Social Impact

'THE SYMPATHIZER' by Viet Thanh Nguyen 'The winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, as well as seven other awards, The Sympathizer is the breakthrough novel of the year. With the pace and suspense of a thriller and prose that has been compared to Graham Greene and Saul Bellow, The Sympathizer is a sweeping epic of love and betrayal. The narrator, a communist double agent, is a man of two minds, a half-French, half-Vietnamese army captain who arranges to come to America after the Fall of Saigon, and while building a new life with other Vietnamese refugees in Los Angeles is secretly reporting back to his communist superiors in Vietnam. The Sympathizer is a blistering exploration of identity and America, a gripping espionage novel, and a powerful story of love and friendship.' ***Please read the book and join us for a lively discussion (in English) about the contents during our afternoon book club meeting.*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **PLEASE NOTE:** This is an IN-PERSON event in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Please cancel your attendance in advance if you are unable to join, so that those on the waitlist can participate. Looking forward to seeing you all IN REAL LIFE then! Best regards, Sandra

🎭 Improv Utrecht Presents a Show Like No Other! 🎭 The graduates of the advanced course of trainer Rutger Pull at Improv Utrecht will take the stage at Villa Concordia to showcase their skills in a very fun and interactive show. 💡 What is Improv? Improv is live, unscripted theatre where anything can happen! The performers create characters, scenes, and entire stories from scratch, all based on audience suggestions and their quick-thinking creativity. It’s spontaneous, electric, and completely unique—no two shows are ever the same! 🎟 Tickets Now Available! Don't miss this one-night-only spectacle of storytelling and laughter. Secure your tickets online before they’re gone! Book your ticket at [improv-utrecht.weticket.io](http://improv-utrecht.weticket.com/) : €12 plus €1 service fee Before and after the show we have a very nice bar to meet & greet people. 📅 When? Saturday 4 July 20:00h. Bar open 19:30 📍 Where? Villa Concordia. In your ticket confirmation mail you find directions to the theatre. Limited free parking spots available, close to Utrecht Central station. Join us for a night of creativity, comedy, and community—we can’t wait to see you there! Find out more about Improv Utrecht, our other shows and courses at [www.improvutrecht.nl](http://www.improvutrecht.nl/)

grassroots meet up for women / mothers / in Amsterdam who want to bring their children into their fun, spiritual and festival-going lives! this looks like a very family friendly festival, 30 minutes drive from Amsterdam and I do believe it is accessible by public transport. please note: I am not affiliated with this event, just a new mom / family who are finding our way back to events and spaces we loved pre-baby, now ready to enjoy them with our toddler and connecting with like-minded people along the way :) https://wonderfeel.nl

The Dutch Heuvelrug is a hilly and sandy ridge, running from Hilversum in the north to Rhenen in the south. This National Park is covered in forest, heather and stretches of sand and dunes. On this hike, we will explore the Heuvelrug from Den Dolder. This area is mostly forested, perfect for a (hot) summer’s day! **Where to meet**: we will meet at **10 am** at train station Den Dolder. We will return to the same train station around 3pm. **This hike is fully booked.** [You may register on my website for a place on the waitlist.](https://rewildyourself.nu/dutch-nature-hikes/)

The sunny and warm summer weather finally seems here to stay, which makes it the perfect time to craft outside in the park!☀️ Join us for a relaxed crafting evening picnic in the park, where we bring our projects, spread out our blankets, and create together in the open air. Whatever you're working on, whether it's knitting, scrapbooking, sketching, embroidery, or that half-finished project that's been waiting for some attention, bring it along and enjoy an evening of making things in good company. You can join us at whichever time works for you. Don't feel pressured to join from the start at 19:00. You're still just as welcome to arrive at 21:00. But we will do a little introduction in a circle around 19:20 just to get to know each other a bit more and see what everyone is working on. This get together is also a great chance to chat, share tips, and get inspired by what everyone else is making! * 🎨 **What to bring?** Your own creative supplies and projects, whatever you love to work on. * 🧺 **Picnic style** Bring a blanket to sit on, and feel free to also bring some snacks and drinks. * 🔄 **Want to swap?** Got craft supplies you no longer need? Bring them along, there will be some space to swap items. 📍 Wilhelminapark

