Philanthropy

Join us for a fun evening of beer tasting and networking with fellow Budapest ex-pats at our next meetup event! Whether you're new in town or a long-time resident, this is the perfect opportunity to connect. Our event will feature a variety of local and international brews for you to sample and discuss, while enjoying great conversations. Don't miss out on the chance to make new friends and discover new favorite beers at Beer People at Lázár utca 7. Come raise a glass with us at the Ex-Pat & English Language Meetup!

This time, we’re blending art and literature by crafting our own bookmarks. 🔖 Bring your favorite book to inspire you! What to Expect: 🖌️ Craft your own unique bookmarks using watercolor, pencils and thread! We are creating bookmarks based on the feeling of your belived books! Fee: 4000 Ft Come and let your imagination be the guide for your new bookmark. See you there! ✨

The language of this workshop is Hungarian. A program a **Budapest Accessibility Meetup**, a **UX Budapest** és az **Appy** közös szervezésű eseménye. A felhasználóknak mindig tudniuk kell, hogy egy-egy űrlapmezőbe milyen adatot írjanak be. Ehhez elengedhetetlen az űrlapmezők megfelelő címkézése, illetve instrukciókkal történő ellátása. Mivel a címkék nagyon fontosak az akadálymentesség szempontjából, ezért kiemelt szerepet kapnak WCAG szabványban is. A WCAG számos kritériuma foglalkozik azzal, hogy a címkézési folyamat mely aspektusai okozhatnak potenciális akadályokat. A workshopon gyakorlati példák segítségével azt járjuk körül, hogy milyen módon lehet elkerülni ezeket a címkézéssel kapcsolatos anomáliákat. **Többek közt szó lesz arról, hogy:** * mi az összefüggés az űrlapmező címkéje és elnevezése között, * közvetlenül mely WCAG kritériumok vonatkoznak a címkére, * a különböző kisegítő technológiák használatakor hogyan érvényesül a címke, * milyen a jó címkeszövegezés, * a HTML kódban hogyan valósítható meg az akadálymentes címkézés. **Időpont:** 2026\. március 4\.\, szerda\, 16:00 **Helyszín:** Appy iroda (1061 Budapest, Nyugati tér 1. 6. em.) **Meghívott szakértő:** **dr. Velegi Dorottya** \- CPACC\, jogász **Facilitátorok:** * **Daniss-Bodó Eszter -** ux designer, accessibility advocate (Blue) * **Nagy Árpád -** lead ux designer, akadálymentességi szakértő (OTP) * **Klein Péter -** design strategist & leadership advisor (Blue) * **Szántai Károly -** tanúsított web akadálymentességi szakértő, szakoktató **Program:** 1, Bevezető előadás - Szántai Károly 2, Csoportmunka interaktív feladatokkal 3, Közös összegzés **Kiknek szól?** UX/UI tervezőknek, fejlesztőknek, tesztelőknek, és akadálymentességi szakembereknek. A workshop gyakorlati példáiban nagyon egyszerű HTML kódok is lesznek, de ez senkit ne riasszon el a részvételtől. A kódolásban kevésbé járatos résztvevőknek is segíteni fogunk ezek értelmezésében. **RSVP** Kérjük, használd az RSVP-t! Ha bármilyen okból nem tudsz eljönni, kérjük, frissítsd foglalásodat, hogy más számára felszabaduljon a hely. **A helyszín akadálymentessége:** A helyszín akadálymentes. Lift és akadálymentes mosdó található az épületben. Segítőkutyádat természetesen szeretettel várjuk. **Fotózás** Készíts te is fotókat, és töltsd fel ide az eseményhez. Örökítsük meg együtt eseményeinket. **Van Meetup ötleted?** Folyamatosan szeretnénk javítani eseményeinket a te hozzájárulásoddal is. Ha van egy téma a fejedben, vagy ha szeretnéd, hogy a céged szponzoráljon egy eseményt, esetleg segítenél a szervezésben, jelezd nekünk.

