Progressive Democrats

**♟️ Join the Knight Clubbers adventure! ♟️** Experience an evening where the chessboard becomes a battlefield, blending friendly vibes with competitive spirit. **🔗 Free registration: [Sign up](https://knightclubbers.com/sign-up)** **✨ Games for all skill levels** Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned strategist, every game is a great opportunity to improve and meet fellow chess lovers. **🕒 Total freedom – Play at your own pace** Join the battles or simply watch and enjoy the atmosphere. **🏆 Challenge your opponents and climb the leaderboard** Collect victories and compete to become King or Queen of the Kingdom. **👑 Ready for the challenge?** Join Knight Clubbers and become part of the legend!

**Join us for our signature Vegan Drinks social—this time at NUTTEA Toronto!** Vegan Drinks is a social event for those interested in making new friends and meeting like-minded people. We meet up on the last Friday of the month. You don't have to be a vegan to come and enjoy the fun. In fact we encourage you to bring your veg and non-veg friends!), but only vegan food and drinks are available for purchase. While we’re also hosting our smaller Second Sundays meetup here earlier in the month, this is a completely different experience. If you’re looking for a lively, high-energy evening with lots of new faces, this is the one to come to. 📍 **Venue** NUTTEA Toronto Menu: [https://nuttea.net](https://nuttea.net) 📅 **Event Details** **Friday, May 29** **6:30 PM – 9:30 PM** No cover — just show up, buy some food if you're hungry, drinks if you're thirsty, and most importantly, have fun and socialize! Name tags will be available so you won't have to remember a million names. ✨ **What Makes This Event Different** • A large, social atmosphere (typically 100+ attendees) • Designed for mingling and meeting lots of new people • Energetic and free-flowing • Drop in anytime, stay as long as you like *(If you prefer a quieter, small-group setting, check out our capped Second Sundays event earlier in the month.)* ☕ **How It Works** Just show up, order what you like, and start socializing. Talk about your interests, your favourite recipes and restaurants, your dream job to save the animals, the environment, your ethics, or anything and everything. 🌿 **The Space** Nuttea is a plant-based tea shop, with fun options for bakery items, bubble tea, coffee, homemade nut mylk and nut cream. Expect their signature nut-milk teas, coffee, and a selection of vegan baked goods in a vibrant Bloor Street setting - stay indoors or chat the evening away on the outdoor patio with your drinks. ❓ **Questions?** Reach out to the event hosts for anything not covered above.

**🔥 $5 Fridays: Salsa Rueda de Casino \| Last Friday of the Month** **One night. One circle. Five dollars.** May's last Friday is here — and so are $5 Fridays at Access Ballroom. Kick off your summer the right way, because the floor fills up every single time. For just $5, you're walking into one of the most social, high-energy dance experiences in Toronto: Salsa Rueda de Casino at Access Ballroom. **🕺 What's Rueda?** A circle of dancers. Pulsing Cuban music. One caller shouting commands — and everyone moves in perfect sync, then switches partners at once. It's part dance class, part group experience, part Friday night party. And it happens right here in Toronto's most unique social and ballroom dance studio. **📋 What to Expect on May 29** * **Arrive & meet the group** — no awkward standing alone, everyone's here to have fun * **Beginner-friendly Rueda lesson** — our instructor guides the whole circle, no experience needed * **Partner rotations** — you'll dance with everyone; that's the whole point; no partner necessary **💃 Who's This For?** Everyone. Solo, partnered, first-timer, or regular — Rueda is built for all levels. No partner required. No dance experience required. Just show up. **📍 Details** **Date**: Friday, May 29, 2026 **Where**: Access Ballroom — 909 Queen St E (basement), Toronto, ON **Cost**: $5 **Parking**: Available behind the building **⚠️ Spots are limited — RSVP now and get your tickets below before it fills up.** TICKETS: studioaccessballroom.com

Come join us for an evening of drinks, laughs and painting in a relaxed, social setting.!! **Tickets -** **[https://tickets.nationalsocialnetworking.com/events/tommehra/2205614](https://tickets.nationalsocialnetworking.com/events/tommehra/2205614)** Tickets help cover the cost of hosting the social, ensuring a great venue, and a well-organized event for everyone. **Demographics** Ages 20-37 All attendees are fluent English speakers **Follow us!** [https://www.instagram.com/nationalsocialnetworking/](https://www.instagram.com/nationalsocialnetworking/) Tickets help cover the cost of hosting the social, ensuring a great venue, and a well-organized event for everyone.

Please try not to be late. Socialize with exceptional people in a cozy pub. Enjoy meaningful and stimulating, conversations, as we strategize and implement our plan... to Change the World in Eighty Days! Activities of ‘Eighty Days!’ follow a clear format: • Steve will meet, greet, and introduce every attendee at each meeting, • will lead a discussion of relevant, current, global news, • lead a discussion of our overall objective, intermediary goals, and specific tasks, • and, ask for volunteer(s) for each specific, small, simple task. • Attendees will help choose the next meeting day, time, and place, • and enjoy socializing, our successes, and making a difference!