Join us for an intimate evening of exceptional food, meaningful conversation and new connections in the heart of Utrecht. Inspired by the tradition of breaking bread together, AAN TAFEL brings together food lovers, curious minds, couples, friends and solo guests around one shared table. This is more than a dinner. It's an opportunity to slow down, enjoy great food and meet people you may never have crossed paths with otherwise. Throughout the evening, you'll enjoy a carefully curated multi-course menu, paired wines (or alcohol-free alternatives) and conversation prompts designed to spark genuine connection with others at the table. Whether you're naturally outgoing or a little hesitant to introduce yourself to strangers, the evening is designed to make meeting new people feel easy and natural. Come with friends, bring your partner or arrive on your own. Everyone is welcome at the table. **What Makes This Different?** * A chef-curated multi-course dining experience * Wine pairing or alcohol-free pairing included * Shared tables designed to encourage connection * Thoughtful conversation starters throughout the evening * A mix of locals, expats, couples, friends and solo attendees * An intimate atmosphere where food becomes the starting point for memorable conversations At Stef's Table, we believe some of life's best conversations happen over a great meal. The food matters. The people matter too. **The Menu** This summer menu combines European ingredients and techniques with flavours inspired by Asia, creating familiar dishes with unexpected twists. Expect dishes such as: * Bloody Mary Oyster * Korean Steak Tartare * Seabass with Saffron Sauce * Seasonal Summer Vegetables with three side dishes * Mango Sorbet * Rhubarb Tiramisu A complete wine pairing (or alcohol-free alternative) is included and carefully matched to each course. ***[[See the menu here](https://www.stefstable.com/event-details-registration/aan-tafel-de-zomereditie)]*** **Practical Information** **Date:** Saturday 4 July 2026 **Time:** 18:30 – 22:30 **Location:** Lucas, Utrecht **Price:** €89 per person ***[Book your ticket here](https://www.stefstable.com/event-details-registration/aan-tafel-de-zomereditie)*** **Included** * Welcome drink * Five-course dinner * Wine pairing or alcohol-free pairing * Digestif * Conversation cards and social dining experience * An evening of food, connection and new encounters **Come hungry. Leave inspired.** Because some summer evenings stay with you long after the last course is served.

Hi everyone; alas, all things eventually come to an end, and in this case my time as a meetup organizer is coming to an end. I'll still be around, maybe contributing tango events to the community (depending on its decision and new wave of organizers). So for one last time (with me), if you want to enjoy nature, trips/excursions, and generally a more outdoors setting, let’s get together for a final hiking excursion. The plan is to meet at Utrecht Central (and/or a train station that is closest to our hiking area), and then we begin our hiking route. As always, I recommend that you wear a comfy outfit & shoes and bring water & a snack or two. At some point during the excursion, we can do a break in between to rest and eat/drink for a while. More info about the route/location: https://www.ns.nl/dagje-uit/wandelen/meijendel.html Short info from the route's site; the route is 13 km in total For pet owners, dogs are allowed but on a leash Once we reach the beach north of Scheveningen, we'll be sitting there for a while in the sunset. Then we will end up in Scheveningen Pier. And depending on the time & weather, and whether people are up for it, there’s always the possibility of follow-up drinks later at Scheveningen. More tips on finding the group along with helpful contact info with the host will follow in the comments the day before the meetup. To those willing to join, I'd be delighted to have you with me at the end of my meetup organizer time 😊 In case of bad (NL) weather, the event will be moved to another day.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Utrecht Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over Brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated brunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Jazzy Sundays at In de Kazerne - what better way to end the weekend than with some good company and good vibes. From: 17:30 Let me know via RSVP if you’re coming so I know for how many to reserve the table. Now we hope for good weather ☀️

Join us for an outdoor mat Pilates session in Wilhelminapark, Utrecht 🌿 This is a beginner-friendly full-body Pilates class for anyone who wants to move, feel stronger, enjoy being outside and meet new people in a relaxed way. We’ll start with a mat Pilates class in the park, focusing on strength, mobility and feeling good in your body. After the class, we can stay in the park for a little chat and connect with each other. You can come alone — many people do. Please bring your own mat if you have one. If you don’t have a mat, send me a message in advance and I can bring one for you. 📍 Wilhelminapark, Utrecht 🗓 Sunday, 5 July ⏰ 11:00 💸 Ticket: €15 Spots are limited, so please reserve your ticket if you’d like to join.