Come meet people and play new board games with the international members of the BFG Whatsapp group! [Link to join the chat is here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JThEZv724MJ3hvnwBpfJA7). We’ll reserve a few tables at Vault 51 and then play games in smaller groups throughout the evening. **Note:** *Vault 51 requires that you pay a 600 Ft table fee per person at the bar.* Feel free to bring games you want to play or play something from the bar’s collection. Hot food and snacks are available from the bar until about 10pm Spots for this event are limited to not go too far over our table reservation, so please change your RSVP if you are not able to attend, also if you are on the waitlist, please wait to be in the "going" before attending! Also everyone can bring 1 guest only. Don't bring more, we wont have enough seats! Thanks you!

Haladó argentin tangó óra heti rendszerességgel januártól! Várunk szeretettel! **Időpont**: Szerda, 20:15 - 21:30 (első alkalom 2026-ban: **január 6.)** **Helyszín**: Shift Stúdió, Andrássy út 35., 2. em., 12-es kapucsengő **Oktatók** Serbán Andrea és Szeghalmi Endre Órarend: [https://tangolibre.hu/orarend/](https://tangolibre.hu/orarend/) ✦✦✦ Advanced Argentine tango class held on a **weekly basis**. **🕒 Time** Wednesday, 8:15–9:30 PM **📍 Location** Shift Studio, Andrássy út 35., 2nd floor **Teachers** Andrea Serban & Endre Szeghalmi Prices: [https://tangolibre.hu/en/prices/](https://tangolibre.hu/en/prices/)

ENGLISH STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT❗❗ Join us for another amazing Hot Paprika Comedy🌶️ Night at A&o! We have an amazing lineup of international🌍 comedians waiting to make you laugh! **Please comment under the post in the events discussion tab if you want a spot to perform!**\* FREE Show‼️But donations are appreciated💸 Hosted by : Tauseef Seats are on a first come first serve basis. So, come a bit earlier to make sure you have a seat.🪑 Follow Hot Paprika Comedy' to stay updated on future events: https://www.facebook.com/hotpaprikacomedy

Középhaladó argentin tangó óra heti rendszerességgel januártól! Várunk szeretettel! **Időpont**: Szerda, 19.00 - 20.15 (első alkalom 2026-ban: **január 6.)** **Helyszín**: Shift Stúdió, Andrássy út 35., 2. em., 12-es kapucsengő **Oktatók** Serbán Andrea és Szeghalmi Endre [További részletek és órarend](www.tangolibre.hu) ✦✦✦ Intermediate Argentine tango class held on a **weekly basis**. **🕒 Time** Wednesday, 7:00–8:15 PM **📍 Location** Shift Studio, Andrássy út 35., 2nd floor **Teachers** Andrea Serban & Endre Szeghalmi Prices: [https://tangolibre.hu/en/prices/](https://tangolibre.hu/en/prices/)

From the earliest moments of human reflection, people have asked a question as simple as it is profound: **Why are we here?** "*The unexamined life is not worth living,*" Socrates The search for the meaning of life is not merely an abstract puzzle; it is woven into our choices, our values, and the way we understand happiness, suffering, and purpose. In ancient Athens, Socrates suggested that a meaningful life begins with examination, placing self-knowledge at the center of human existence. For Socrates, meaning was not something handed to us but something discovered **through dialogue, questioning, and moral awareness**. Aristotle later offered a different but complementary vision. He proposed that the purpose of human life is eudaimonia, often translated as **flourishing**. According to Aristotle, meaning is found not in fleeting pleasure but in living virtuously, developing our capacities, and contributing to the life of the community. A meaningful life, in his view, is one lived in accordance with reason, balance, and excellence of character. Modern philosophy introduced a more unsettling perspective. Jean-Paul Sartre argued that human beings are “condemned to be free.” There is no predetermined purpose, no universal script that defines our existence. Instead, meaning emerges from **our choices**. We create who we are through action, and with that freedom comes responsibility. Meaning, then, is not discovered but constructed. Simone de Beauvoir extended this existential insight by emphasizing that meaning is not created in isolation. Human freedom exists in relation to others. To live meaningfully is to recognize both one’s own freedom and the freedom of others, and to engage in projects that affirm shared humanity. For de Beauvoir, meaning involves responsibility, connection, and the ethical use of freedom in a world that offers no fixed answers. Across these perspectives, a fascinating tension emerges. *Is meaning something we discover, cultivate, or create?* Is it rooted in virtue, happiness, responsibility, relationships, or purpose? Perhaps the enduring power of this question lies precisely in the fact that no single answer has ever satisfied everyone. Today, the question remains open, inviting each generation to respond in its own way. Philosophy offers frameworks, science offers explanations, culture offers narratives—but ultimately the question turns toward each of us personally. So as we begin this seminar, we return to the question that has echoed across centuries of thought and experience: **What is the meaning of life to you?** **BIO**: Georgiana Turculet is a multidisciplinary philosopher and two-time Marie Curie fellow. She holds a PhD from Central European University and has held academic positions at several European institutions, including the Department of Philosophy at Pompeu Fabra University and the Department of Philosophy at University of Copenhagen If the Paypal system is not working for any reason, don't worry, you can make a contribution on location, which helps us to pay for the meetup service and to keep the event going. Send me a private message if you need help.

