Political Activism

https://chat.whatsapp.com/GzV0ojptK5Z7EvPYI1Zhc8 Groupe Whatsapp pour filtrer les spams et les fantômes avant de vous ajouter au vrai groupe. English text at the end of this message Un lieu, des rencontres, et la créativité comme langage commun. Ici, c’est un véritable QG où l’on fait des soirées comme en appartement. Bien calés dans les canapés, on se retrouve jour après jour pour créer du lien, rencontrer des artistes et artisans passionnés, et partager des moments authentiques. Chaque soirée mêle atelier d'initiation + apéro papotage convivial, avec des animations brise-glace pour que chacun se sente à l’aise et que tout le monde s’amuse, même en venant seul·e. Peinture, dessin, personnalisation d’objets, broderie artisanale, body painting, art numérique, musique, écriture créative, pyrogravure… explorez, échangez, expérimentez librement. ⚠️ Venir avec à grignoter et à boire (sans alcool) pour prolonger le moment ensemble.⚠️ ⚠️⚠️ Prix : 20€ ⚠️⚠️ Débutant·es bienvenu·es Aucune expérience requise, juste l’envie de vivre un moment différent 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 Creative & Social Evenings A place, encounters, and creativity as a shared language. Here, it’s a true home base where evenings feel like hanging out in a cozy apartment. Comfortably settled on sofas, we gather day after day to connect, meet passionate artists and artisans, and share authentic moments. Each evening combines an introductory workshop + a relaxed social apéro, with icebreaker activities to make everyone feel at ease and ensure a fun time, even if you come alone. Painting, drawing, object customization, embroidery, body painting, digital art, music, creative writing, wood burning … explore, connect, and express yourself freely. ⚠️ Bring something to snack on and drink (non-alcoholic) to enjoy together.⚠️ ⚠️⚠️ Price : 20€ ⚠️⚠️ Beginners welcome No experience needed, just the desire to enjoy something different

**Billeterie en ligne :** [https://www.eventbrite.fr/e/billets-penser-avec-rilke-lepreuve-de-la-solitude-1979788658171](https://www.eventbrite.fr/e/billets-penser-avec-rilke-lepreuve-de-la-solitude-1979788658171) Exerçons ensemble notre pensée à partir d'un texte philosophique ! Une parole peut parfois changer une vie, non en donnant des réponses, mais en offrant un autre regard plus poétique.C’est ce qui arrive lorsqu’on lit les *Lettres à un jeune poète* de Rilke : certaines phrases éclairent des zones jusque-là ignorées, d’autres mettent des mots sur ce que nous pressentions sans pouvoir le formuler. Rilke nous touche parce qu’il a accepté sa propre solitude, et qu’il l’a explorée sans chercher à la combler. Quand il s’adresse à nous, il ne transmet pas un savoir achevé, il nous invite à écouter notre profondeur, à marcher dans nos propres zones d’ombre et de lumière. \*\*\* Exerçons ensemble notre pensée à partir des textes qui ont inspiré l’Humanité ! Véritable exercice de la pensée, cet atelier nous propose d’explorer en commun une question à partir d’un texte philosophique et ses arguments. Nous découvrirons une méthode pour entrer en profondeur dans la pensée du philosophe, dégager de nouveaux questionnements et faire des liens avec notre vie quotidienne. **Déroulé** * 1 heure et 30 minute d’étude de texte, reformulation, questions **Date et lieu** 📅 Date : Dimanche 10 mai à 17h 📍Lieu : Espace Le Moulin, 48 rue du fer à Moulin 75005 Paris 🎟️ Tarif : 7€ tarif unique

