Social Impact

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

Our first meeting!!! This event will be a Thursday night virtual social. We'll talk about our favorite foods, pets, and projects, and get to know each other a bit before playing some games. This is not a group for professional couseling services, but if you find creating therapeutic, then you're in good company. Please come in with a positive disposition and a desire to connect with others. The conversation will be moderated to ensure a pleasant experience for all. There will be zero tolerance for bigotry of any flavor. All ages are welcome, and we BIPOC and LGBTQ+ friendly.

Do you love games, meeting people, AND ensuring that people in the DMV have access to safe abortions? We have the event for you! Please join DC Gaming Group and [DC Abortion Fund (DCAF)](https://dcabortionfund.org/) for **Play for Choice: Fun for the Fund.** **When**: June 25th, 2026 - 7PM **Cost**: $25 - pay at the door or pre-pay [via Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/play-for-choice-fun-for-the-fund-tickets-1991068808404?aff=oddtdtcreator). The ticket fee is your donation to DCAF! **Where**: GameOn Bar and Arcade, U Street **Your Mission - If You Choose to Accept It:** You will complete activities in the provided Quest Log. Activities range from playing arcade games to socializing with other guests. As you complete a quest, a host from DCGG will “stamp” your Quest Log for that slot! Inspired by the prize counters of old, you can then choose your reward: more tokens for games, a small trinket, or entering into a raffle for each quest completed. DCAF will be providing some great raffle prizes - you won’t want to miss out! Starter tokens will be provided, thanks to a generous donation from GameOn. You will need to purchase any additional tokens you may want after the starter set or elect to spend your Quest Log completions on more tokens.

🎱 Thursday Night Pool & Social @ Legends 🎱 Looking for something different than the usual happy hour? Join us for a casual night of pool, drinks, and meeting new people at Legends in Wheaton! Whether you're a pool shark or have never picked up a cue before, everyone is welcome. We'll rotate through games, mingle between tables, and keep things relaxed and beginner-friendly. Feel free to play, watch, grab a drink, or just come hang out and meet fellow Montgomery County young professionals. 📅 Thursday, June 25, 2026 🕖 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 📍 Legends, Wheaton MD No experience necessary. Come solo or bring a friend! As always, this event is intended for people in their 20s and 30s looking to make new friends, expand their social circle, and enjoy a fun night out. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-angola-tickets-1986939005051](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-angola-tickets-1986939005051) Experience a unique African cultural evening on foreign soil as we travel halfway across the world without ever leaving the DMV. Join us for a special night of Angolan food, drinks, music, cultural dancing, diplomats, film, and more! Dress semi-smart business casual and enjoy this unique party with the Ambassador and his staff at this African treasure. Featuring: 1. **Angolan Buffet** 2. **Bar:** Sample the best and most unique African beverages. 3. **Special Native Angolan Presentation:** Celebrate the hits from an Angolan DJ and a performance by Angolan Dancers! Dance Lessons and late evening dancing are encouraged! 4. **Diplomatic Greeting:** Hear from the HE Agostinho de Carvalho dos Santos Van-Dúnem and feel free to schmooze with the diplomatic staff from Angola **5\. Angolan Art:** Throughout the Embassy, the Embassy has arranged for the presentation of special African artifacts and paintings unseen by most Americans’ eyes 6. **Angolan Cultural Film:** At your leisure, you are invited to watch recurring films showcasing cities, mountains, borders, landscape, people, tribes, animals (esp. their gorillas), safari tours, everyday culture, and much more. Note: The *event is presented as a cultural event organized by us at the Embassy of Angola. Your registration fee is used by Things to do DC solely to present diverse cultural events to our membership. No part of the admission fee is related in any way to the Embassy of Angola or staff at the Embassy of Angola. We appreciate your support of our events!* ## Suggested Attire Business Casual. Preppy at a Minimum. (Jeans, Tee Shirts, Sneakers or other Casual Wear are not Acceptable) To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-angola-tickets-1986939005051](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-angola-tickets-1986939005051)

This game is located at the DC/Maryland Border in Silver Spring. We'll use the Tennis Court at Juniper blair where there are Night Lights shining on an enclosed arena. This area is enjoyable because it allows for more touches on the ball, with more movement around the field. THIS IS ON A TENNIS COURT. WE DO NOT WEAR CLEATS. WE WEAR FUTSAL SHOES, TENNIS SHOES; ANYTHING WITH NO SPIKES. Pinnies and goals will be provided. Bring a ball if you have one. We usually get 10+ more players not on meetup — we'll add those to whatever we get here and see if we can have a game. More than competitive, we all want to play good futsal and make it fun and entertaining for all. No warm sided matches here — new and advanced players are welcomed. Here, we want to get active and have fun in the evenings after work

Are you interested in learning more about our club? Why not attend a meeting or visit us at one of our upcoming community service projects? We’d love to meet you!

Come to MLK Library for a free, family-friendly afternoon of conversation, celebration, and really good food. We're inviting the whole area to join us in celebrating ourselves, our neighbors, and the things that make DC special. There will be games, giveaways, and a chance to make new connections at every level. Bring your hopes and dreams for the future of our city, and an open mind to learn from your neighbors. We hope to see you there.

The World Cup energy is HERE, and we’re getting together to cheer, celebrate, debate every referee decision, and become soccer experts for 90 minutes. Join Bethesda Social Club at Sports and Social for an exciting World Cup Watch Party as USA takes on TURKIYE in a Group Stage showdown! You do NOT need to be a die-hard soccer fan to enjoy this event. If you like great people, good food, cold drinks, and the electric atmosphere that only the World Cup can create, this is the place to be. We’ll be enjoying: 🍺 Drinks and game-day specials 🍔 Great food and snacks ⚽ The World Cup match on big screens 🎉 Fun, welcoming social vibes 🙌 A great night out with fellow Bethesda Social Club members Here’s the specials: $4 Domestic Drafts $5 House Wines $6 Call Cocktails: Smirnoff & Smirnoff Flavors, Dulce Vida, Tanqueray, Kentucky Gentleman, Malibu & MORE $7 Crush Cocktails 50% off the following appetizers: Signature Fries Giant Pretzel Loaded Nachos Boneless Wings Come for the soccer. Come for the social atmosphere. Come because World Cup matches are always more fun with a crowd. Wear your favorite team’s colors if you want, bring your friends, and join us for a relaxed, energetic, and memorable World Cup night at Sports and Social. Parking Info: Free for the 1st 2 hours $3 for 4 Hours $4 for 5 Hours The venue is close to the North Bethesda Metro station. Take the Red Line, exit at the North Bethesda Metro stop and walk 6 minutes. See you there! ⚽

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

The World Cup energy is HERE, and we’re getting together to cheer, celebrate, debate every referee decision, and become soccer experts for 90 minutes. Join Social Sips and Bites at Sports and Social for an exciting World Cup Watch Party as USA takes on TURKIYE in a Group Stage showdown! You do NOT need to be a die-hard soccer fan to enjoy this event. If you like great people, good food, cold drinks, and the electric atmosphere that only the World Cup can create, this is the place to be. We’ll be enjoying: 🍺 Drinks and game-day specials 🍔 Great food and snacks ⚽ The World Cup match on big screens 🎉 Fun, welcoming social vibes 🙌 A great night out with fellow Bethesda Social Club members Here’s the specials: $4 Domestic Drafts $5 House Wines $6 Call Cocktails: Smirnoff & Smirnoff Flavors, Dulce Vida, Tanqueray, Kentucky Gentleman, Malibu & MORE $7 Crush Cocktails 50% off the following appetizers: Signature Fries Giant Pretzel Loaded Nachos Boneless Wings Come for the soccer. Come for the social atmosphere. Come because World Cup matches are always more fun with a crowd. Throw on your favorite jersey (or team colors), grab your friends, and join us for a relaxed, high-energy, and memorable night out. Parking Info: Free for the 1st 2 hours $3 for 4 Hours $4 for 5 Hours The venue is close to the North Bethesda Metro station. Take the Red Line, exit at the North Bethesda Metro stop and walk 6 minutes. See you there! ⚽