**Celebrate yourself, your path, and your power. Let's bloom together! Hello Budapest! 🌷** Traditional International Women’s Day can often feel like a quick gesture. At the **Women’s Coffee Network**, we believe you deserve more than just a polite nod. You deserve a space to be seen, heard and celebrated for the professional journey you are on. For our **March 8th Special Edition** in Budapest, we are hosting a curated circle designed to anchor our intentions and empower our collective growth. **What makes this edition special?** Within the high-quality connections we usually create, this time we'll be using thematic design tools specifically designed for this day. These prompts set focus on **Female Empowerment**, reclaiming our unique strengths and visualizing our futures for the year ahead. **Your Ticket includes** * **Facilitated Circle:** An intimate, 2-hour soft guided session to build genuine professional and social bridges. * **Empowerment Collection:** First access to our new thematic design tool. * **Seasonal Surprise:** Every lady at the table will receive a curated gift to take home (a living symbol of your growth and grounding this spring). **Important Details** 🕒 **When:** Sunday, March 8th 📍 **Where:** Budapest. A secret, cozy café (to be revealed to participants a few days before the event). 💜 Seats are strictly limited for this special tribute. 👉 To secure your spot, please [grab your ticket here.](https://luma.com/644u3b7w) \-\-\- **🛡️ Our Private Circle** To maintain a safe and transparent environment for our members, this is a dedicated space for women and those identifying as female. We kindly require all participants to have a full name and a clear face photo on their profile. Requests that do not meet these criteria will be declined to ensure our members' privacy and comfort.

