Social Welfare

\| Government Leaders Meet in DC | Policy makers around the world are coming to DC to learn about blockchain. | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | [](https://gbaglobal.org/u-s-capitol-hill-blockchain-showcase) | | \| Government Leaders Meet in DC | Policy makers around the world are coming to DC to learn about blockchain. Learn More https://gbaglobal.org/u-s-capitol-hill-blockchain-showcase/ Government officials from over 50 government offices and over 300 people have registered to attend the Government Blockchain Showcase on Capitol Hill, March 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC. Do you have a production-ready blockchain solution that government can use? Schedule a call to discuss showcasing https://calendly.com/gerard-dache/30min. Want to attend the free daytime event on Capitol Hill? Register on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/events/7404602812124524544?viewAsMember=true. Want to attend the daytime showcase and the Spies Across Time Evening Reception? Purchase a ticket https://gbaglobal.org/u-s-capitol-hill-blockchain-showcase/. Who Will Be Attending International Organizations United Nations National Governments Argentina Bermuda Guatemala India Israel Japan Mexico Singapore United States Government White House Of of Science & Tech Department of Agriculture (USDA) Department of Commerce Technology Modernization Fund Department of War (DoW) Defense Acquisition University Department of the Navy Depart of Education (DoE) Depart of Health & Human Services (HHS) Health Resources & Services Admin (HRSA) Depart of Housing & Urban Dev Federal Housing Finance Agency Depart of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Safety Agency (TSA) Department of the Interior Department of State Department of the Treasury Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Federal Labor Relations Authority General Services Admin (GSA) Technology Modernization Fund House of Representatives House Committee on Ways & Means House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Internal Revenue Service (IRS) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Institutes of Health Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship State & Local Government Offices Maryland Government Annapolis Prince George’s County North Carolina City of Charlottesville Utah County Virginia Retirement System Washington, DC Office of the Inspector General Washington Area Transit Authority \| https://gbaglobal.org/u-s-capitol-hill-blockchain-showcase/ About GBA The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) is a nonprofit (501c6) organization committed to advancing blockchain technology standards, facilitating industry education, and ensuring a trusted, secure ecosystem for blockchain solutions. For more information, visit https://gbaglobal.org/. For more information contact Bob Miko, bmiko@pacificdialogue.com 203 378 2803. Bob Miko GBA Director of Public Relations Editor in Chief/Producer Pacific Dialogue 203 378 2803 bmiko@pacificdialogue.com

## **World Civil Defense Day Open House** **Disaster Preparedness, Community Resilience & Volunteer Response** How prepared is our community for the next emergency? Join us in observance of **World Civil Defense Day** for an educational Open House focused on disaster preparedness, civilian protection, and community resilience. World Civil Defense Day highlights the importance of coordinated response between first responders, volunteers, civic groups, and community members. This event will introduce the work of the **Scientology Volunteer Ministers**, a global humanitarian program dedicated to helping communities before, during, and after crises. ### **What to Expect:** • Self-Guided tour of a special exhibit in the Public Information Center • Overview of disaster response and emergency preparedness efforts • Educational materials and practical information • Open discussion and networking with others interested in community engagement Whether you are interested in emergency preparedness, volunteerism, public safety, or simply want to learn how communities can work together more effectively, this Open House is designed to inform and inspire. ### **Event Schedule:** 11:30 AM – Self-Guided Tour of the Special Exhibit 11:50 AM – Lunch 12:10 PM – Open House Presentation 12:45 PM – Networking & Community Dialogue 📍 Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC 1424 16th St. NW Washington, DC 20036 Open to the public. Guests are welcome.