Join PAM for a beer mile fundraiser for Pro-Animal D.C.! If you’ve never heard of a beer mile, it’s simple and hilarious: you chug a 12oz drink, run/walk a lap, and repeat that four times until you hit a mile. **Check-in is at 7:30 PM, and the single-heat race kicks off at 8:00 PM,** but anyone can also just come to watch! It will be quite the spectacle. We’ll have music and pizza. If you want to run, it’s $25 to enter. All of the funds go towards helping ducks and geese by funding our I-86 campaign to end force-feeding and the sales of force-fed products in DC. All donations are currently being 100% MATCHED by a generous donor! Your $25 registration instantly becomes $50 to help animals. Register here: [https://forms.gle/xEaDn31faRoVVP9c7](https://forms.gle/xEaDn31faRoVVP9c7) This event is completely BYOB. Cans or plastic bottles only, no glass. If you’re under 21, don't drink alcohol, or just prefer a different vibe, you are absolutely welcome to swap the beer for your favorite soda, seltzer, or kombucha. We won't be checking IDs, so please just follow the law. Let’s get crazy for animals! If you’re running/walking, bring a 4-pack of canned, animal-product-free beverages (in the spirit of the campaign.) Feel free to bring along any extra veg snacks or sides you'd like to share alongside the pizza. You might also want a picnic chair or blanket. If you have them, bring hype gear like cowbells, whistles, or noisemakers to cheer on the runners. Street parking is the best option.

This event is for volleyball beginners who want an opportunity to practice, play, and gain experience in a relaxed, low pressure environment. Whether you're trying volleyball for the first time or still developing confidence in the basics, you'll find this event welcoming, supportive, and beginner-friendly. Level: Beginners Cost: Free Field Type: Outdoor grass Format: 6x6 The focus will be on getting 3 touches on the ball, learning through play, and having fun with others who are also new to the game. Come enjoy some casual volleyball, meet new people, and have fun! **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

Greetings, Let's meet again for another Last Saturday of the Month dinner discussion (at 12 Stories Hip Hop & R&B Lounge at the Wharf DC) centered on community service, leadership, and advocacy. If you are a reader, writer, speaker, and/or change agent and would like to connect with others dedicated to personal development and community projects feel free to RSVP for this interest meeting. Meeting inclusive to all to include those of different backgrounds and ethnicities. If there are any questions, suggestions, recommendations (e.g., alternative meeting times and locations) regarding this meeting please do not hesitate to reach out via meet-up message or phone at any time. There will also be an opportunity to explore existing alternative locations and to create a vetted invitation-based gender balanced inclusive guest list/playlist for future Last Saturday of the Month community service, advocacy, discussion dinners, thank you. Alicia (202) 627-0361 Sunday June 21st, 2026 4:30pm

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

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

Happy Hour on the Green ⛳ Join Black Love & Friends for a laid-back evening at Topgolf as we celebrate the fathers, father figures, brothers, uncles, mentors, friends, and positive male role models who enrich our lives and communities. This isn't a golf tournament—it's a social gathering designed to bring great people together for conversation, connection, laughter, food, drinks, and a little friendly competition. Whether you're a father, celebrating a father, bringing your brother, cousin, friend, or simply looking for a fun Saturday evening, you're welcome to join us. No golf experience is necessary. Come for the happy hour, stay for the company. Expect: • Topgolf games for all skill levels • Food and drinks available for purchase • Networking and socializing • Great music and positive vibes • A welcoming atmosphere for singles, couples, and friends Bring someone special or come solo and meet new people. Let's raise a glass to the men who lead, support, inspire, and show up for the people they love.

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!

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/

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!

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday June 30th from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!