Foundation models are leaving the cloud — and entering the physical world. Robotics is quietly becoming the next global ecosystem. Open-source foundation models. End-to-end learning. Industrial-grade reliability. And radically new ways of building robotic bodies. This meetup is special because we’re not just talking theory. We’re bringing together speakers from: • **Hugging Face** — powering one of the world’s leading open AI ecosystems, now expanding into open-source robotics • **mimic robotics** — building scalable, real-world robotic manipulation systems for industrial deployment • **Allonic** — reinventing how robotic bodies are manufactured through its 3D Tissue Braiding technology, recently raised €6M in pre-seed funding — the largest hardware pre-seed round in Hungary to date This event is powered by **ShareTech Foundation** — a non-profit initiative building bridges between frontier technology, industry, and the European tech ecosystem. This event venue is provided by **Tulip Interfaces** a manufacturing app platform empowering frontline teams with digital tools and real-time data. *** ** Date & Time:** March 5. 2026, 17:30 ** Location:** Tulip Interfaces Office - Budapest, Köztelek u. 6, 1092 *** ** The Talks** *** **Dana Aubakirova** ML Research Engineer — Hugging Face **Open-Source Robotics: Bringing Foundation Models to Real Robots** From Vision–Language–Action models to real robotic deployment. Dana will walk us through: * How foundation models are reshaping robotics * Multimodal pretraining and scaling trends * SmolVLA and the LeRobot open-source ecosystem * Community-driven robot data collection * What still blocks large-scale embodied AI If you care about open-source AI moving into the physical world — this one’s for you. *** **Benedek Forrai** Co-Founder & Lead Roboticist — mimic robotics **Systems as Moat — Bringing Reliability into End-to-End Learning** End-to-end learning is exciting. Industrial reliability is harder. Benedek shares: * VLA → VAM evolution * Scaling pretraining without massive robot datasets * Architectural bottlenecks in current pipelines * Why system design becomes the true competitive moat This is where research meets customer-grade deployment. *** **Benedek Tasi** Founder & CEO — Allonic **Complexity in Robotic Bodies — And Making Them Simple Enough for Mass Production** As robot intelligence scales, hardware complexity explodes. Allonic introduces **3D Tissue Braiding** — a radically new way of “growing” robotic bodies in a single integrated process. We’ll explore: * Bio-inspired robotic connective structures * Reducing hundreds of parts into unified builds * Manufacturing scalability for the next robotics wave This is how you build robots that can actually scale. *** ** Agenda** 17:30 — Arrival & welcome 18:00 — Talks 20:00 — Community networking 21:00 — Wrap-up ** Why You Should Come** Because robotics is no longer sci-fi. It’s becoming infrastructure. And the next big shift in AI will be embodied. Join us if you’re into: * AI & foundation models * Robotics & manipulation * Industrial systems * Hardware innovation * Or just want to see where this is all heading As always: high-signal talks, real practitioners, strong community. See you there. *ShareTech.Foundation is building Europe’s next-generation tech communities — from AI and robotics to hardware prototyping and cross-border collaboration.* \*Please note: All presentations will be conducted in English to welcome our growing number of international members. \*\*Please be informed that photographs/videos can be taken at the event, in which the event participants may be identifiable as data subjects. The event usually produces mass shots to show the events in their overall effects, but it can also be possible to highlight a particular person or moment in the recordings. The photo/video may be used and published in promotional and/or marketing materials, on the website, intranet and social media channels. We declare that we will only use photo that are not infringe the personal rights of the data subject.

El objetivo de este encuentro es romper el hielo, hablar de las historias que nos gusta escribir, de por qué escribimos, de los libros que nos gusta leer, de qué dificultades encontramos al enfrentarnos al folio en blanco y de qué esperamos del grupo. En definitiva, se trata de conocernos como personas para entendernos como escritores. No importa si has escrito diez novelas, cuatro cuentos o el precioso título de un poema sin versos. Aquí todo aspirante a juntaletras es bienvenido.

English below \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Tarts egy kis szünetet a hétköznapi rohanásban és gyere el csendes könyvklubunkba a Fővárosi Szabó Ervin Könyvtárba. Hozd magaddal az aktuális könyvedet, merülj el benne egy órácskát, majd oszd meg velünk, amit olvastál. 🗺 Hogyan találsz meg minket: A tanulótér felújítása miatt az eseményt a FSZEK Ötpacsirta u-i épületében tartjuk (Ötpacsirta u. 4., a Központi Könyvtár bejáratával szemben): az épületbe beérve gyere fel az első emeletre a balra található lépcsőn. A termünk rögtön a lépcsősorral szemben lesz. 💡 Részvételi díj: Nincs. :) 🥤 Étel-ital: Kérünk, zárható üvegben hozz magaddal innivalót, ha az esemény alatt megszomjaznál. Másból inni, valamint a teremben enni nem lehet. 🕑 A menetrend: 17:00–17:30 – Érkezés és bemutakozókör: mit fogsz olvasni? 17:30–18:30 – Csendes olvasás 18:30–19:30 – Választható beszélgetés a könyvekről (magyarul) Extra: Az esemény után igény szerinti afterezés a [Prága Kávéház és Sörözőben](https://pragakavezo.hu/) (Baross u 8.), hogy ne csak könyvekről beszélgessünk! Ha csak erre jönnél, írj üzenetet, hogy ne kerüljük el egymást. Fontos: Ez egy teljesen magyar nyelvű esemény. A bemutatkozó kör az elején és a kötetlen beszélgetés a végén is magyarul zajlik. Az olvasás csendje persze mindenkié, így nyugodtan hozhatsz bármilyen nyelvű könyvet. A részvétel ingyenes, de a helyek korlátozottak. A helyedet a hivatalos Meetup eseményen való regisztrációval tudod biztosítani: Várunk szeretettel! \-\-\-\- Please note: This is a Hungarian-language event. The introductions at the beginning and the optional discussion at the end are held in Hungarian.