Don't be disappointed if you don't see a bunch of people attending. I advertise this on multiple platforms and the class usually sells out. Improv comedy uses several techniques to create laughter. These include, creating an atmosphere free of judgement, saying 'yes', active listening, being positive, putting your focus on others, and the importance of play and laughter. Not coincidentally, these are the same things that happen to us naturally when we are bonding with another person. In this class, we'll explore these techniques not with the goal of being funny, but with the goal of being people that other people want to be around. The organizer, Ralph MacLeod, is a co-founder of two independent improv clubs in Toronto - Bad Dog Theatre and Social Capital Theatre. He's been teaching improv for over 30 years. He also teaches these same techniques to several organizations including UofT, Google, Kraft, Shopify and many, many more. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have! FAQs and Good To Know.... After every event, a group from this class sit down and have a drink together so be prepared to stay if you want! Of course, you don't HAVE to. You also don't have to be single or bring a friend. The vibe of this class is much more 'making new friends' than a 'singles' mixer'. We usually run to 8:15 so pay for extra parking!

[Toronto Climate Film Festival](https://www.tcff.ca/) and [ClimateFast](https://www.climatefast.ca/) present: **Emergence: Women In The Storm** **Sunday May 31, 2026 – 6:30-9pm** Doors open @ 6:30 pm. Screening starts @ 7 pm. Join acclaimed directors Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper at the Toronto premiere for a Q&A to discuss ‘wisdom from the storm’ — how finding your community is one of the best ways to prepare for emergencies. Presented by The Toronto Climate Film Festival and Climate Fast. Doors at 6:30pm, screening at 7:00; Q & A to follow moderated by legendary feminist activist Judy Rebick. Trailer: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ytX_0KiQnM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ytX_0KiQnM) Tickets: [https://cool.world/event/emergence-toronto-premiere/](https://cool.world/event/emergence-toronto-premiere/) (Your Meetup RSVP will not get you a ticket!) About the film: Climate change is here. As heat domes, atmospheric rivers, and wildfires reshape our world, how do we protect what matters most? EMERGENCE: Women in the Storm goes beyond the headlines to explore how women are navigating climate emergencies. Recent disasters, including the wildfire that burned the town of Lytton to the ground and the devastating floods in the Fraser Valley, are seen through the eyes of survivors, while emergency responders and community organizers provide perspectives on preparing for – and moving beyond – the worst. Meghan Fandrich’s reflective readings from Burning Sage: Poems from the Lytton Fire, written after losing her town to the blaze, are woven together with stories of healing, resilience and hope in the face of an uncertain future. Intimate and beautifully crafted, the film offers insights on how to live in this new reality, finding ways to carry on without giving up. Website: [https://emergence.film/](https://emergence.film/)

Don't be disappointed if you don't see a bunch of people attending. I advertise this on multiple platforms and the class usually sells out. \*\*If you don't use Paypal, email me at ralph@socap.ca and we'll figure it out. You can pay be etransfer or with a credit card/cash at the venue.\*\* Improv comedy uses several techniques to create laughter. These include, creating an atmosphere free of judgement, saying 'yes', active listening, being positive, putting your focus on others, and the importance of play and laughter. Not coincidentally, these are the same things that happen to us naturally when we are bonding with another person. In this class, we'll explore these techniques not with the goal of being funny, but with the goal of being people that other people want to be around. The teacher, Ralph MacLeod, is a co-founder of two independent improv clubs in Toronto - Bad Dog Theatre and Social Capital Theatre. He's been teaching improv for over 30 years. He also teaches these same techniques to several organizations including UofT, Google, Kraft, Shopify and many, many more. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have! FAQs and Good To Know.... After every event, a group from this class sit down and have a drink together so be prepared to stay if you want! Of course, you don't HAVE to. You also don't have to be single or bring a friend. The vibe of this class is much more 'making new friends' than a 'singles' mixer'. We usually run to 8:15 so pay for extra parking!

Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/summer-clothing-swap-tickets-1988796709495 Clear out your closet and support animal rights in one go. Bring your gently‑used adult clothing and accessories (shoes, belts, bags, jewellery) and swap them for new-to-you treasures. Think of it as sustainable shopping without the guilt or the price tag. We’ll also have a DIY Corner for quick upcycles and creative fixes, plus a special pop‑up from soygirldesigns and helenaslowfashion. Sustainable, art-forward shops featuring unique pieces you won’t see anywhere else. @soygirldesigns @helenaslowfashion Doors open at 4:45 PM. Swapping runs until 9:00 PM. Cost is $5.00 (minimum). Cash accepted at the door. All proceeds will be donated to Wishbone Animal Rights Lab. Bring your clothes, your friends, and your best thrifting energy!

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday 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 - Martin Luther King 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.**

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.

A time to make signs, pack swag bags, and have fun together in anticipation for the Pride festivities the week after.

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS 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 - Karl Road 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.**

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