Universal Humanism

● Would you like to look deeper into the source of life? ● Do you want to find your own answers to everyday questions? ● Singing HU can bring you Love, Happiness, and Stability You’re warmly invited to join us at our **Friday HU Chant at 7:00 pm** You will be welcome to chant out loud or simply listen, whatever is right for you. The chant lasts about 20 minutes, followed by brief contemplative time and conversation with others of like heart. **Attend In-Person at:** The Maryland Eckankar Center 1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104 Silver Spring, MD 20903 (**Doors open at 6:30 pm**)

Enjoy a lively German convo! Hoffentlich werden wir euch dort sehen! ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't speak the other person's required language\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face language exchange event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we will greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your local languages\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to practice your languages\. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

* Resentment is a heavy burden. When we hold onto past hurts, our heart remains stuck in pain and negativity — even long after the situation has passed. Learning to let go of inner resentments enables us to choose peace over pain. In this talk, we will explore practical Buddhist methods to release resentment and heal our mind from the inside out. By learning to transform painful experiences with wisdom and compassion, we can protect our peace, improve our relationships, and move forward with confidence and joy. Everyone is welcome — discover the freedom that arises when we stop replaying the past and start creating a happier, more peaceful future. **COST** $12/Financial Hardship: $6 Members: Free Dinner(Optional): $7 * Event Schedule Fri., March 13 from 7 to 8:15pm

Join us for the first DC LSU Alumni & Friends meetup as we watch LSU Baseballll open SEC play against Vanderbilt. Whether you are a proud alum, current student, lifelong fan, or just love LSU, this group is for you. This will be a relaxed, watch party/meet & greet — a great chance to meet fellow LSU fans in the DC area, cheer on the Tigers, and help build a LSU community here in DC. We look forward to seeing you there! Geaux Tigers

COST: Green Spring has a parking fee which we will collect together because they consider us a “group” with different fee rules. Therefore, DO NOT put parking fee in parking lot collection box. Instead, please bring some cash for the GROUP fee (dollar bills or a fiver) to our start point. DESCRIPTION: Join us on a slowish walk over gentle hills with stops (up to two miles in about two hours) at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria, to enjoy the waning wonders of winter (and even last autumn) and the signs of spring.(Unfortunately, the mulched trails and slopes are not wheelchair accessible nor suitable for those with walking difficulties.) Experience nature in a leisurely way, and awaken your senses. Before trees leaf out, we still get our longest scenic views, evergreens pop, and groups of bare trees are like sculpture gardens. Delight in the rush of spring water and colors and textures of early flowers. In the Glass House conservatory, preview what will become the colorful late-spring planted gardens. WHAT WE'LL DO: We will meander up to 2 miles in about 2 hours within Green Spring Gardens (with opportunities to stop, engage and wonder) and end up back at the visitors center. YOUR GUIDE: Adrienne Betancourt is an educator (with a career in adult education and college programs.) She completed the Maryland Natural Naturalist 60-hour course and has continued to study natural history, with experience leading programs and walks for kids, families, and adults. MEETING POINT: Drive to : 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312 Meet at 10:30 AM for a short introduction (that is, OUTSIDE main door of the Visitor's center in view of reception desk and restrooms and water inside). We start walking at 10:45 AM. PARKING: Medium-sized lot available. But do NOT put fees into parking box slots. Instead hold onto your cash for when we collect the required GROUP fee, please. WEATHER: Steady rain cancels event. We will add updates as needed. PREPARATION: * Sturdy comfortable footwear * Hiking poles (optional) * Comfortable layers * Water! * Snack and/or lunch if desired * Backpack * Sunblock * Bug spray * Optional: bring binoculars and your charged up cell phone for taking photos and using nature apps. WEBSITE & NEWSLETTER: [https://imaginebeingwell.org](https://imaginebeingwell.org/) [Click Here to Sign Up](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/newsletter-form/sign-up-for-the-imagine-well-being-newsletter) to join Imagine Well Being’s mailing list to stay informed on the latest news and upcoming events and retreats. LIABILITY RELEASE: With my RSVP, I hereby stipulate that I am physically sound to participate in this event. I understand and agree that all classes, gatherings, and workshops are undertaken at my sole risk and that Imagine Well Being guides and instructors shall not be liable for injuries or damages to my person or property arising out of or connected to any of these activities. I authorize Imagine Well Being guides and instructors to call 911 in the event that I appear to require emergency medical care and assume responsibility for all associated costs. I have carefully read this agreement and understand its contents. I agree that it is a complete release of liability for any injuries or damage that I may sustain due to Imagine classes, gatherings, and workshops.