Dû à la météo capricieuse, le meetup est redirigé vers le bar de l'hôtel ibis de Bercy Village (métro Cour St Emilion), même jour et même heure. Venez discuter en plein air de Spiritualité et Mystères de l'Univers, librement, dans une ambiance conviviale, ouverte d'esprit et bienveillante ! Rendons visible l'invisible en échangeant nos connaissances et expériences sur des sujets comme l'éveil spirituel, le chamanisme, les rêves, le moment présent, la manifestation, la réincarnation, les civilisations disparues, le paranormal, ... S'il y a une chance que vous veniez, merci de vous inscrire en avance au plus tôt, ainsi chacun aura une idée de l'affluence, quitte à vous désinscrire ensuite au dernier moment (ce n'est pas un problème pour le meetup). Afin de connaître nos évènements futurs et être informé au plus tôt du lieu, inscrivez vous à notre canal Telegram (annonces uniquement) : [https://t.me/supraconscient_meetup](https://t.me/supraconscient_meetup) Ou à notre liste d'annonces par email : [Inscription aux annonces du meetup par email](https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1195908/138624033010747148/share) Ce meetup est gratuit et vous pouvez venir et partir quand vous le souhaitez à partir de 15h.

Are you interested in personal growth and self-development? Welcome to **Helene's Power Circle**, a Certified Somatic & Mindset Coach with over 15 years of corporate experience, supporting people in achieving fulfillment. The event is **open for women** to connect in our safe space and is designed to help us reconnect with ourselves and others in an authentic, grounded way. Through a mix of **somatic practices**, **guided reflection**, and **conscious conversation**, you’ll be invited to slow down, release tension, and realign with what truly matters to you. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking deeper connection, this space supports your **personal growth**, **emotional balance**, and **aligned action**. What we’ll do during the Meetup: * Somatic/body awareness exercises * Breathwork/Nervous system reset * Sharing circle You'll gain a deeper connection with your body and supportive, like-minded connections in the group. **Meetup Info:** * Time: 11 AM to 13 PM * Meeting point: [Ralph's Coffee](https://maps.app.goo.gl/taJufm7mrsVEHeLC8) (St. Germain 173 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris) * Duration: 2hr * Wear comfortable shoes and bring some water if needed Don't hesitate to **RSVP** to this event, which gives you access to our WhatsApp community! **Follow us** to see more events that will change your life!

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The Art&More Team**

Chè.re.s couleurs sur la palette cosmique 🌼🍀, Retrouvons-nous pour assister à cette événement littéraire dans le cimetière le plus emblématique de France ! À l’occasion du Printemps des cimetières 2026, le comédien Yves Heck ([compagnie Tête chercheuse](https://www.tetechercheuse.org/)) propose une série de lectures d’extraits d’œuvres, subjectivement et amoureusement sélectionnées par Thierry Illouz, parmi celles des écrivain·e·s inhumé·e·s au Cimetière du Père-Lachaise. 🖋️ **Au programme** : * Anna de Noailles, * Georges Perec * Marcel Proust * Oscar Wilde Quatre sessions de lecture de 20 minutes pour (re)découvrir ces voix littéraires dans un cadre singulier. Une manière de traverser le cimetière autrement, entre littérature, mémoire et déambulation. ⚠️ Le RDV est à l'entrée Gambetta : **Porte Gambetta (Rue des Rondeaux)** * Type d’accès : Piétons et véhicules. * Adresse indicative : Située dans la rue des Rondeaux, face à l’avenue du Père-Lachaise. * Transports : **Métro Gambetta (lignes 3 et 3bis).** Bus 26, 60, 61, 69, 102. 🎟️ Gratuit, sur réservation obligatoire 🔗 Infos & inscription : [https://www.paris.fr/evenements/toujours-vivante-car-la-litterature-ne-meurt-jamais-107149](https://www.paris.fr/evenements/toujours-vivante-car-la-litterature-ne-meurt-jamais-107149) au **01.55.25.49.10** ou mediatheque.marguerite-duras@paris.fr À très vite ! 📖 🪦 🌌 📑

Un dimanche après-midi fun et convivial autour des jeux de société :) Venez seul(e) ou en binôme et on formera des groupes sur place ! Prix d'entrée du café-jeux à 10 €, dont une boisson comprise et des jeux à volonté. ! Attention ! Nous réservons vos places jusqu'à 15h30, ensuite ce sera uniquement en fonction de l'affluence au café. Par ailleurs, pensez à vous désinscrire si vous savez que vous ne venez pas, par respect pour nous et les participants en liste d'attente. Merci :)

