Progressive Concerns

### Humanity: Dignity, Compassion, and Responsibility Humanity is one of the most basic concepts of human life. It refers not only to being biologically human, but also to a moral ideal: the ability to recognize others as dignified, vulnerable, and morally important beings. To speak about humanity is therefore to speak about compassion, respect, justice, responsibility, and human dignity. Historically, the meaning of humanity has changed over time. In early civilizations, ideas related to humanity were often connected to divine order, justice, social harmony, and the protection of the weak. In ancient Greek and Roman thought, humanity became linked to reason, virtue, education, law, and civic life. The Roman idea of *humanitas* especially connected humanity with culture, moral refinement, and responsibility toward others. Religious traditions also shaped the meaning of humanity. Many religions emphasize mercy, compassion, charity, humility, and care for the poor, the weak, and the stranger. In this sense, humanity was understood not only as a personal virtue, but also as a duty toward others and toward a higher moral order. In modern philosophy and politics, humanity became increasingly connected to universal dignity and human rights. The idea that every person deserves respect and protection, regardless of origin, religion, gender, class, or nationality, became central to modern ethical and political thought. Humanity therefore developed from a limited social or religious duty into a universal moral principle. However, the history of humanity is also a history of dehumanization. Slavery, colonialism, racism, war, genocide, and social exclusion show how people have often denied humanity to others. Dehumanization happens when human beings are treated as objects, threats, numbers, or tools. For this reason, humanity must also be understood as a critical concept against violence, humiliation, and exclusion. From a psychological perspective, humanity depends on empathy, compassion, moral judgment, and the ability to understand the suffering of others. From a sociological perspective, humanity is shaped by institutions, laws, education, culture, and social norms. From a biological perspective, it is connected to cooperation, care, attachment, and social bonding. Yet humanity cannot be reduced to biology alone; it also requires moral reflection and social responsibility. Today, humanity is challenged by war, poverty, migration, racism, technological change, artificial intelligence, and global inequality. Modern societies often reduce people to data, consumers, workers, or political categories. Therefore, the question of humanity remains urgent: how can dignity, compassion, and responsibility be preserved in a world shaped by power, technology, and crisis? This discussion invites a critical exploration of humanity as a moral, social, political, psychological, religious, and biological reality. Humanity is not only what human beings are; it is also what they owe to one another. *** 📅 Event Details 🗓️ Date: Sunday, 31 May 2026 ⏰ Time: 10:00 📍 Location: Tiergarten - Cafe am Neuen See Lichtensteinallee 2, 10787 Berlin · Berlin, de 📱 WhatsApp: For prep materials and directions (Group Chat) [Group Chat Bio](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)

It's short-form improv by the sweetest people on earth, including... YOU! Hosted by members of ImprovWorks, it's Berlin's only short-form improv jam! We'll pick some improv games in a range of difficulties, and if you want to play, just sign up. We aim to create an atmosphere where both first-timers can feel comfortable and supported getting on stage, and more experienced performers can get some fun practice. Doors: 19:30, Jam: 20:00 Tickets are free, but limited in number, get yours in advance to avoid disappointment: [https://www.improvworksberlin.com/shows](https://www.improvworksberlin.com/shows)

**Radical Empathy – Navigating conflicts as a trans, non-binary, and inter person** with ***Neo Seefried*** & ***Béla Belissima*** for **LGBTQIA+** Free event with[ ](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/radical-empathy/w16-2026)**[registration](https://wearevillage.org/shop/radical-empathy/w22-2026)** In this workshop, activist and artist **Béla Belissima** invites participants into an empowering exploration of conflict dynamics. Together, we will examine how trans-feminine and queer lived experiences shape our navigation of resistance, confrontation, and self-assertion. Drawing from her background in political education and community communications, Béla offers insights into remaining agentic during conflicts without making our identities invisible. This session provides a dedicated space for reflection and the exchange of strategies that help us set boundaries while staying connected to ourselves and our communities. **About Radical Empathy** **Radical Empathy – Tools for Togetherness** builds on Radical Empathy – Queer Storytelling for Connection (2025) and further develops the format: from collective storytelling to collective practice. The workshop series strengthens queer solidarity in all its diversity and asks: How can we stay connected, especially when things get tough? Hosted by **Neo Seefried**, the series combines collective storytelling with somatic, communicative, and creative tools to remain capable of acting in queer contexts when faced with conflicts, emotions, and differences—without avoiding or escalating them, but rather with greater clarity, care, and relational competence. Each session has its own thematic focus (including grief & death, relationships, migration, HIV/AIDS, club culture & substances, trans/inter/non-binary) and is complemented by a guest who explores the respective topic in depth. At the center is the Resonance Circle: a space for shared stories, mindful listening, and resonance—empathy as a practice that we train together and carry into our daily lives. 🔵 #### **Radikale Empathie – Konfliktbewältigung als trans, nichtbinäre und inter Person** mit ***Neo Seefried*** und ***Béla Belissima*** fur **LGBTAIQ+** In diesem Workshop lädt die Aktivistin und Künstlerin **Béla Belissima** zu einer empowernden Auseinandersetzung mit Konfliktdynamiken ein. Gemeinsam werfen wir einen Blick darauf, wie trans-weibliche und queere Lebensrealitäten unsere Erfahrungen mit Widerstand, Konfrontation und Selbstbehauptung prägen. Béla verbindet Impulse aus der politischen Bildungsarbeit mit ihrer Expertise in der Community-Kommunikation, um Wege aufzuzeigen, wie wir in Konflikten handlungsfähig bleiben, ohne unsere Identität unsichtbar zu machen. Der Workshop bietet Raum für Reflexion und den Austausch über Strategien, die uns helfen, Grenzen zu setzen und gleichzeitig in Verbindung mit uns selbst und unserer Community zu bleiben. **Über Radical Empathy** **Radical Empathy – Tools for Togetherness** knüpft an **Radical Empathy – Queer Storytelling for Connection** (2025) an und entwickelt das Format weiter: vom gemeinsamen Erzählen hin zum gemeinsamen Üben. Die Workshop-Reihe stärkt queeres Miteinander in seiner Vielfalt und fragt: Wie können wir verbunden bleiben, gerade wenn es schwierig wird? Gehostet von **Neo Seefried**, verbindet die Reihe kollektives Storytelling mit somatischen, kommunikativen und kreativen Tools, um in queeren Kontexten mit Konflikten, Emotionen und Differenzen handlungsfähig zu bleiben – ohne zu vermeiden oder zu eskalieren, sondern mit mehr Klarheit, Fürsorge und Beziehungskompetenz. Jede Session hat einen eigenen thematischen Fokus (u.a. Trauer & Tod, Beziehungen, Migration, HIV/Aids, Clubkultur & Substanzen, trans/inter/nicht-binär) und wird durch einen Gast ergänzt, der das jeweilige Thema vertieft. Im Zentrum steht der Resonance Circle: ein Raum für geteilte Geschichten, bewusstes Zuhören und Resonanz – Empathie als Praxis, die wir gemeinsam trainieren und in den Alltag mitnehmen.

Welcome to **ChessBar Events! 🍻♟️** We host **weekly chess tournaments** in different bars across the city — the perfect mix of strategy, drinks, and good vibes. The tournament is organized directly through our **ChessBar app**, where you can see your next opponent, enter results, and gain ranking points throughout the season. **The number of people shown on Meetup is not accurate. Please check the ChessBar app for the actual number of participants.** ✨ **What to expect** \- 5 games in **rapid format** (10 minutes per player) 🕹️ **\- Free entry** 💸 **\- Open to all levels** \- Up to 12 players can participate \- No need to bring a board or pieces — we provide all the material\! **How to join** 📲 Please make sure to **register through the ChessBar app** (signing up on Meetup alone is not enough). 👉 [https://onelink.to/chessbar-s](https://onelink.to/chessbar-s) 🌐 **More info** Website: [www.chess-bar.com](https://www.chess-bar.com/) Instagram: [@chess___bar](https://www.instagram.com/chess___bar/)

Ditch the old book club, where everyone has to read the same book...this is better! It works like this: Bring your own book. Come chat, have some tea or coffee, get to know your neighbors. Then we quietly read together, side by side, for about one hour, each one reading their own book, and afterwards we talk with each other about what we are reading. The usual agenda: - Arrival and introduction (~20 minutes) - ⁠Silent reading (~1 hour) - ⁠Discussion (~30-40 minutes) - ⁠Join us for a bite at a local restaurant afterwards, if you like! You may read in any language, you may read any book. We are a group of international residents of Berlin from many different countries, of all ages, and we converse in English. We welcome you! No registration needed – the event is donation based. All funds support the Offenes Wohnzimmer.

