Social Issues

We are in the middle of a trilogy of topics that form a story. Our current series is around the theme of human flourishing. In April we discussed *beauty*. In May we looked at how the role ‘*home*’ plays in our well-being. To round off this *trilogy of human flourishing*, we will ask what roles do *nature and nurture* play in our lives? Have you ever pondered why you are the way you are? Are we born this way, or are we shaped by life? *Nature* refers to the genetic blueprint we inherit from our ancestors. *Nurture* refers to the social, cultural, and environmental factors that moulds our personalities, values, and skills. Are these two influences enemies or dancing partners? What limits, if any, exist in either one? How do they contribute to destiny or choice? Join us for facilitated conversations about Nature and Nurture this upcoming Tuesday, 9.June, 7:15pm, at Third Space Café Smithfield. Newcomers are welcome. **NOTE**: we ask for a **3 Euro donation** to cover costs. Payable on the night by coin or Revolut. Thank you. Socrates Cafe: *a space where ideas and dialogue can flourish*.

🚨 This session will now run as a social tennis session as of the morning of Tuesday the 9th of June… Instead of a tennis lesson for intermediates! If you see this before Tuesday morning, this change has yet to be announced 😅

If you’ve had lessons before or have played for a few weeks or months, join this lesson 🎾 Lessons work on a pay as you go system with each lesson costing €20 with your sixth lesson free, making it €100 for 6 lessons that can attend occasionally or weekly… Also, if you haven’t already join my group lessons WhatsApp group at the link below 👇 https://chat.whatsapp.com/CKXCPrOmQIcDepGYCZYZXu For more info on lessons, prices and equipment that you can borrow for free, click the link below 👇 Www.Ellistennisdublin.Com/info

We are organizing this games night **every Tuesday at 7.00pm, Wild Duck 🦆**, Temple Bar! **🎟️This event is ticketed at the gate.** **With a 10€ ticket you'll get a drink too. Card/Cash accepted** *Do you want to meet new people and also enjoy playing games? Then join us!* We usually play Social, quick and easy to learn games where you break the ice and have fun! You don't need to be a game expert, our games are easy and other attandees will explain you in few minutes if you have never played that game. We have lots of games here but You’re more than welcome to bring your own games. *(also some people may stay till midnight)* *See* *you there 🎲*

Join us on **Tuesday, June 9th, at 6:00 PM** for an evening of networking with the **Sustainability and Innovation Network Dublin**. **Details:** 📅 **Date:** Tuesday, June 9th ⏰ **Time:** 6:00 - 8:00 PM 📍 **Venue:** Bar Rua RSVP to let us know you’re coming, we would love to see you there!

Join the Energy Innovators Ireland group for an informal meetup focused on the latest innovations in energy and renewable technologies. This meetups speaker is **Fergus Sharkey**, Head of Business Supports at SEAI. He will speak about his journey in his various roles pushing forward energy innovation with his talk titled "Postcard from the Energy Transition Frontlines" *Fergus is an experienced engineer and proven leader in the energy and sustainability sector. Currently Head of Business Supports in SEAI helping to lead Ireland's energy transition. Fergus and his team provide a wide range of supports to businesses looking to improve energy efficiency and adopt renewable energy.* Whether you are a seasoned professional or simply curious about the intersection of technology and sustainability, this meetup is the perfect opportunity to network, learn, and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals. Upstairs room in Nearys pub at 6pm https://www.linkedin.com/in/fsharkey/details/experience/ https://www.seai.ie/grants/business-grants

**This tuesday it's free before 6:15pm** [Participate to win Discounts or Free entry](https://forms.gle/wKXom67Aq9aK55UGA) The best way to connect, meet people, play, sing, dance, and have fun while learning. Here’s how it works: 1️⃣ First, relaxed conversations, no music, for real talk and connection. 2️⃣ Then the energy rises! games & karaoke like a party with friends. 🤔 Coming alone? Don’t worry we’ll introduce you to people and break the ice for you! 🤔 Not confident in your language level? Relax — everyone’s learning too. 🤔 Afraid of awkward silences? We’ve got icebreakers and games to keep the vibe flowing. ### 💶 Price 🎟️ **€5 entry** 🍺 **€10 entry including a pint** *(If you don’t win free entry or a discount.)*

