも誰でも参加できます。 BYOPassion. メルボルン市内のカフェで日英言語文化交流会を主催しています Relaxed, easygoing environment for cultural, language exchange and make new friends Photos will be taken during the event **RULE: Any harassment will not be tolerate, ban permanently.** **Do not make the people you speak uncomfortable. Anyone from Progressibu Japanese English event is making you uncomfortable, please come and speak to the organiser Shin , David,** **Ray**

Join party-people from around the globe and discover Melbourne's best bars, lounges, and clubs including a famous rooftop bar/club with amazing city views, a truly wild "underground" nightclub, and a premiere Melbourne ultra-club featuring top DJ’s from around the world -all with exclusive free VIP entry. Enjoy no entry fees, no queues, free shots and exclusive “pub crawl only” drink deals @ every bar! https://pubcrawlmelb.com.au https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melbourne-cbd-pub-crawl-tickets-45461115420

✨ **Do you want to...** * 🫶🏽 Connect with like-minded people in your local community? * 🏋🏽‍♂️ Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others? * 🌈 Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)? * 🧘🏼‍♂️ Experience a simple yet powerful meditation practice to find calm and clarity? Or maybe you just want to... ☮️💟☯️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet some amazing new people?** *** ### **Join us on Sundays!** Let’s come together, share positive energy, and build a warm, supportive local community. **Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** *** ### **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection *** ### **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. *** ### **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue costs, provide 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** *** ### **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).** *** ### **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.

Take your doggos out for an afternoon of fun, socialising, and exploring as we wander down Johnston Street together. We’ll be making our way through some of Collingwood’s dog-friendly spots – from a stylish rooftop bar, to an Art Deco-inspired gem, and finally a warm, nostalgic tavern. Whether you’re discovering the neighbourhood for the first time or rediscovering an old favourite, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday with your pup. Total walking distance: just 700 metres. Ticketed event only, please book your tickets early at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/collingwood-puppy-pub-crawl-tickets-155644194977?aff=oddtdtcreator 1st Stop – Runner Up Rooftop Bar Perched above the iconic Collingwood Yards, Runner Up Rooftop Bar offers 270-degree views across Melbourne’s inner north. With its laidback, open-air vibe, this breezy rooftop is the perfect place to kick off the crawl. Behind the bar, expect sophisticated cocktails crafted with flair, a vibrant mix of red, white and orange wines, plus a thoughtful selection of spirits, each bringing unique depth and character. To make things even better, Chappy chips and dolmades will be served for human attendees – the ideal bite to pair with your first drink as the pups get ready for an afternoon of adventure. 2nd Stop – Night Hawks bar Our next stop takes us to Night Hawks, a chic Art Deco-lite fit-out bar with cool, easy-going vibes. They’ve reserved us a cosy spot in their back courtyard – the perfect place to mingle with fellow dog lovers while your pups relax. For the pooches: Willow’s Pantry grazing platters, featuring artisan dog cakes made without added sugar, using only certified organic, free-range, and natural ingredients. For the humans: enjoy $10 schooners of Nighthawks Draught, $10 Young Henry Cloudy ciders, $10 Louis dry cider cans – an exclusive offer just for our crew. 3rd Stop – Goldy’s! Tavern To wrap up the crawl, we’ll settle in at Goldy’s!, a traditional-style tavern tucked away in the back streets of Collingwood. With its warm and nostalgic atmosphere, this hidden gem has reserved us a spot in their undercover beer garden. For the pups: a doggie meal of the day, served alongside a decadent doggie cocktail. For the humans: hearty pub fare and a relaxed vibe – the perfect way to end the afternoon with your doggo and new friends, rounding off the crawl into a truly pawfect Sunday evening. 📝 Nitty Gritty Please keep all dogs on-lead while visiting Melbourne’s dog-friendly bars and pubs. Follow us for updates on future Puppy Pub Crawls and other dog-friendly events:📍 Facebook | 📸 Instagram: @crawlpuppypub Need a dog-friendly ride? Try Uber or Uber Pets – just bring a small blanket for your dog to sit on, and be sure to notify the driver before pickup.