-FLINTA\* Jam Session in the park -take your music instrument with you and improvise in a relaxed atmosphere -for beginners and experienced musicians -space to meet people and opportunity to learn new music skills or to try out another instrument -only takes place without rain -1€ for my meetup payment as an organizer -you can take a blanket for sitting with you -I will post the exact location when I arrive (close to Gustav-Meyer-Denkmal) I had a hard time finding an open jam session for beginners in Berlin. So I decided to create this group! I would like to have the space of exploring music together with other people in a relaxed atmosphere. You really don´t need to be a good musician. The only important thing is to really like music. I am not a professional musician. „Weird“ sounds are welcome. Please write in the chat in case you have troubles finding the group.

Bring a blanket, maybe a drink or snack, and 3–5 books you’d like to pass on, and spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon with fellow readers at the Gleisdreieck Park. Novels, philosophy books, poetry, comics, forgotten favorites — in any language — everything is welcome. Maybe you’ll leave with fewer books — or more. Both are part of the adventure. This is not a formal market or networking event — just a cozy little community gathering with books, conversations, and a bit of curiosity. Come browse, swap, chat, or simply enjoy the atmosphere on the grass. Orga The meetup will only take place when the **weather is good**. Please keep an eye on notifications. This meetup is donation based. Your contribution helps keep this community alive and is highly appreciated. You can either contribute in cash or via Buy me a Coffee: [https://buymeacoffee.com/butterflyradar](https://buymeacoffee.com/butterflyradar) Questions? Check our Meetup-FAQs: [https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/](https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/) Meet your host I’m Julia — a Berlin local who loves bringing people together. My path went from growing up in a dance school to studying philosophy to working in IT support, and somehow all of that led me here: hosting meetups and creating spaces where people can show up, relax, and connect. Insta [https://www.instagram.com/juwaberlin/](https://www.instagram.com/juwaberlin/) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-waehnert/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-waehnert/) About The Social Butterfly Club 🦋 is a Berlin-based community that has been bringing people together for over three years. Each gathering is part of a larger framework designed to help friendships grow through shared experiences in the city — with a long-term vision of turning Berlin itself into a shared, playful experience. Love the vibe? There’s a whole community waiting for you. 🦋 Join the Social Butterfly Club and experience Berlin together: [https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/](https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/)

Step into a relaxed evening where every sip celebrates nature and craftsmanship. At Balance, we invite you to a tasting of 3 thoughtfully selected natural and biodynamic wines, paired with handpicked olives and crispy golden arancini. A journey that awakens the senses and sparks conversation. Included in your experience: – 3 glasses of carefully curated natural/biodynamic wines – A selection of olives & crispy arancini designed to complement each wine – A cozy, welcoming setting with soft lighting and effortless vibes No hurry, no rules — just good flavors, relaxed moments, and the pleasure of discovery. Returning guests can enjoy a glass of prosecco for €5 to start the evening with a little sparkle. 🥂 **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

Deadline Table — Focused Work Hours Bring your manuscript, your taxes, your laptop—whatever needs to get done. We have WiFi and phone sockets. You’ll sit on bar stools at the counter (not comfortable, by design). Two hours to focus hard. We’ll keep you accountable so you actually finish. Choose your intensity level: Level 1 — Light Touch: We check in once at the start, once at the end. You’re on your own. Level 2 — Mild: We check every 15 minutes. Gentle nudges if you drift. Level 3 — Strict: We’re watching. Phone down? We see it. Daydreaming? We call it out. Sign on your table says: “Stop procrastinating.” Two hours for €7.50 minimum order. If you need more time, it’s €3.20/hour after. Five seats, first come first served. No distractions. No bullshit. Just work that gets done. 100% plant-based. Inspired by Tokyo manuscript cafés. Hours: Wed–Thu: 1 PM–10 PM Fri: 4 PM–10 PM Sat–Sun: 12 PM–10 PM Closed Mon–Tue

Silent Book Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. (Kindly RSVP 'yes' only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and our fellow readers on the waitlist!) This page-turning party will unfold in the Café (1st floor) at the Bode Museum. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our thrilling agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages Stay for lunch, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite book over a pizza. NB: If you plan to go for lunch, please consider bringing cash, as some restaurants only accept card payments after a certain amount.