Hey toi ! Viens profiter d’un moment unique de remise en forme et de détente avec sauna, hammam et jacuzzi. Pour se retrouver rapidement et avoir un rappel, merci de rejoindre un groupe whatsapp : 📲 WhatsApp (infos & rappels jour J) : [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GI6JPhDtywSGZYlK19aiLE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GI6JPhDtywSGZYlK19aiLE) ( attention "discussion désactiver" pour éviter le spam) **A propos de l'activité :** L’alternance de chaleur sèche, vapeur et bain bouillonnant est idéale pour recharger tes batteries et te relaxer en profondeur avant de commencer une nouvelle semaine. On se retrouve en petit groupe, pour partager un moment de bien-être. L’activité est dans l’espace VIP à l’étage de la piscine. Le plus sympa est de partir ensemble en vélib du métro porte de Saint Cloud pour rejoindre la piscine, on en parle sur chat comme indiqué ici … Accorde-toi un vrai moment de détente, sans te ruiner, grâce à notre tarif préférentiel à seulement 15€. **Infos pratiques :** 🕖 Horaire : à partir de 15h ℹ️ Déroulement de l'événement et question en commentaire sur l’app gratuite socializus ⚠️maillot de bain et bonnet de bain homologué pour la piscine **Comment participer :** Télécharger l’app gratuite Socializus pour avoir la carte détaillé, le point de rendez-vous et les message de groupe : [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) **Nos réseau sociaux :** 🔹 Meetup – [https://www.meetup.com/afterwork-paris/](https://www.meetup.com/afterwork-paris/) 🔹 WhatsApp (infos & rappels jour J) [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GI6JPhDtywSGZYlK19aiLE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GI6JPhDtywSGZYlK19aiLE) (Active “Tout recevoir” pour ne rien manquer !) 🔹Groupe Facebook – [https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterwork.paris](https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterwork.paris) 🔹Page Facebook – Photos, souvenirs et actus : [https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterwork.paris](https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterwork.paris) 🔹 Socializus : [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) **🔹 Deviens Orga : [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm)** Nous sommes une association à but non lucratif, nous partageons une réduction sur le tarif. ✦✦ Les changements de dernière minute peuvent arriver, mais tout est mis à jour via l’app Socializus. Inscris-toi seulement si tu es sûr·e de venir, on compte sur toi ! 😊 📸 / 🎥 En participant à notre activité, vous acceptez d'être photographié et / ou filmé. Les photos et vidéos seront partagées sur nos réseaux sociaux et pourront être utilisées à des fins commerciales. Vous pouvez également publier vos propres photos avec le #socializus .................................................. ........................ 🕑 Merci de respecter les horaires. .................................................. ......................... A bientôt La team meetup

**La Maison des Femmes - 𝒊𝒏 🇫🇷𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 🇬🇧** **𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔 + Q&A with actress Oulaya Amamra** **🎬 Date & Time: Sunday, May 10th, Drinks at 6pm and Screening at 7pm followed by a Q&A with the actress** **📽️ Cinéma:Luminor Hôtel de Ville, 20 Rue du Temple, Paris 4** **🎟️ Movie Tickets: €5.50 – €12.00 [https://achat.luminor-hoteldeville.com/reserver/F614230/D1778432400/VF/253664/](https://achat.luminor-hoteldeville.com/reserver/F614230/D1778432400/VF/253664/)** **At the Women's Center, a team of caregivers, listeners, and supporters work tirelessly every day to help women who have experienced violence rebuild their lives. In this unique space, Diane, Manon, Inès, Awa, and their colleagues welcome, support, and restore confidence. Together, they draw on their strengths, vulnerabilities, convictions, and boundless energy.** **Watch the trailer with English subtitles: [https://vimeo.com/1181598565](https://vimeo.com/1181598565)**