**The Progressive Atheists 16th Anniversary Celebration Lunch and Speaker** Topic: **Steven Pinker: The Prominent Atheist, Cognitive Psychologist and Author** Speaker: **John Perkins** \- Secular Party of Australia It is the Progressive Atheists Inc.'s 16th Anniversary. The PA Committee of Management has the pleasure to invite Atheists to join us and our hosts, the *Maroondah and Yarra Ranges Atheists*, to celebrate our sixteen years of working for the transformation of the community into a just society for all. This year we are having a pub lunch.. In our first 16 years, we have participated in many campaigns for equality and human rights and against religious privilege. Campaigns such as supporting the two chaplaincy challenges at the High Court; the right to same gender marriage; the campaign against religious instruction in public schools; the exposure of abuse by religion and many more. PA has also provided services to Atheists including assisting ex-Muslim asylum seekers. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **"Steven Pinker: The Prominent Atheist, Cognitive Psychologist and Author"** **Steven Pinker** will be the most prominent Atheist to tour Australia (when he tours in early February 2026) since **Richard Dawkins** toured two years ago. [https://au.thinkable.events/events/](https://au.thinkable.events/events/) **Steven Pinker** is a prominent scientist; specifically a highly influential cognitive psychologist, experimental psychologist, and linguist known for his research on language, mind, and human nature. The two books (of those authored by **Steven Pinker**) that are likely of most interest to Atheists are, '***The Better Angels of Our Nature***' and '***Enlightenment Now:*** *The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress*'. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Better_Angels_of_Our_Nature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Better_Angels_of_Our_Nature) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlightenment_Now](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlightenment_Now) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Our activism is all part of the long list of activities in which Progressive Atheists is involved. We are proud of the progress of the organisation. We have to shatter the power of religion which is based on the manipulation of governments with superstition, ignorance and associated control. You are invited. Come and join us. There will be great company and an open microphone. 2025's predictions will be opened and new predictions made. The predictions are of the world stage seen by Atheists Progressive Atheists Inc. came about after a series of workshops and discussions. The PA was founded on the 10th January 2010 by four Atheists to unite like-minded individuals (who wanted Atheists to contribute to a progressive society in Australia), into an organisation capable of carrying this agenda. [http://progressiveatheists.org/about-us/](http://progressiveatheists.org/about-us/) We hope to see you at The Coach hotel on the 10th January from 12 noon. **Please share and invite your Atheist friends in Melbourne.** https://www.facebook.com/events/ TBA [https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-atheists/events/312708287/](https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-atheists/events/312708287/)

**Calling all queer crochet enthusiasts;** I am a visual artist located in Columbus that is searching for people who may want to gather while also participating in creating a piece of artwork. My goal is to spend time enjoying one another’s company while making a work of art that will be displayed within our community. I plan to teach people to crochet (if unfamiliar) while also inviting current fiber artists to join us for some much-needed social interaction. There are no expectations from those who attend, materials will be included, and any amount of participation is welcome! If you have a favorite crochet hook or current project you are welcome to bring that along too! The primary goal is to foster a safe space for our community to chat, create and be. For further information please email [landerknits@outlook.com.](http://landerknits@outlook.com.) \*This will be our 2nd meeting, bring friends and make new ones. Come as you are and make along side other like-minded folks.

**Start the new year with a Braver Angels gathering focused on speaking openly and listening deeply.** **In small, structured groups, each person will have five minutes to share a political or social issue that matters to them and why- no debate, no interruption, just genuine curiosity.** **Participants will practice curiosity, reflecting back values and emotions they hear, asking thoughtful questions, and- only with permission- offering their perspective.** **It’s a simple and powerful way to connect with one another and begin the year with a respectful and courageous conversation.** **Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026** **Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm** **Place: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southeast Branch, 3980 Hamilton Rd, Groveport, Ohio** **All are welcome- bring a friend!** For additional information contact: Lee Evans at [LEvans@BraverAngels.org](mailto:LEvans@BraverAngels.org)

Volunteer with Westerville Queer Collective and the Neurospicy Meetup to build care packages for local unhoused folks, which will be distributed throughout local camps and neighborhoods via Heer2Serve (501c3). Will you donate any items? If so, comment what will you bring Please make sure clothing items are clean and if you’re donating food, ready to be eaten without a stove or microwave. We expect to assemble around 50-100 packages, so if you’ll purchase items, please consider that amount (ie bulk individually packaged candies etc.). Fun and interesting book or entertainment item donation also welcome! Package assembly will take place on January 17th from 10-12 am. Location TBA but will be in Westerville, Ohio.

Why are we unhappy? Where does emotional pain come from? Studies show that people who suffer from long-term emotional pain have painful experiences in their lives that were never fully resolved in their mind. In other words, there were issues in the past that were not completely dealt with. This can include abuse in childhood, breakups, divorce, death of a loved one, to name a few. How do you know whether you have gotten over something painful? Here is an easy test: Do you still have attention on what had happened to you? For instance, do you still find yourself thinking about something painful that you went through? If you are, then you are not over it. In fact, in severe cases, people find themselves playing a "tape" in their mind over and over again. So how do you heal from your past? How do you stop the "tape" playing in your mind? In this meeting, you will learn a technique to help you with that. Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

Happy New Year, all! I hope it is a great one for all of us. Let's welcome 2026 together! Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday January 20** **from 7-10 pm at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new friends! Hope you can join us! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan