Human Rights

Dieses erste Treffen ist als ungezwungene Begegnung gedacht – ohne Vortrag, ohne Anleitung, ohne festes Programm. Wir treffen uns in einer Weinbar und kommen miteinander ins Gespräch über unsere persönlichen Erfahrungen mit der Lektüre und den Vorträgen von Jiddu Krishnamurti. Im Zentrum stehen nicht Interpretation oder Lehre, sondern das gemeinsame Nachdenken: Was hat uns angesprochen? Was irritiert oder widerspricht uns? Wo bleiben Fragen offen? Vorkenntnisse sind nicht erforderlich; entscheidend ist die Bereitschaft zuzuhören und sich ohne Anspruch auf Übereinstimmung auszutauschen. Das Treffen versteht sich ausdrücklich nicht als spirituelle Übungsgruppe oder Diskussionsrunde mit Expertenstatus, sondern als offenes Gespräch unter Interessierten. Ort: Weinbar „Baden im Wein“ Dauer: ca. 1,5–2 Stunden Sprache: Deutsch

**From Berlin: The Original Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour** Step outside the bustling city of Berlin and into one of the most significant historical sites of the 20th century. The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial stands as a powerful reminder of the darkest chapters in human history, and this guided tour offers you the chance to explore it with sensitivity, depth, and understanding. On this tour, you’ll journey from Berlin to Oranienburg, where the camp was established in 1936. With the guidance of an expert, you will uncover the stories of the prisoners who lived and perished here, and gain insight into the role Sachsenhausen played during the Nazi regime. You’ll see key sites within the memorial grounds, including the roll-call square, prison cells, barracks, and the remains of the camp’s facilities. This experience is more than a visit—it’s a chance to reflect, learn, and understand the importance of remembrance. The tour is designed to provide an educational and respectful exploration, ensuring that history is never forgotten. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply someone seeking a deeper connection to the past, this memorial tour from Berlin is an essential and moving experience. **Tour Highlights:** * Round-trip journey from Berlin to Sachsenhausen Memorial * Guided exploration of key sites within the former concentration camp * Learn about the daily lives, struggles, and resilience of the prisoners * Gain historical context on the Nazi system and its impact on Europe * Time for quiet reflection at one of history’s most important memorials

**Slow down! pause! and enjoy!** *Sensual Touch Lab Series* with ***Markus Kaufmann*** for GBTQ men\* **[Registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/sensual-touch/w51-2025/)** Members 15 € Not members 30 € Often we are just rushing through life and meanwhile missing out on the juicy little moments in-between – especially when it comes to intimacy & sex. So why not slow down and observe all the pleasant sensations when becoming sensual with yourself and others. Touch is an essential and transformative human experience. It has the power to reconnect us with our bodies, our desires, and each other. In this workshop, we focus on the revival of sexual energy as a natural, healing force, exploring how genuine touch can create meaningful and authentic connections. The invitation of tonight is to bring more attention to all our senses and learn to use some helpful keys in self-regulation when things are heating up & learn to play with all of it. Markus will therefore lead you through a flow of sensual touch experiences – first touching yourself before meeting other queer men\* in couple and group constellations. Always with the aim to keep your own control: SLOW DOWN! PAUSE! and ENJOY! **What is Sensual Touch Lab Series for GBTQ Men\*?** Sensual Touch Lab Series for GBTQ Men\* is a monthly workshop where we aim to create a space for sensual closeness and playful encounters. Embodied, somatic experiences that appreciate our full-bodied nature. Using sensuality as an approach to explore new ways of dealing with our own fears or patterns related to nudity, intimacy, and touch. We invite you to explore, communicate, and possibly expand your personal boundaries within a framework of mutual respect and consent. This opens up the opportunity to experience the power of touch, sensation, and non-verbal interpersonal connection. Each event will be a guided process, which will have a special touch depending on the theme and background of the facilitator\*, whether it be bodywork and touch, somatics and intimacy, or something else. These short workshops may include nudity, partner exercises or close physical interactions. **General Information** • This format is for all queer men\* / queer masculinities interested in experiencing touch in a safe(r) setting. • Please pay attention to personal hygiene. • Bring a sheet and towel to cover cushions, mats, or massage tables. • This event is also available at a reduced member price – but not part of the two-free-monthly-events benefit. • Concession tickets upon written request to events@wearevillage.org available 🔵 **Mach langsam! Innehalten & geniessen!** *Sensual Touch Lab Series mit **Markus Kaufmann*** für GBTQ Männer\* **[ANMELDUNG](https://wearevillage.org/shop/sensual-touch/w51-2025/)** Mitglieder 15 € Nicht Mitglieder 30 € Oft hetzen wir einfach durchs Leben und verpassen dabei die kleinen, prickelnden Momente dazwischen – besonders wenn es um Intimität und Sex geht. Warum also nicht einen Gang runterschalten und all die spannenden Empfindungen wahrnehmen, wenn wir mit uns selbst und anderen sinnlich werden? Die Einladung des heutigen Abends ist, mehr Aufmerksamkeit auf all unsere Sinne zu lenken und zu lernen, hilfreiche Schlüssel zur Selbstregulation zu nutzen, wenn es heiß hergeht. Und mit all dem zu spielen. Markus führt euch daher durch eine Sequenz sinnlicher Berührungserfahrungen – zuerst mit euch selbst, bevor ihr andere queere Männer\* in Paar- und Gruppenkonstellationen treffen könnt. Immer mit dem Ziel, die eigene Kontrolle zu behalten: MACH LANGSAM! INNEHALTEN & GENIESSEN! **Was ist Sensual Touch Lab Series for GBTQ Männer\*?** Sensual Touch Lab Series für GBTQ Männer\* ist ein monatlicher Workshop, bei dem wir einen Raum für sinnliche Nähe und spielerische Begegnungen schaffen möchten. Verkörperte, somatische Erfahrungen, die unsere Gesamtkörperlichkeit wertschätzen. Sinnlichkeit als Zugang, neue Wege im Umgang mit unseren eigenen Ängsten oder Mustern in Bezug auf Nacktheit, Intimität und Berührung erkunden. Wir laden dich ein, deine persönlichen Grenzen in einem Rahmen gegenseitigen Respekts und Einvernehmens zu erforschen, zu kommunizieren und gegebenenfalls zu erweitern. Dabei eröffnet sich die Möglichkeit, die Kraft von Berührung, Empfindung und nonverbaler, zwischenmenschlicher Bezogenheit zu erfahren. Jedes Event wird ein geführter Prozess sein, der je nach Thema und Hintergrund der Kursleitenden\* eine besondere Note hat, sei es Körperarbeit und Berührung, Somatik und Intimität oder etwas anderes. Diese Kurzworkshops können Nacktheit, Partnerübungen sowie körperlich nahe Interaktionen beinhalten. **Hinweise** • Dieses Format ist für alle queeren Männer\*/Männlichkeiten, die Berührung in einer einvernehmlichen, unterstützenden Atmosphäre erfahren möchten. • Bitte lege Wert auf persönliche Hygiene • Bringe zum Abdecken von Kissen, Matten oder Massageliegen ein Laken und ein Handtuch mit • Der Workshop wird auf Englisch durchgeführt. • Dieses Event ist auch zu einem ermäßigten Mitgliederpreis erhältlich – aber kein Bestandteil der zwei kostenlosen monatlichen Mitgliederveranstaltungen • Ermäßigter Zugang ist auf schriftliche Anfrage an: events@wearevillage.org möglich.

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Escape the hustle of Berlin and step into the royal elegance of Potsdam — the former residence of Prussian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage city. On this half-day walking tour, discover the stunning Sanssouci Palace Gardens, grand architecture, and fascinating stories that shaped Europe’s royal past. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll stroll through Potsdam’s historic center, see Cecilienhof Palace, where the WWII Potsdam Conference took place, and admire the beautiful Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam. Then, explore the world-famous Sanssouci Park, with its terraced vineyards and ornate palaces built by Frederick the Great — the “Prussian Versailles.” This tour perfectly combines royal history, scenic beauty, and architectural splendor, making it one of the most enchanting day trips from Berlin. **🌟 Highlights** * Explore the royal city of Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site * Visit Sanssouci Palace Gardens, the jewel of Prussian architecture * See Cecilienhof Palace, site of the post-WWII Allied conference * Wander the charming Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate * Learn fascinating stories of Prussian kings and royal intrigue from your expert guide **✅ What’s Included** * Expert local guide * Half-day guided walking tour * Highlights of Potsdam’s palaces, parks, and historical landmarks * Small group for a more personal experience

**Village Heart Circle** hosted by **Marco Astolfi** & **Torsten Bless** for **GBTQ men\*** [free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/shop/heart-circle/w51-2025) Are you looking for a space where you can express your feelings and share your experiences in a loving and supportive community of GBTQ men\*? In this circle we can sit together peacefully to speak from the heart and listen with our hearts, honouring the different ways from which we come in a safe and non-judgemental space, honouring the different ways from which we come in a safe and non-judgemental space. The Heart Circle is a practice originated by Native Americans and adopted by the Radical Faeries to build community. **General Information** We open the doors at 7:30 p.m. To protect the integrity of the Heart Circle, we ask that you arrive before 8:00 p.m. **Language**: This event will be in German and/or English depending on participant needs. 🔵 Suchst du nach einem Ort, an dem du deine Gefühle und Erfahrungen teilen kannst, in einer unterstützenden Gemeinschaft von schwulen, bisexuellen, trans und queeren Männern\*? Der Kreis ist ein Ort, an dem wir friedlich zusammensitzen, aus dem Herzen sprechen und mit dem Herzen zuhören können. Ein Ort, an dem wir die unterschiedlichen Lebensumstände, aus denen wir kommen, respektieren, ohne zu urteilen. Der Heart Circle ist eine Praxis, die von den Ureinwohnern Nordamerikas stammt und von den Radical Faeries übernommen wurde, um Gemeinschaft zu bilden. **Hinweise** Wir öffnen die Türen um 19.30 Uhr. Um die Unversehrtheit des Heart Circles zu bewahren, bitten wir dich, vor 20:00 Uhr zu erscheinen. **Sprache**: Je nach Bedürfnissen der Gruppe werden wir Deutsch und/oder Englisch sprechen.

**Please note:** *This is a shared group experience. As the tour is listed across multiple platforms, there will be other guests joining as well—so you will not be alone.* Berlin’s nightlife is legendary—diverse, electric, and unlike anywhere else in the world. On the **Original Berlin Pub Crawl**, you’ll dive straight into the heart of it, joining fellow travelers and locals for an unforgettable night out. Your evening begins in the vibrant streets of Berlin, where your friendly local guides will welcome you and the group. From there, we’ll take you on a crawl through some of the city’s best bars and pubs, chosen for their energy, atmosphere, and authentic Berlin vibe. At each stop, you’ll enjoy a **free shot**, exclusive drink specials, and plenty of time to relax, mingle, and soak up the city’s nightlife. This is not just about cheap drinks—it’s about the experience. Your guides will make sure everyone feels included, keep the night running smoothly, and share insider tips about Berlin’s nightlife culture. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a group, this is the perfect way to meet new people and make lasting memories. The night finishes at one of Berlin’s hottest nightclubs, where you’ll enjoy **skip-the-line entry** and dance until morning. No waiting around, no hassle—just straight into the action. The **Original Berlin Pub Crawl** is ideal for anyone looking to experience the city’s world-famous nightlife in a safe, social, and unforgettable way.

Singen macht nicht nur Freude, es hat auch positive Effekte auf das körperliche und seelische Wohlbefinden. Ich lade Euch ein, zusammen zur Gitarre einfache Lieder zu singen – frei von Erwartungen oder Bewertungen. Wir treffen uns nicht, um zu üben, um besser zu werden oder um zu lernen. Wir lassen einfach gemeinsam unsere Stimmen erklingen, so wie sie sind. Jede Stimme ist willkommen. Wenn Du Lust hast, bringe auch gern ein Instrument mit! Vielleicht glaubst Du, nicht singen zu können. Ich bin davon überzeugt, dass alle Menschen singen können. Zum Singen geboren werden. Trau Dich. Probiere es aus. Teilnahme auf Spendenbasis. Ohne Anmeldung Ich freue mich auf Euch!

