Volunteering

**An evening for over-givers** I asked the people who follow my work: "What's harder for you: giving or receiving?" The answers came back almost identical. Giving is easy. Receiving doesn't always come naturally. People described it as a burden, a debt, an awkwardness, a thing they'd been taught they had to earn first. One person said, "It's safer not to want." Most of us were trained to be *over-developed givers* and under-developed receivers, and we live the rest of our lives slightly off-balance because of it. The Relating Lab is a 105-minute group session to explore this topic, guided by a psychologist. **Who this is for** * You can give for hours. Receiving for five minutes feels strange. * When someone gives you something, you feel like you owe them something back. * You don't always know what you actually want. * You notice yourself trying to be worthy of the good things in your life. * You wish for more affection in your friendships without awkwardness. * You suspect that the way you were taught about love and worth in childhood is still running quietly in the background. **What we'll do** * A guided meditation on a recent moment when receiving felt hard * Paired work with a simple exercise that can change how you understand every interaction in your life. * A closing sound bath where you receive together. * A closing circle. **What this is not** This is not therapy. Not a workshop you'll have to perform at. Not a "share your trauma" circle. Just come as you are and give this topic the time it deserves. *Your only task is to **receive**. Not to deserve it. Not to repay it. Not to make anything happen. Just let it land.* **The practical bits** Sunday 31 May, 4–5:45 pm. Calm Rooms, Monkstown. €27. Up to 15 seats. RSVP through this Meetup. Wear something comfortable that you can sit on the floor in. Bring a water bottle. **About me** I'm Olena. I'm a psychologist (PSI graduate member), doing a PhD in organisational psychology, with somatic and consent-based training on top. I run cacao ceremonies and cuddle therapy sessions in Dublin. The Relating Lab is a series of four events that I'll be running monthly through the summer. Each event is focused on a different quadrant of the Wheel of Consent. This is the entry point. Come and share this space with like-minded people. **Everything is opt-in.** You can pass on any exercise without explaining why. This event is an introduction to future workshops about giving, receiving, taking, and allowing. It's a safe space; the exercises might include some platonic touch (if you opt in). Every participant is invited to come with reverence for others in the group.

Volunteer day at Back into Daylight Sanctuary and Vegan Pot Luck. Please bring something vegan to share with the other volunteers if you can. Please do not bring any animal products including honey, shellac etc. It's very important for insurance purposes that all volunteers read and understand the code of conduct. If you haven't already, please fill out this volunteer form before coming: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1LWp6k5tFD1p900-2U6Xh8XAlb-0US7vlQPIRZylmy2CX4A/viewform Wear clothing you don't mind mucking around in. Plenty to help out with for all levels of ability and experience. Sanctuary is Located just outside of Navan town, here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ETCC7NBpv9qvaFAp8 If you're driving yourself and can offer a lift to others from your area, please share! For anyone needing a lift, please comment as it's likely somebody driving can help. Please also contribute to driving expenses. If you can't make it until later, just come when you can, we'll be there all day 🤗

**Hands in the Soil: Community Growing, Learning & Craic** This first gathering will be a relaxed mix of **hands-on garden work, shared learning, and good conversation**. It’s about getting together in a real space, doing something practical, and seeing what ideas and connections might grow from there. On the day, we’ll: * Get our **hands dirty** with some light garden work and soil prep * Do some **seed sowing** and talk about what grows well locally * **Make kombucha together** and chat about fermentation, food, and simple home practices * Share knowledge, questions, and experiences around growing food * Enjoy some **fellowship, chats, and a bit of craic** along the way.Alongside the practical side, we’ll also have an open, informal discussion about a bigger idea: * The possibility of **small community “park farms” or gardens** in underused green spaces around Dublin * What that might look like, what’s realistic, and whether others feel drawn to exploring it further There’s no pressure, no expertise required, and no expectation beyond showing up with curiosity and a willingness to pitch in. Whether you’re experienced with gardening or completely new, you’re very welcome. Bring clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, and if you have them, gloves. Everything else will be very low-key. This is just a **first step** — a chance to meet, work, talk, and see if there’s a shared appetite to keep growing something together.

We will be hiking up Church Mountain in Wicklow. Meeting outside the Hollywood cafe at 9.30am. Ascent 600m distance approx 17km Please wear suitable waterproof clothing if its going to rain and bring plenty of snacks and water and some lunch.

Please PREPAY for this game either by Revolut https://revolut.me/davidandl or Paypal ([kenna.david@gmail.com](http://kenna.david@gmail.com/)) √ We have just 60 minutes to play so please come along a few minutes early to ensure we can start on time. √ The maximum number of players is 18. Please be sure you show up. Places are in high demand so unfortunately, failure to show will result in you being automatically removed from the group. √ As always, you participate in these games at your own risk and an agreement to indemnify the organisers from any injury, loss, claim, or infection.