**Sans Clue H3 R*n 1190 | International Mothers Day Hash** We celebrate mothers today for International Mothers Day. Bring yours along! Bring someone elses mother along! The more the merrier. 🐰 Hares: Sparkle and TunnelOfLove 👣 Trail: A-to-B trail, no bag drop 🧭 Directions: métro Père Lachaise (lignes 2, 3), sortie/exit 1 📍 Meeting Point: on the traffic island on Bd de Ménilmontant - follow the markings 💶 Hash Cash: 5 € (Hash cash is collected to keep our club active, and also to pay for your beer.) 🥐 Bring what you need. Up to you, but this could include water, sunblock, snow goggles, survival snack, chalk to back mark, a whistle if you can’t shout, brand new running shoes, a virgin, shiggy socks, a hash hymnal, a bag of tea, a bag of wine, wax, and/or extra cash. Dress appropriately - we run, and we may get into some shiggy (mud, puddles, scratchy bushes, wet paint, ...) On on! 👣🍻 [https://www.meetup.com/parish3-schhh](https://www.meetup.com/parish3-schhh)

Groupe de Discussions & Sorties GIRLY 🌸 sur Paris entre 24-38 ans : https://chat.whatsapp.com/JTs0gSMqPRVGlUSTg8oU9s?mode=ems_copy_t Filles uniquement 🚫

***Réservations sur [www.momoyoga.com/shut-up-and-breathe-yoga](www.momoyoga.com/shut-up-and-breathe-yoga), pensez à me laisser votre numéro de tél pour recevoir les infos d'accès!*** \- Adresse: 17 rue de La Fontaine Au Roi 75011 Paris \(entrée directement par la rue à droite du n°17\) \- Ouverture des portes 11h40 \(merci de ne pas entrer avant il y a un cours\) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- On se retrouve tous les dimanches à 11h45 pour un cours de yoga vinyasa (dynamique) tous niveaux @ Satya Yoga, assez tard pour faire la grasse mat' et assez tôt pour profiter de sa journée ! Une heure quinze pour bouger, respirer, se recentrer et relâcher les tensions :) Amenez une tenue confortable & souple (legging, bas de survet, débardeur...) . Au programme: échauffement, exercices de respiration (Pranayama), postures (Asanas), focus sur une posture avancée, méditation et relaxation (Savasana). A dispo sur place: tapis, blocs, sangles, bolsters, couvertures See you there, Claire ♥ ★ Le yoga Vinyasa c'est quoi? Vinyasa est un terme Sanskrit qui signifie synchronisation du mouvement sur la respiration. Il est composé de deux racines : « nyasa » qui signifie « placer » et « vi » qui signifie « d'une manière spécifique ». On définit donc le yoga Vinyasa comme un enchaînement de mouvements dynamiques, initié et harmonisé par la respiration. Le yoga vinyasa est issu du yoga Ashtanga, qui lui consiste à exécuter une série de postures dans un ordre bien précis. À la différence de l'Ashtanga, le yoga Vinyasa est plus libre et créatif : il n'impose aucune série de mesures. Les enchaînements sont le fruit de l'expérience acquise par l'enseignant et sont adaptables aux besoins de chacun. **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** **INFOS PRATIQUES** **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** ★ ADRESSE : 17 rue de La Fontaine Au Roi 75011 Paris // Métro République (5 minutes), Parmentier (5 min) ou Goncourt (5 minutes) ★ Ouverture des portes 11h40 ***(! ne pas entrer avant il y a un cours)*** \- Début du cours 11h45 \- Merci d'arriver à l'heure\. ★ Tarifs: Cours d’essai: 17,50 euros // Cours à l’unité: 20 euros // Carte 4 cours : 74 euros (valable 2 mois) // Carte 10 cours : 175 euros (valable 4 mois) // Carte 20 cours : 330 euros (valable 6 mois) ★ Réservations et annulations: Pour faciliter l'organisation et pour laisser la place aux élèves en liste d'attente, l'annulation d'un cours doit se faire au plus tôt et au moins 24h00 à l'avance, dans le cas contraire, le cours sera considéré comme dû et non remboursable. Merci! ★ Contacts: Claire Collet // shutupandbreathe.yoga@gmail.com // www.shutupandbreatheyoga.com // www.instagram.com/claire_shutupandbreatheyoga // www.facebook.com/ShutUpAndBreatheYoga