**We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

**Modern and Authentic kintsugi workshop in Utrecht.** Choose from three options: * 1-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€60 * 2-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€96 * 4-Day Authentic Kintsugi workshop -€180 For all details, please visit my website. [https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/](https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/) Location: **CLAY TO PLATE** [Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht](https://www.claytoplate.com/) **Booking is essential**. Please contact me if you would like to participate in the workshop. Webiste: [https://japanworkshopnet.com/](https://japanworkshopnet.com/) Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

🌊☀️ Summer by the Seaside - Acrylic Painting Workshop 🎨 Imagine a summer escape to the French Riviera or the Italian coast-turquoise waters, colourful parasols, sailing boats, blooming coastal flowers, and a refreshing drink by the beach. In this acrylic painting workshop, we will draw inspiration from the warmth, colour, and carefree atmosphere of seaside holidays, while leaving plenty of room for your own imagination and memories to shine through. **Date:** Sunday, July 5th **Time:** 11 am – 2 pm **Location:** BUNK Utrecht, 1st Floor 🎨 All materials provided – just bring yourself and your creativity. 💶 Workshop fee: €70 
✨ Use discount code SAVE15 and pay only €55 Reserve Your Spot Now: [https://eventix.shop/jwj79yxy](https://eventix.shop/jwj79yxy) Let your creativity flow as we paint the vibrant charm of the seaside. All materials will be provided - just bring your imagination and love for art! Secure your spot today and enjoy a discount using the promo code **‘SAVE15’**. For sneak peeks of our upcoming workshops, stay connected with us on social media: [https://www.instagram.com/rangartbypooja](https://www.instagram.com/rangartbypooja) Let’s come together to create artworks inspired by sunny beaches, ocean breezes, and the joy of summer. With the warmth of good art, Pooja Artist profile – [https://www.instagram.com/poojavermastudio](https://www.instagram.com/poojavermastudio/) Join our private WhatsApp channel for updates and painting tips while remaining anonymous: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCi44QHFxP64fZB1R1s](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCi44QHFxP64fZB1R1s)

**DUE TO THE WEATHER FORECAST THIS EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO SUNDAY JULY 5.** **RSVP's at MeetUp.com are limited to a total of 10 and will be ignored. If you would like us to wait for you when we walk, please register for this photowalk at our Clubhouse:** **[https://www.heylo.com/event/-Ov6fp-oor44jJ5ZOLHp](https://www.heylo.com/event/-Ov6fp-oor44jJ5ZOLHp)** *\* The event is listed at MeetUp for promotion only.* *\* The number of attendees listed here is not the actual number.* \~ To celebrate the end of June Pride Month, we will walk a route discovering the Queer History of Utrecht. See more at: [https://www.queerustories.nl/wandeling/](https://www.queerustories.nl/wandeling/) ("Doe-het-zelf: ontdek queer historie in je eigen tempo") Or in English: [https://www.queerustories.nl/en/walk/](https://www.queerustories.nl/en/walk/) ("DIY: discover queer history at your own pace") Check the route here: [https://utrechttimemachine.nl/routes/queer-geschiedenisroute](https://utrechttimemachine.nl/routes/queer-geschiedenisroute) Also read more about the various locations on this website during the walk. The route includes 9 locations, each featuring images and stories about remarkable people and events from Utrecht’s queer past. We will take a few detours from this posted route, but will make sure to visit all locations on the way. We will meet at Domplein, near the Sun (big orb) in front of the Academiegebouw of Universiteit Utrecht. After the walk we could stop for a drink at Mariaplaats (optional, not included and at your own expense), share our results and talk photography. ***Let's meetup and have fun!*** *Please note:* * ***The photowalk starts at the posted time.*** Try to be there early, but if you are running late... just find us. The link to live location of the group (via Google Maps) will be shared in the Event Chat in our Clubhouse at [https://heylo.group/utrechtphotography](https://heylo.group/utrechtphotography). * ***If you register for this photowalk and you can not make it, please update your RSVP!*** * The photowalk could be cancelled or postponed in case of really bad weather. * The end time is an estimate only; the length of the actual walk could be different from posted. * Check before you go if all your equipment is working properly; lens cleaned, batteries charged, memory cards empty. * ***Come prepared:*** wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a snack, check the weather forecast - and don't forget your camera * The organisation is not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property during the photowalk. Participants are advised to have appropriate (travel/liability) insurance. * During the walk, pay attention to your surroundings, traffic, curbs and people. * ***Be respectful of residents, their property and privacy.*** *And finally:* * Any type of camera is welcome. * If taking pictures or making photos gives you joy, you are more than welcome! ***As extra:*** If you'd like to extent this walk, you can visit more locations yourself using the following map: [) Have fun!