**Wednesday Chess Night at Board! ♟️** Join us every Wednesday from 7 PM. All levels are welcome, from total beginners to seasoned pros. We have a loyal core group, but we are always open to meeting new people! Come grab a drink, find a board, and enjoy some great company. See you there!

During social tennis, you’ll play several matches and rally, meet new people… and play a wide range of playing abilities with those who have played tennis before! It is suitable to all players but if you have not played before, please consider joining at least one group lesson before considering social tennis… 😊 Please join my group chat for social tennis below 👇 Https://chat.whatsapp.com/G60iuOQFYm3E6p5yogUo21?mode=ems_copy_t

This is the second working session for the Abundance Federation Dublin group. After our February meetup we formed a team of four developers and four data scientists who've been working steadily on the platform and the first public AI dataset pilot. We're now looking to grow the team as the work expands. **Where we are** * The Kindness & volunteering platform is live but rough. Profiles, communities, messaging, tasks, quests and incentives all work, but it needs proper attention on both design and architecture before we push it toward a real MVP. Making it easy, coherent and genuinely fun to use matters as much as the engineering underneath — both have to land. * The first AI dataset pilot (Irish agricultural weed identification, with Transition Year students and adult volunteers) launches later this year. Tooling plans are written; the data team is working through them. The dataset side has real engineering work too — orchestration, pipelines, annotation tooling, and the interfaces volunteers will actually use — so the roles below apply across both teams. **Who we'd particularly like to meet** The work right now would especially benefit from: * UX designers or design-minded developers who care about making real software feel coherent, easy, and enjoyable to use * Python / Django developers who enjoy growing a real codebase * Backend developers comfortable with messy real-world systems * Database architects — we have decisions ahead that would benefit from experienced judgement * DevOps people who enjoy quietly making things reliable That said, this is a broad project and there's room for more than just those roles. Frontend developers, data scientists, technical writers, testers, community organisers, and people who just want to help in whatever way makes sense — all welcome. Come along, see what we're doing, and we'll figure out together where you might fit. People at any stage of their career are welcome. Experience is valuable, but so is persistence and follow-through — on a project like this, the people who keep showing up are the ones who shape what gets built. **On the night** * A short walkthrough of where the platform and data work are now (warts and all) * A clear-eyed look at the design and architectural questions we're working through * Small-group conversations to figure out what's most useful, what's feasible, and who might want to keep working on what * Pizza, soft drinks, and an optional pub afterwards for anyone up for it **Logistics** * Digital Hub, Dublin * Wednesday, June 10th, 7–9pm * Free, in-person, finishing on time at 9pm * RSVP through Meetup so we can plan numbers The wider Abundance Federation is a mission-locked civic initiative working on shared digital infrastructure to bring down the cost of essentials over the long term. The platform and the data work are the technical foundations of that — and they'll only be as good as the people who build them. Come along if you'd like to help shape what gets built.

Hello! 🙂 [https://rhagallery.ie/rha-annual/](https://rhagallery.ie/rha-annual/) Meeting place: We meet outside the entrance to the RHA Gallery. Meeting time: 540pm. Exploring time: 545pm. We will wander through the galleries for around 30 minutes. Note / Disclaimer: Attending this event and every event in this group is entirely in every way at your own risk Any questions, message me. Thanks Alan

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** **This dinner in particular will be very special as we celebrate America's 250th birthday. How better to honor a semiquincentennial of democracy that spending an evening practicing it?** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. We are a collaboration between people of all faiths and stripes. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