Cette formule s’adresse aux personnes de tous niveaux qui souhaitent retrouver leur énergie profonde dans une ambiance ludique et conviviale, hors jugement, performance et perfection. **JOUR :** 2 fois par mois **HORAIRE :** 17h00 -18h30 **ADRESSE :** Centre de danse du Marais, 41 rue du Temple, 75004 Paris **SALLE :** 1er étage salle Ravel (demandez à l'accueil) **ÉQUIPEMENT :** une tenue de sport. Tapis yoga fournit sur place. **PRIX :** **20 € unité** **INSCRIPTION** Venez directement 06 81 02 18 20 cie.tristanedelman@gmail.com **Description du cours de l'art des 3 Mouvements** Pratique inventée à partir du yoga, feldenkrais, pilates, qi-quong, arts martiaux asiatiques, brésiliens et européens, ainsi que des danses du monde et de l'improvisation libre. Déroulement : 1. Exercices énergétiques de remise en forme : échauffement progressif qui prend en compte le corps de la personne dans sa totalité. 2. Arts martiaux : expérimentation du rapport à l'autre, aux distances et aux contacts. 3. Danses traditionnelles : découverte des danses du monde (Inde, Afrique, Brésil, Océanie).

**Note the address says SE but it should be SW** HSLC is excited to collaborate with October One Vineyard for a monthly Yappy Hour! To support our local animals, please bring a pet food donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle for free tastings and glasses! You can also purchase raffle tickets. Your monetary donations help cover much-needed medical expenses for homeless and at-risk animals. This event will be 5-8pm on the last Friday of every month at the October One Vineyard tasting shop in Downtown Leesburg. This event is free to the public, so stop by and raise a glass. HSLC will be on hand to answer questions and let you know about available animals. Let’s “cheer” up our local area animals in need!

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Popes and Politics,”** on the history of clashes between pontiffs and world leaders, with Vanessa Corcoran, medieval historian at Georgetown University and scholar of the history of the Roman Catholic church. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-popes-politics](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-popes-politics) .] President Trump recently shocked many by unleashing personal attacks on Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, in a post on the Truth Social platform. Trump has been widely criticized by religious leaders for these remarks, made in response to the pontiff’s advocacy of peace with the U.S and Israel at war with Iran, and for his separate posts of AI-generated images depicting himself as a pope and as Jesus. For his part, Pope Leo has told journalists, “I am not afraid of the Trump administration,” and has found himself at the center of a heated debate over the proper role of any pope when it comes to commenting on global politics. As unsettling as such developments might be to Roman Catholics, they’re hardly unprecedented. Disagreements between popes and world leaders go back to the Middle Ages, and have played a significant role in shaping the Church and its role in the world. Explore the long history of popes’ conflicts with politicians with Vanessa Corcoran, a historian of the Roman Catholic Church who previously has given excellent talks on papal conclaves and the evolution of nativity scenes. She’ll discuss fascinating developments such as the fourteenth century Avignon Papacy, when Philip IV of France got the upper hand in a feud with the Church by pressuring a papal conclave to select a French pope and then getting the church’s leadership relocated from Rome to Avignon for nearly 70 years. In drawing parallels between recent events and medieval attacks on the Church’s authority she’ll describe how today’s anti-Church memes echo the anti-pope and anti-Catholic images that Martin Luther disseminated in large numbers with the help of woodcut printing. We’ll look at tensions between past presidents and past popes over not just wars, but issues such as abortion, stem-cell research, and abortion access. The talk will leave you with a deeper appreciation of the inherent tensions between politics and matters of faith. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From an 1866 Nicolò Barabino painting of the death of Pope Boniface VIII after he was kidnapped and held captive for three days at the behest of King Philip IV of France (Usher Gallery / Wikimedia Commons).