**Kindness Conference 2026** Registration required. Visit [www.kindhelp.org](http://www.kindhelp.org) to register! Imagine a future intentionally shaped by kindness: let's build it together with on **Saturday, July 18th at the Junto Hotel in downtown Columbus!** The function of our conference is to help people develop the skills to build kind community and provide opportunities to increase in-person connection and support in each other’s lives. **This conference is for any of us who are:** · Feeling isolated and lacking community in our current society · Wanting to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of each other · Anyone who is just wishing to create something better! **We will build more kind community by:** · Developing formats for building community-based infrastructure where existing systems are failing that anybody can use · Providing the tools that help people connect in-person and practicing using those tools together · Implementing Universal Design so that no one gets left behind **Opportunities and practical tools we are offering:** · Lunch! · Community-Building Toolkits for people to take home · A chance to build lasting friendships and supportive connections · Opportunities to share referrals, strategies, resources, and the kind of connected support networks many people receive through family, but that those without community and family are often lacking · Ongoing community dinners, free workshops, and other events where people can connect **Participants also have the opportunity to receive CE credits from the Ohio CSWMFT Board.** We are just getting started! This is one of many upcoming events where we can continue making kind community together. **Who else should be here?** Share this opportunity with anyone else who you think might want to build kind community! For more information and to register visit [www.kindhelp.org](http://www.kindhelp.org/). If you would like to help us plan the day, we would love to connect email us at [info@kindhelp.org](mailto:info@kindhelp.org)!

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

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Whether you're a big baseball fan or not, you might like the social twist we put on a Clippers game! $5.00 Fridays: Select small beers are $5! They also have your favorite hard seltzers and wine. **PREGAME**: Meet at ***Barley's Brewing on 467 N High Street***, just a few blocks east of the ballpark. **HAPPY HOUR** is 4-7pm with pregame specials and $4 pints! *At 7pm, we'll walk from Barleys to Huntington Field.* **TICKETS**: $10.00 at gate, purchase **STANDING ROOM ONLY**. **MEETUP**: We'll be near the Right Field bar stools/picnic tables. **RAIN?** Unless it's a thunderstorm or heavy rain, they play. We have a nearby plan B, indoors at Grandview Yard, if raining. **PARKING**: The garages near Nationwide will be busy with concert goers. *Find space in lots next to the ballpark (along W Nationwide Blvd) and near Crew Stadium. Short walk.* SRO (standing room only). These are the cheapest seats to purchase. WE WILL NOT BE STANDING much at all. The areas we land on have bar stools or picnic tables. There are also plenty of "lean on" along the first and third base line. Play ball!

Join us for the Summer edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/1575999320350910/), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vibrant vegan eats, handmade goods, and the fullness of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this gathering continues to grow as a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 + local vendors offering refreshing seasonal vegan dishes, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. This is a welcoming space to slow down, connect, and enjoy the warmth and abundance of summer. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the height of summer with us. Admission is Free.

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you were quoted in *Truth in Comedy*, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**! The idea behind improvised comedy is to create entire scenes from scratch. A suggestion is taken from the audience and laughter is built on the spot. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway, Make Some Noise,* or *Wild 'n Out*; it can also be done in a longer way, to tell a complicated story, like *TJ & Dave*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and FREE!) weekly comedy event, brings the games for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Afterward, many members will hang out in *Gresso's* itself and get to know each other. Not only is this a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, your public speaking, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and build relationships that will last a lifetime, and you do that while laughing your butt off! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "*Yes, And*" that you'll have a blast!

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!