What role do the arts play in building strong, vibrant communities? How can creativity bring people together across differences, spark dialogue, and strengthen our shared sense of belonging? Join us for an open, engaging discussion on how visual art, music, theater, literature, film, and public art contribute to community life. Whether you’re an artist, arts supporter, educator, organizer, or simply someone who values culture, this conversation is for you. We’ll explore questions such as: * How do the arts create connection across cultural, generational, and social divides? * Can creative expression help communities heal after conflict or crisis? This is a dialogue — not a lecture — designed to surface diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Expect thoughtful conversation and opportunities to imagine new possibilities together. **All are welcome.**

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps 33:12, KJV) Please join the Christian Party of America’s monthly Nationwide, public Conference Call to discuss current political issues with like-minded Christians. The conference call is the second Thursday of each month at 8:30 PM est. Lets join in a discussion on what can be done to address the concerns we all share for the status of our country’s civil government and have prayer to close the call. Guest speakers will be present at some of the calls to provide input on political issues. The Christian Party of America (www.christianpartyof america.com) is a new, national third-party of Christian voters, dedicated to proclaiming that Jesus is Lord in the political arena. Our purpose is to bring our country back to being an unabashedly Christian nation, by offering and electing competent candidates who share and promote our vision. Please join us in our goal of uniting believers under the banner of Jesus Christ to bring constitutional freedom to all people of the United States. We believe in the Christian principles set forth in the Bible, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. The Christian Party of America’s nationwide Conference Calls are a great opportunity to connect with other Christian Party supporters as we try to make a difference in this country. So sign on with us for the conference call to discuss issues and contribute your thoughts about what we can be doing politically. Our conference calls are open to the public and are for all of us who are interested in the Christian Party of America. It is an easy-access way to share ideas and learn more about what is going on around the country with the Christian Party of America. Hope you can make it! There is no extra charge to participate other than the usual charges by your phone plan for a long distance call. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV) KJV)

**What Does Peace Look Like? (Free Event)** **“Peace” often implies “lack of conflict”. But is that too narrow a definition? Is a peaceful world just one without war – or is it also one that supports our highest material & spiritual well-being? What role does spirituality play in fostering this higher vision of peace?** **In a world too often defined by conflict and division, there is a growing recognition that peace encompasses more than just the absence of war. It implies the equitable distribution of resources, rights, and opportunities for all members of society. And looking around us, we can find efforts in place towards this end. But we could also probably say that we still have a long way to go to achieving this. So what’s missing? Does a more just and lasting definition of peace necessitate not only the practical material means to achieve it but also a firm understanding of our spiritual nature and that we are all members of one human family? How could we aim to achieve true peace without both? How might a deeper understanding of our shared humanity, of the role of love and justice, help lay the foundation to true, lasting peace?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the underlying truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspectives offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on a vision of what actual peace might look like. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role each of us can play in transforming our communities, in building a more just world where each of us can thrive.** **“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

Sven Sinclair will discuss the recent arms race in partisan gerrymandering that has been in the news a lot, but it is just a symptom of more fundamental flaws in our electoral system. This talk, based on his recent essay "[A SWEET Cure for Gerrymandering](https://svenosaurus.substack.com/p/a-sweet-cure-for-gerrymandering?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true)," will discuss those flaws, obstacles to fixing them, and a new proposal for a workable solution. Sven Sinclair is a member of NOVES for over two decades, is an economist and actuary who has been interested in electoral math and design of electoral systems since the last century. Children and young children welcome! When: Sunday, March 15, 2026 Coffee available at 10:45 AM, Speaker begins at 11:00 AM Where: Green Hedges School 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA

Higher Grounds – Del Ray is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Del Ray who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

“Peace” often implies “lack of conflict”. But is that too narrow a definition? Is a peaceful world just one without war – or is it also one that supports our highest material & spiritual well-being? What role does spirituality play in fostering this higher vision of peace? In a world too often defined by conflict and division, there is a growing recognition that peace encompasses more than just the absence of war. It implies the equitable distribution of resources, rights, and opportunities for all members of society. And looking around us, we can find efforts in place towards this end. But we could also probably say that we still have a long way to go to achieving this. So what’s missing? Does a more just and lasting definition of peace necessitate not only the practical material means to achieve it but also a firm understanding of our spiritual nature and that we are all members of one human family? How could we aim to achieve true peace without both? How might a deeper understanding of our shared humanity, of the role of love and justice, help lay the foundation to true, lasting peace? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the underlying truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspectives offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on a vision of what actual peace might look like. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role each of us can play in transforming our communities, in building a more just world where each of us can thrive. *"The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens." - Bahá’í Teachings* \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

**Looking to** \- Help out neighbors in the DC area? \- Support a secular charity? \- Connect with other atheists and humanists? Join Atheists Helping the Homeless DC at our monthly distribution event! Atheists Helping the Homeless is a 501(c)(3) charity that distributes items like backpacks, socks, gloves, and toiletries to people in need throughout the Washington, DC region. We meet up on the second Saturday of every month outside of a homeless shelter in Silver Spring, MD, called Progress Place, and pass out whatever items we have to whoever is there. Each month we serve between 60 - 100 people. Afterwards, we usually go out for breakfast. Our goal is to provide a way for people to help each other without affiliating with a religion. Our method is to go straight to those in need, and create a welcoming and fun atmosphere to effectively create an environment where secular community can grow and thrive. If this sounds fun, see you there!

Come join us for in-depth discussions on topics relating to moral and political philosophy. This is a group for members who are comfortable discussing topics that are often anxiety producing and controversial. *"Aristotle was a realist who believed that reality and knowledge are found in the physical world, accessible through sensory experience and logic. This led to contrasting views on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality itself. Plato emphasized abstract, ideal concepts, while Aristotle prioritized empirical observation and the study of the natural world."* \- Google Gemini Following Aristotle's lead, this group will lean heavily on empirical data to make arguments. The Socratic method is still the preferred way to engage in conversation, and Platonic Idealism is still relevant to the conversation as points of reference.

**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020

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

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.

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!

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. We desirere to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and all members are treated with compassion and respect. All backgrounds are welcome.

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!