**Event Title:** Coffee Meetup at Shotted Specialty Coffee **Date & Time:** Sunday\, June 14\, 2026 \| 11:30 AM \- 1:00 PM **Location:** Shotted Specialty Coffee, Tysons Galleria 2001 International Dr, 3rd Floor, Tysons, VA 22102 **Event Details:** Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just someone who enjoys a warm cup in great company, this is the perfect event for you! We're gathering at **Shotted Specialty Coffee**, one of Tysons' most popular spots for specialty coffee, to relax, network, and indulge in some of the finest brews in the area. We’ll kick off at **11:30 AM**, where you can choose from a wide selection of carefully crafted coffee drinks, from rich espresso shots to smooth pour-overs. Shotted Specialty Coffee prides itself on using only the highest quality beans, roasted to perfection – so you're in for a treat! This meetup is designed for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle, enjoy some downtime, and connect with other coffee lovers, remote workers, or anyone who simply enjoys a good cup of coffee in a cozy atmosphere. **Agenda:** * **11:30 AM - 11:45 AM:** Arrival & Casual Introductions * **11:45 AM - 12:30 PM:** Coffee Enjoyment & Conversation * **12:30 PM - 1:00 PM:** Open Discussion, Networking, and Mingling Feel free to come solo or bring a friend! This is a relaxed, low-pressure meetup, so there's no agenda beyond enjoying great coffee and conversation. Whether you're looking to chat about your favorite coffee beans, share local recommendations, or meet new people in the area, everyone is welcome. **Why You Should Attend:** * Discover a fantastic local coffee spot if you haven't been to Shotted Specialty Coffee before. * Enjoy delicious drinks made from expertly sourced beans. * Meet new people who share your passion for coffee and good vibes. * Take a mid-day break to relax and unwind in a comfortable environment. **RSVP:** Please RSVP so we can reserve enough seating and ensure everyone has a spot to enjoy the event comfortably. Feel free to update. **Parking:** Free parking **Meeting Point:** We will meet near the counter. Please feel free to text/call if you have issues finding the place: 571-435-1888 Thanks Manu your RSVP if your plans change! Looking forward to seeing you there and sharing some amazing coffee moments together!

### Hopeful Cafe Conversations @Panera Kentlands **You are cordially invited to join in the conversation to catch the positive vibe... a cup of coffee, or another of your favorite refreshment.** **At NEW HOPE CAFE CONVERSATIONS on 3rd Saturdays, Monthly** **Address: Panera, 285 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878** **Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83326239362** ===== **New Hope Workshop**: What is Negativity Bias? How do we get ahead of it to reach more positive outcomes in work, life, and relationships? Discover the difference between goals and outcomes. 1\. How do we reaffirm ones role\, despite negativity bias from others? 2\. The New Hope Community Affirmative Statements of Foundational Principles 3\. Your Perspectives in Conversation **"Star Points Meal Deal"** If you have New Hope "Star Points 💫" you can get a discount on a meal. Also you can earn Star Points, if this is your first time attending Cafe Conversations, in-person. Ask Gene, newhope321community@yahoo.com, 240-848-0808.

**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.** **📅 Tuesday, June 25, 2026** **🕘 Kickoff: 10:00 PM** **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.** **See you there! ⚽**

What becomes possible when different generations come together—not just to share perspectives, but to truly collaborate? This meetup invites participants of all ages to explore how intergenerational connection can strengthen communities, spark innovation, and create more sustainable solutions for today’s challenges. Each generation brings unique experiences, insights, and strengths—and when combined, they can become a powerful force for positive change. Through guided discussion and reflection, we’ll explore: * How generational perspectives shape the way we see the world * Where misunderstandings arise—and how to move beyond them * Practical ways to collaborate across age groups in our communities and work Whether you’re early in your journey or bring decades of experience, your voice matters in this conversation. All thoughtful voices are welcome.

**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.** **📅 Tuesday, June 25, 2026** **🕘 Kickoff: 10:00 PM** **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.** **See you there! ⚽**