Berlin city

**Embodied Consent** **Lernen über Grenzen und Kommunikation and communication** mit ***Karl-Henrik Sahlén*** für **LGBTQIA+** **Kostenlos mit [Anmeldung](https://wearevillage.org/shop/embodied-consent/w51-2025/)** 🔵 Sich seiner Grenzen bewusst zu sein und sein Einverständnis oder Nicht-Einverständnis auszudrücken, sind wichtige Fähigkeiten im Leben, aber wir haben nicht oft die Gelegenheit, die Fähigkeit des Einverständnisses auf die gleiche Weise zu üben wie andere Fähigkeiten, wie Singen, Sport treiben oder eine Sprache lernen. Bei Consent geht es um viel mehr als ein einfaches Ja oder Nein. Wenn wir die Zustimmung dekonstruieren, entdecken wir, wie wir unsere wahren Wünsche kommunizieren können, und hören auf, Dinge zu wählen, die wir nicht wollen. Durch Diskussionen, Bewegung und Partnerspiele werden wir Werkzeuge entwickeln, um körperliche Wünsche auszudrücken und zu verhandeln und durch praktische Übungen Grenzen zu setzen. Dieser Workshop ist für Menschen aller Körpergrößen, Geschlechter und Hintergründe offen und einladend. Es handelt sich um einen nicht-sexuellen Workshop bei dem, ohne Druck, Kommunikation und Berührung geübt werden können. Es geht genauso darum, wirklich Ja zu sagen und es auch so zu meinen, wie es darum geht, Nein zu sagen! Wenn du noch nicht an einem Workshop zum Thema Consent im Village teilgenommen hast, ist es jetzt an der Zeit! Diese Erfahrung wird dir nicht nur helfen, sich in der we are village Conmmunity zurechtzufinden, sondern sie wird dich auch dazu befähigen, diese Werte in dein Leben zu übertragen. Gemeinsam wollen wir eine auf Consent ausgerichtete Gemeinschaft mit gemeinsamen Werten aufbauen und dabei die Verantwortung des Einzelnen für die Einhaltung dieser Grundsätze betonen. Unser oberstes Ziel ist es, gesunde Beziehungen zu fördern und eine integrative Community für eine bessere, vernetzte Zukunft zu schaffen. **Hinweise** * **Anmeldung**: Eine verbindliche Anmeldung über unsere **[Webseite](https://wearevillage.org/shop/embodied-consent/w26-2025)** ist erforderlich. Die Teilnehmerzahl ist auf 18 Personen begrenzt, um die Qualität des Austauschs zu gewährleisten. * **Sprache**: dieseer Workshop ist auf Deutsch durchgeführt. Dieser Workshop wird abwechselnd von einem deutschsprachigen und einem englischsprachigen Lehrer geleitet, um ein perfektes Verständnis des Themas zu gewährleisten. Bitte wähle deine Sitzung nach unserem Zeitplan. * **Kosten**: Die Veranstaltung ist kostenlos. 🔵 **Embodied Consent** **Learning about boundaries and communication** Being aware of your boundaries and expressing your consent or non-consent are essential skills in life, but we don’t often get a chance to actually practice consent skills in the same way we practice other skills, like singing, playing sports or learning a language. Consent is about much more than a simple yes or no. When we deconstruct consent, we discover how to communicate our true desires and stop choosing the things we don’t. Through discussion, movement and partner games, we will build tools to express and negotiate physical desires and set boundaries through the use of practical exercises. This workshop is inclusive and welcoming to individuals of all body sizes, genders, and background. This is a non-sexual workshop, and great, low pressure situation in which to practice communication and touching. It’s as much about how to truly say yes and mean it as it is about saying no! If you’ve not yet taken a consent workshop at the village, now is the time! This experience will not only help you navigate within the we.are.village community, but it will also equip you to carry these values into your life. Together, we aim to nurture a consent-centered community with shared values, emphasizing individual responsibility in upholding these principles. Our ultimate goal is to foster healthy relationships and create an inclusive community for a better, more connected future. **General Information** * **Registration**: max. 18 participants with mandatory registration **[through our website](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/embodied-consent/w51-2025)**. Limiting the number of participants is necessary to ensure the quality of the process. * **Language**: This workshop is conducted in German. To ensure a better understanding of the subject, it is led alternately by a German-speaking teacher and an English-speaking teacher. Please select the workshop that best suits your language needs. * **Cost**: Free of charge

Let’s enjoy a final Christmas market visit together at **Merry Markthalle** on Sunday, 21 December! Merry Markthalle is a weatherproof Christmas market inside the historic Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg. Expect a mix of handmade gifts and some vegan-friendly food & drinks. We’ll meet inside, near the main entrance of Markthalle Neun and then wander around together. If you’re running late, message in the Meetup chat and we’ll share our approximate location. Come along for a relaxed, pre-holiday Christmas market hangout. ✨

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 - 13:00 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.