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

Whether you're Deaf, HoH, an interpreter, an ASL student, or just want to learn or practice American Sign Language (ASL), we welcome all levels of signers to come join us for an evening of ASL socializing and practice. This event occurs on the first and third Sundays of every month, in the heart of Fairfax County at the Fairfax Wegman's (corner of Route 29 and Monument Drive). We can be found on the upper level, typically near the stairs. We generally start around 7 pm. ASL beginners are welcome, but you should know the ASL alphabet and some basic signs - this is not an ASL class, but the more experienced signers are generally happy to help beginners learn and improve. There is no better way to develop your signing skills then by joining the conversation with other signers. There is a place for everyone to join, learn and practice. Regardless, we are always welcoming so don’t be discouraged to attend; this is very informal and new folks are always welcome. Note, some attendees arrive early and grab some of Wegman’s food for dinner, so you can combine a shopping trip with the ASL practice.

Curious about DSA? Thinking about joining but want to hear more info first? Attended a few of our events already and ready become a member? Already a member and want to get more involved? If so, this event is for you! You'll learn about DSA, what we do, and how you can get involved in the fight for a brighter future. We'll outline our chapter's structure and our campaigns, working groups, and branches. Our chapter covers the DMV area, including the district, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery County and Prince George's County in Maryland. Unable to join in person? Consider joining [our next virtual orientation](https://actionnetwork.org/events/why-you-should-join-dsa-new-member-orientation-168/) on Wednesday, March 18! Please RSVP on [Action Network](https://actionnetwork.org/events/why-you-should-join-dsa-new-member-orientation-179/) to receive further updates on this event. \* \* \* This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters. Not a Member? Please consider [becoming a Member](https://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC). Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford.

🍨 **Thursday Social at Dolcezza — March 5th @ 7 PM** 🍦 Kick off your Thursday evening with a chill social hangout at **Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee**! Join us at **7:00 PM on March 5th** for a relaxed meetup in a cozy spot known for its handcrafted gelato made with local, seasonal ingredients and expertly brewed coffee. Whether you’re craving a scoop of rich gelato, a perfectly pulled espresso, or just good vibes and great conversation, this is the place to be. Come mingle, meet new people, and enjoy some sweet treats as we slide into the weekend early. ✨ What to expect: * 🍦 Artisanal gelato & sorbetto * ☕ Quality espresso, lattes, and coffee drinks * 💬 Great conversations and connections * 📍 A cozy, welcoming atmosphere perfect for socializing See you there — friends, treats, and good energy included!

🍨 **Thursday Social at Dolcezza — March 5th @ 7 PM** 🍦 Kick off your Thursday evening with a chill social hangout at **Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee**! Join us at **7:00 PM on March 5th** for a relaxed meetup in a cozy spot known for its handcrafted gelato made with local, seasonal ingredients and expertly brewed coffee. Whether you’re craving a scoop of rich gelato, a perfectly pulled espresso, or just good vibes and great conversation, this is the place to be. Come mingle, meet new people, and enjoy some sweet treats as we slide into the weekend early. ✨ What to expect: * 🍦 Artisanal gelato & sorbetto * ☕ Quality espresso, lattes, and coffee drinks * 💬 Great conversations and connections * 📍 A cozy, welcoming atmosphere perfect for socializing See you there — friends, treats, and good energy included!

Join us for our Thursday Tea Time and social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults! Bring your beverage of choice, and meet in-person at The DC Center from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. For more information, contact Center Aging Program Coordinator, Mac (maca@thedccenter.org). We hope to see you there!

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. 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

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

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

Join us for a free in-person seminar where you will get knowledge and tools to build your confidence. Do you ever: -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 At this workshop we will 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

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

Join us for a fun Saturday evening starting with dinner at Ranchero Kitchen at 6:30 PM, where we’ll be supporting an immigrant-owned local business. Pupusas: Beans, Potatoes, Veggie Homemade juices: Passionfruit, Tamarind, Horchata, Pineapple-cashew After dinner, we’ll head to Skate Zone 71 from 8:00–10:30 PM for skating, music, and good vibes. Come hungry and ready to roll! 😋🛼 Locations: Ranchero Kitchen 984 Morse Rd Columbus, OH 43229 (Same plaza as Ohio BMV license bureau) Skate Zone 71 4900 Evanswood Dr Columbus, OH 43229