This is a **paid** and **Women only** event! In honor of International ***Women’s Day (8th of March)***, we celebrate not only strength and success, but also resilience — the quiet, powerful kind that lives in every woman’s story. Every scar, every lesson, and every woman who continues to rise — stronger, wiser, and beautifully whole. ***Kintsugi*** dates back to the 15th century and means “joining with gold” in Japanese. A broken object (ceramic) is glued together with lacquer and then the seams are covered with gold. Wabi Sabi, related to Kintsugi, is the philosophy of embracing our flaws and life’s fragility. During the workshop, we will go through the various processes of Kintsugi – breaking, grinding, joining, gluing, gilding – thereby we will also see our own vulnerability on the path to becoming whole. **Leading the workshop:** Jennifer Nyerki (Art and Sociotherapist) **Date:** Saturday 7 March 2026 - 09:30-13:30 **Location:** 7th district **Fee:** 15,000 HUF via bank transfer only! **No drop-ins!** **To register, send an email to thearttofreedom@gmail.com** **What is art therapy?** Art therapy is a self-development tool that uses creative expression for emotional awareness and personal growth. The field of Art Therapy is diverse, with each branch having its own area of expertise - visual arts, movement, dance, music, and drama..etc The focus is not on the final artwork, but on the journey and what it reveals. Important: This is not an art workshop or an art course. The workshop does not qualify and does not replace psychotherapy but is a meaningful addition to the self discovery journey. Furthermore, it is not recommended for those undergoing neurological or psychiatric treatment. **What to expect:** \- no prior artistic skills or experience required \- express and explore emotions freely \- process over outcome \- experience a supportive and inspiring environment\, the collective energy of the group can deepen personal reflection and foster a sense of belonging **Cancellation Policy:** \- Full refund for cancellations made more than 7 days before the workshop\. \- 50% refund for cancellations made within 7 days of the workshop\. \- Registrations may be transferred to another person with prior notice\. \- No refunds for no\-shows\. \- Full refund if rescheduled/cancelled due to the organiser\.

Every Saturday at 8:00 PM, we gather in the city to share languages, cultures, and conversations. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CGM1Jm8JfNS291xA1zMobk) ] Our group is made up of friendly 20s–30s people — locals, expats, and travelers alike — who come together to meet new people and explore different ways of thinking. Whether you’re new to Budapest or call it home, this meetup is your chance to connect in a relaxed, open-minded space. Join us to swap stories, practice new languages, and build genuine friendships across cultures.