**Village Potluck** organized by the **[we are village](https://wearevillage.org/) volunteers team** for **LGBTQAI+ Friends** **Free event with [registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/potluck/w51-2025/)** 🔵 Spending time together! With this in mind, the Village invites you to take part in this free event, have a laugh and make new friends. Just bring a dish of your choice (if possible) and we’ll eat & drink together in a relaxed atmosphere. You are also welcome to invite your friends. A casual opportunity to spend a great time together at the Village – indoors and in the garden. This event will be in German and/or English depending on participant needs. 🔵 Gemeinsam Zeit verbringen! In diesem Sinne lädt dich das Village dazu ein, an diesem kostenlosen Event teilzunehmen, zu genießen, zu lachen und neue Freundschaften zu schließen. Bring einfach etwas zu Essen deiner Wahl mit (wenn möglich) und wir essen & trinken zusammen in gemütlicher, lockerer Runde. Gerne kannst du auch deine Freunde dazu einladen – eine gute Gelegenheit zusammen eine tolle Zeit im Village zu verbringen – drinnen und im Garten. Dieses Event wird je nach Teilnehmerbedürfnissen auf Deutsch und/oder Englisch sein.

**Living in Color: Queer and Confident at 50+** with *Jörg Wellenkötter* for **GBTQ men\*** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/shop/men50plus/w51-2025)** Queer people over 50 face a range of challenges in a society shaped by youth, physical attractiveness, and heteronormativity. Even within the queer community, there can be ageism, where older individuals are seen as less relevant or interesting. A lack of family structures or close friends can also lead to isolation in midlife. In this group, you’ll meet like-minded people who are also navigating the challenges of getting older. Here, we support and empower one another, share our experiences, and learn from each other. Together, we want to embrace the challenges of aging — and enjoy life to the fullest! **General information** **Language**: Depending on the group’s needs, sessions will be held in German and/or English. **Cost**: Free of charge, registration required. 🔵 #### Leben in Farbe: Queer und selbstbewusst mit 50+ ##### Queere Menschen über 50 sehen sich in einer von Jugendlichkeit, körperlicher Attraktivität und Heteronormativität geprägten Gesellschaft mit verschiedenen Herausforderungen konfrontiert. Selbst in der queeren Community kann es „Altersdiskriminierung“ geben, bei der ältere Menschen als weniger relevant oder interessant angesehen werden. Auch der Mangel an familiären Strukturen oder Freund:innen kann in der Lebensmitte zu Isolation führen. In dieser Gruppe triffst du auf Gleichgesinnte, die sich ebenfalls mit den Herausforderungen des Älterwerdens auseinandersetzen. Hier können wir uns gegenseitig stärken, Erfahrungen teilen und voneinander lernen. Gemeinsam wollen wir die Herausforderungen des Älterwerdens annehmen – und das Leben in vollen Zügen genießen! **Hinweise** **Sprache:** Je nach Bedürfnissen der Gruppe auf Deutsch und/oder Englisch\*\*.\*\* **Kosten:** kostenlos mit Anmeldung.

**'Where should we begin'** is a game of stories created by Esther Perel. It is perfect for people who like meaningful conversations. Let's have a warm Christmas Spirit situp together and reflect on the 2025 year. We will be pulling cards and answering questions about our relations, desires, memories or plans. Participants will have chips and can put any card aside if they find the question too intimate. Some by-default rules to keep the communication honest and open: * **show empathy,** be tactful and accept the answers the way they are * **ask questions** if you would like to develop the topic * **be on time** as we start getting to know each other from the very beginning *This event requires a minimum donation of €5*

Happy Holidays!! Join us for a warm and welcoming Vegan Christmas Potluck! All holidays are welcome, not everyone celebrates Christmas. This is a great chance to meet other vegans, make new friends, and share delicious plant-based food with people who share the same values. Holiday attire is encouraged! 🤩Best holiday fit wins a small prize!!🏆 📅 Date: Thursday 12/25/25 ⏰ Time: 12pm - 3pm 📍 Location: It’s All Natural! Temple Store Bring a vegan dish to share and post in the comments of this event what you’re bringing so we can avoid duplicates. Doors open at 12pm to begin setting up, but we aim to start the feast between 12:30pm and 1pm. Come hungry, come friendly, and come ready to connect. Card games will be available too! We can’t wait to celebrate with you! ‼️ REMINDER ‼️ If you arrive to the temple early, please do not ring the doorbell or knock before 12pm. Some people may be in prayer and we do not want to disturb them. Simply wait in your car. Thank you for understanding and being considerate of this! 😊

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. 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

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? 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: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center 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.

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!