Join us for an all plant-based meal at the always popular Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna, VA. We've made a reservation for 20 attendees, so don't delay in RSVPing as this will fill up. You can preview Sunflower's menu [here. ](https://www.crystalsunflower.com/menu) Parking is available in the restaurant's lot and the Vienna Metro station is 1.6 miles away. Rides may be available from attendees with cars so please communicate needs/availability in the comments below. Please note that there is no outdoor dining at this venue and that this is an indoor event. **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

**The Kosciuszko Foundation Next-Gen Association for Young Professionals** invites all peers in the Washington, DC and surrounding areas to the event: ***Scaling Success: Poland’s Private Sector in the Global Economy. Panel with Erik Brattberg and Pablo Rasmussen, Brzezinski Global Strategies.*** Join us for a dynamic KF Next-Gen panel discussion and networking reception featuring Erik Brattberg and Pablo Rasmussen of Brzezinski Global Strategies. Together, we will explore the key drivers behind Poland’s private sector expansion, including entrepreneurship, foreign investment, and regulatory evolution, while examining emerging opportunities in clean energy, digital innovation, and infrastructure, as well as the challenges ahead. **TUESDAY\, May 12\, 2026 \| 6:00\-8:00 PM** **The Kosciuszko Foundation DC** 2025 O Street NW Washington, DC 20036 **Poland has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic economic success stories**, with its private sector playing a central role in driving sustained growth and innovation. Over the past three decades, the country has transformed into a leading economy in Central and Eastern Europe, with rapid GDP expansion and notable resilience through global economic shocks. Today, Poland ranks among the largest economies in the European Union, supported by a diversified industrial base and a highly skilled workforce. At the heart of this transformation is a vibrant and expanding private sector. Market-oriented reforms have enabled private enterprises to account for roughly 80% of employment, exports, and economic value creation—making them the primary engine of national growth. From advanced manufacturing and logistics to a fast-growing technology and services ecosystem, Polish firms are increasingly competitive on the global stage. **Erik Brattberg** is Managing Partner of Brzezinski Global Strategies. He previously served as Senior Vice President at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group, advising clients on U.S. national security policy, transatlantic relations, and political risk. A recognized expert on Europe with over 15 years of experience, he has held senior roles at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the McCain Institute, among others. Erik is a frequent commentator in major international media and has written for outlets including *The Washington Post*, *Financial Times*, and *Foreign Affairs*. He holds degrees from Georgetown University and Uppsala University and has completed executive studies at Oxford University. **Pablo Rasmussen** is a Director at Brzezinski Global Strategies. He previously served in the Biden-Harris Administration as an advisor to the Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, supporting global operations and strategic initiatives across 61 country programs. Before that, he worked at Albright Stonebridge Group, advising Fortune 500 companies and organizations on transatlantic affairs, EU policy, and investment strategy. He holds a degree in Government from Harvard University and is fluent in English and Spanish. **Refreshments will be served.** **This is a FREE event. RSVP required to: development@thekf.org**

**Sign up with volunteer information here:** **[https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0444AAAA2FA6F58-62378301-viva](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0444AAAA2FA6F58-62378301-viva)** **If you have additional questions, feel free to email the volunteer coordinator, Fred, at [volunteer@vivavienna.org](volunteer@vivavienna.org)** Help out with the Viva Vienna Festival. Lots of fun for the community and they raised $300,000 for charity last year. Volunteer dates: Friday evening May 22 until Monday evening May 25 -Most shifts are only two hours long. -No experience is necessary. -Because the festival is entirely organized and run by volunteers, all proceeds go to charity. -The Rotary Club of Vienna, in concert with the Town of Vienna, has been running *ViVa! Vienna!* for 42 years. -Each year the proceeds from *ViVa! Vienna!* support over 70 local charitable organizations. [https://vivavienna.org/](https://vivavienna.org/)

**Dine with me a veteran or active duty service member on Wednesday, May 13, and their lunch or dinner is our treat.* (Free entrée** **equal to or less than your purchase.)** **In celebration of Armed Forces Week, Firebirds has chosen May 13 to offer a hero a free meal. As Memorial Day approaches, we are also mindful of those service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms.**

Part of giving back to our communities means being involved with our leaders who legally run our communities on the government side. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Jeff McKay, throws socials where we can meet our local government representatives and network with community non-profits. It's fun and a great way to meet new interesting people. And there is food and drink which also helps :-) Not required, but you can dress up a little if you want. Business casual or business formal is fine. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Chairman Jeff McKay invites you to celebrate spring at the Fairfax County Government Center! Join us for an evening filled with light refreshments, exciting raffles, and the opportunity to connect with neighbors and friends.