Hello people, Let’s have a very typical German ice cream together: the spaghetti ice cream. We‘ll go to Berlin‘s oldest ice cream cafe. Of course you can also order something else. Afterwards, we will go for a little stroll in the park, which is right next to the cafe. Please update your RSVP in time if you cannot make it - have respect for others who are interested and me who doesn’t want to eat ice cream alone ;-). See you soon, Lena

Sunday nights. Two of you. One levantine feast. Here with us. Handmade Jordanian falafel. Hummus worth sharing. Plant-based. Real. What’s included for 2 people (€24): • Hummus platter to share with toppings • 6 Falafel with dip • 2 glasses non-alcoholic House Spritz You can order more from our full plant-based menu later if you want. Limited to 5 couples per Sunday. 5–9:30PM. Exclusive. Intentional. Book your table.

We meet and sketch each other in Berlin. This is just an art gym that we also exercise our social skills. Afterwards usually we go for lunch as a group. **How Does It Work?** This event is simple, we meet and sketch each other doing portraits. Most of the participants use pencils or watercolors. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. **Structure** A. Warmup Phase: We pose to each other for 1 minute. B. Main Phase: We pose to each other for 10 minutes. C. Showcase Phase: We show some of the drawings we did to each other. **Who We Are** Creative Sessions is an art events group located in Berlin. **Is it Free?** The event is free of charge. It is advisable to get a drink though. This is a cafe, we need to have at least half of the people on each table with a drink. They accept only cash and most hot drinks cost from 2.50 to 3.50. **How to help or donate?** The event is provided for free but many people help this be a regular thing. We also need people to volunteer and help for minor tasks like the serving of the drinks or cleaning up. Just send us a message. If you want to donate and keep this event from happening, via Paypal to the host (Miltos) : https://ko-fi.com/miltosthings/ **Art Materials?** Bring your own art materials. **Our Instagram Profile** Follow us on instagram @icreativesessions Use the hashtag #icreativesessions on your post description there to find out drawings from the event!

Chitta Walks is for people whose days move fast, while the mind never fully lands. Thoughts keep looping even when nothing is urgent. The body moves, but attention is elsewhere. Over time, this disconnect drains clarity and ease. This walk is a simple reset. We meet in Berlin’s Tiergarten and walk at a gentle pace. Parts of the walk are in silence, with light guidance and a few short prompts. The walk itself is the practice, bringing body and mind back into the same moment. No apps. No performance. Just a clear space to slow down and notice what is happening. If you want to slow down without withdrawing from life, join a Chitta Walk. ✨ **What to expect (approx. 90 minutes):** * A short arrival and orientation * A guided silent walk (phones off, no conversation) * One concise science-based impulse on attention or stress * Optional reflection in pairs or small groups * A simple takeaway or experiment for daily life 🚶**Who this is for:** * Professionals, creatives, and people in transition. * People who feel mentally busy and want more clarity and balance. * Those curious about mindfulness, but grounded and practical. * Anyone comfortable with silence and gentle self observation. 🔔 **Practical notes:** * Duration: 60-90 minutes * Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing * No prior experience needed * Group size is limited to keep the space quiet and focused 🧭 **Facilitator:** My name is Partha Sarathi, you can call me PS. I have lived in Berlin for over 12 years. With a background in physics and materials science, my interest in mindfulness grew through personal experience with stress and health challenges. I facilitate the space and structure of the walk, inviting shared exploration rather than instruction. 🤔 **Why Chitta Walks?** Chitta is a Sanskrit word referring to the mind or field of awareness, used here in a practical, non-religious sense. Chitta Walks is about noticing how the mind works by slowing down and walking together. Mindful walking makes thought patterns visible in real time, while moving and sensing in the world. The name points to a simple capacity: noticing what is happening in the mind without immediately trying to fix, judge, or optimize it. 🌿 **Possible effects:** A calmer nervous system. Clearer attention. A felt sense of being more present in your body. Subtle insights into how your mind reacts under everyday conditions. A quieter, more grounded way of moving through the city. **Come as you are. Walk. Notice. Leave with a little more space inside.**

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

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

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

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!

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

This is an in-person meeting. At this meeting you will get answers to depression and anxiety. Find out the source of them and how to get rid of them. Did you know that unwanted emotions like anxiety, depression, unhappiness, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, fear, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not due to a chemical imbalance in your brain from some nebulous chemical reaction "by chance". Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. 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 Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio and Church of Scientology of Central Ohio.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.