**[FOLLOW OUR LIVE LOCATION HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)** **✨ Dynamic Conversations** Enjoy small-group conversations (2–3 people per blanket) at dedicated language blankets. There will always be **English-only blankets**, and every attendee rotates through these blankets during the **first and last rotation**. **🏷️ Language Stickers on Arrival** As soon as you arrive, you’ll receive: • **Native language stickers** (with flags + “native”) • **Practicing language stickers** (with flags + “practicing”) You may choose multiple practicing languages. These stickers help you join the right tables and connect with people who match your goals. **🔄 Rotations Every 30 Minutes** Every 30 minutes, the organizer rearranges groups based on preferred languages. We aim for **bilingual tables**, ideally with at least one native or advanced speaker. If no native speakers are available, we can still create a blanket as long as **two people want to practice the same language**. **🌍 Popular Languages** English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and any other language requested by at least two attendees. **📈 All Levels Welcome** Beginner or advanced—everyone is welcome. The only requirement is enthusiasm and willingness to communicate. **🃏 Complimentary Snacks** Enjoy complimentary **Pringles around 8:00 PM**. **💸 Pay-as-you-go (Cash / Card)** • €6 General Admission • €5 Students • €4 per person when you bring friends **⭐ Loyalty Card (Automatically Activated)** Attend **4 Language Exchanges or International Meetups**, and your **5th event is FREE**. **💳 [Membership Options (Save € & unlock perks)](https://buymeacoffee.com/newindublin)** **🟡 Regular Membership (€12/mo)** ✔ Free: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ –50%: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ Extra perks **🔵 Theme Membership (€15/mo)** ✔ Free: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ –50%: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ Extra Perks **🟣 Complete Membership (€20/mo)** ✔ Free access to ALL events ✔ Extra Perks **📱 Stay Connected** 🔗 **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)**[ ](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)– full weekly calendar 💬 **[WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)**[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)– reminders & updates 📘 **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)– photos & highlights 📸 **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)– stories & behind-the-scenes 🌐 **[Website](https://newindublin.net/)**[ ](https://newindublin.net/)– all information about our events **🎉 Join Us!** A fun, relaxed evening full of languages, new people, and confidence-building conversations. **RSVP now! 🚀**

Hi All, this is a on lead walk with dogs of all ages and experience welcome. Many who attend are recently rescued and learning. Walk the lovely grounds and see the flowers and wildlife followed by coffee. There is a Fb page Sighthound Adventures Ireland and #dublinhoundwalks on Instagram. All Welcome.

Join us for a relaxed evening of badminton and picnic vibes in Blackrock Park 🏸🌿 Arrival is flexible from 13:30. We’ll play some casual badminton, frisbee, table tennis and hang out while enjoying the sunshine together. ☀️ Bring snacks or drinks for the picnic if you’d like. DM me for the exact location in the park.

*NB VERY IMPORTANT - Location not in Stephens green but in a south of the city park, comment on this event or message the organiser on here to be added to our WhatsApp group to get the exact location!* You can also follow us on IG where the whats app group link is - https://www.instagram.com/sundaystrengthsocial?igsh=ZHNwYnBtcW4yZTNx&utm_source=qr —— A weekly guided bodyweight callisthenics meetup to **get stronger—together**. Think push-ups, squats, and core work scaled to your level. **No gym experience needed**, just a willingness to move and chat! Get stronger every week and build a habit! All **ages, genders and fitness levels welcome**! The session will consist of a full 360 routine of: **5 minute warm up:** including exercises like butt kicks and shoulder rotations. **35/45 minute strength building + endurance**: to build muscle and endurance. Easy, intermediate to hard versions for every level. **15 minute HIIT:** for some happy endorphins! (Okay to skip if you're tired!) **5 minute Cooldown:** Get the heart rate down and stretch After, we will go to the food market close by. ——- This will be **super low pressure**, incorporating **basic callisthenics at whatever pace is good for you! Lots of variations from beginner to advanced.** Push yourself or take it easier - no judgement! —— 3 euro donation to cover MeetUp organiser cost only! ——- **What to bring:** * Workout attire * Water bottle * Yoga mat or big black plastic bags for ground exercises ———— See you there!👋

**Explore Blessington and Blessington Greenway.** * **MEETING POINT : Tara Street Train Station.** * **WHEN : Sunday, 31st of May.** * **Time : 11:00AM.** We will be meeting at Tara Street Train Station in Dublin City Centre, (Right beside the ticket machines) at the 11:10AM, we wiill make our way to Poolpeg Street and take the Bus at 11:30 (Scheduled 65 Ballymore, Dublin Bus). **Bus Duration 1 Hour & 17 Minutes, 72 Stops.** If you are running late you can take the Luas to Tallaght and the Bus goes to Tallaght Square Bus Stop. There is a lot of Coffee and Pubs in Blessington. Thereis a Pizza pop up and Bar at the Greenway. Every event is 5 Euro's, you can pay by using Revolut or Cash I hope to see you there. **Reminder No Irish Rail this Bank Holiday Weekend.**

**Craft Night has returned to Tog!** *From 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm every second Sunday, drop by and join in.* Whether you make the yarn itself (we love spinners!) or noodle about with e-textiles and blinky quilts, you will be very welcome. If you haven’t been to Craft Night before, it’s mainly people working on portable crafts like yarn-based and textile projects, jewellery and paper crafts. Feel free to bring your current WIP (Work In Progress). We’ll take over the common area with crafting and conversation. We might even try to bring a group Craft Night project to Dublin Maker (it’s been a while!). You’ll find the nights on [our calendar](https://www.tog.ie/calendar/), so you don’t need to remember which every other Sunday it is. Newcomers to Tog are more than welcome to join us. See you there!

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

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/

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

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 may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.