Join us as we get together for a CMG-favorite event, the OSCAR PARTY AND RED CARPET BASH at the Drexel Theatre! The highlight of the movie year live on the big screen always makes for a fun and memorable evening! Here are details for this event: WHAT TO EXPECT: This year’s ceremony will be hosted once again by Conan O’Brien. In addition to the Oscars on the big screen, your ticket includes a Meal Deal from the Drexel’s new food partner Newfangled Kitchen (I’m checking on vegetarian/vegan options) along with unlimited popcorn and sodas, a free box of candy, and your first beer, wine or specialty drink on the house! Also included: Oscar-themed trivia with prizes from local businesses, on-site paparazzi, and the Drexel's Oscar ballot contest with a chance to win a year of free Drexel movies! Plus, the BEST and most FUN way to watch the Oscars with fellow film fans and your CMG friends! ADVANCE TICKETS: General public tickets are $45 but Movie Group Members and their guests get in for just $35! Here’s how to purchase your tickets: \* Option 1 – In Person: You can purchase at the ticket counter anytime during operating hours. Just mention you are with the Columbus Movie Group for the discounted rate. \* Option 2 – Online: If you prefer to purchase online, you can do so by going to the link below and following these instructions: 1. Click the link below. 2. Click the little TICKETS box then click BUY TICKETS. 3. If you are a Drexel Member, you can log in here to receive the Member/Group rate, which is the same. If you are not a Drexel member, click “No” and the $40 Rate will pop up. But, don’t fret. It’s a little hard to find but there’s a “Promotion Code” section on the screen. Click the “Know a Promotion Code?” box, enter “CMG2026” (case sensitive) and submit. Select the appropriate number of tickets in the Discount Rate section and click “Add.” Next “Proceed to Checkout” then “Checkout” and enter your credit card info. There’s a $1.50 online service fee but it’ll save you a trip to the Drexel. (If you don’t already have one, you will need to sign in or create an account first.) Sellout possible so please purchase yours as soon as possible in advance! LINK FOR TICKETS (See Above Instructions): https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=373546\~e2e0a350-c626-4e33-bc63-27e983f4aecf&epguid=ab0b2f82-403c-4972-9998-5475e7dcfa0e&mdy=3/15/2026& DRESS: Dressing up for the occasion art of part of the fun! Dress up as much as you like – there will be everything from casual to formal at the event! Or you can go in character as one of this year’s nominated films! ARRIVAL: Doors open for CMG at 5:30pm so that’s when we’ll plan to meet! That’ll give us plenty of time to fill out our Oscar Ballots, pick up some free popcorn, candy, and something to drink, mix, mingle, take some photos, pick up your Newfangled Kitchen Meal Deal, grab a seat in our CMG Reserved Section, then settle in to enjoy the Academy Awards on the Big Screen! PICTURES: We’ll take pics throughout the evening and the Drexel Paparazzi will be on hand as well. We’ll also take a big group photo around 6:40 near the entrance before the show begins. If you happen to take some good shots yourself, be sure to upload them on the Oscar Party Meetup event! RESERVED SEATING: As you enter the theater, the roped off section to the right marked “Reserved” is reserved for you, your guest(s) and the Columbus Movie Group! VEGAN MEALS: As previously mentioned, the food vendor does NOT have a vegan option at this year’s Oscar Party. However, we DO have a solution! I have reached out to several individuals who are affected. If you are a vegan, plan to attend the Oscar Party and did not receive an e-mail from me, please reach out via private message post a note below. I’ll provide details off-line. And while there won’t be a vegan meal option this year, I think we do have a workable solution. And, all other plans are usiness-as-usual: popcorn, sodas, candy, on-site paparazzi, decorations, bar drinks (including your first drink on the house), the Drexel’s Annual Oscar ballot contest, along with the Big Show on the Big Screen and a fun group of Movie Group friends to watch ‘em with! BONUS LINKS: \* COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES: https://deadline.com/lists/2026-oscar-nominations-list/ \* INTERESTING ARTICLE ON RECORDS BROKEN, SUPRISING FACTS AND OSCAR FIRSTS: https://abc7.com/post/oscar-nominations-2026-surprising-facts-nominees-98th-oscars/18448908/ \* SHORT VIDEO MONTAGE OF THIS YEAR’S BEST PICTURE NOMINEES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3abMnrsaUA \* FUN VIDEO OF OSCAR NOMINEES HEARING THEIR NOMINATIONS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eY1yGQ2aU PARKING: Parking is available along Main Street in front of the theater, on Drexel Avenue, and other nearby side streets. Additional parking is available at the Bexley Municipal Parking Lot (two driveways west of the theatre). LINK: Should be a fun & festive evening and a terrific way to celebrate a great year of movies together! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

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. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online 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) The formal presentation will start at noon

[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).

Come join us for coffee at Matari Coffee to discuss our March book, "The Enchanted Greenhouse"! Book description: Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium. This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home. But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again. This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.