Civic Engagement Near Me

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Build Columbus Meetup #48 @ Improving

Sat, Nov 14, 6:00 PM

From Build Columbus

5.0

**Use your skills. Serve your city.** Builders in Columbus using their skills to help local nonprofits. Developers, designers, content creators, and more. All are welcome. Join us at Improving to learn from each other, work on projects, and share what we're building. You'll leave with new ideas and new connections. First time? You'll fit right in. **What to expect** **Intro circle:** We go around the room and everyone shares their name, what they're working on, and how their skills could help someone else. **Main session:** Attend a talk, join a workshop, or work on a project. **Hang out:** Food, coffee, and conversation with other builders. **Sponsors and Partners** * Improving (Venue Sponsor, providing food and beverages) * Fruits and Roots Coffee Roasters (Coffee Partner) **Stay connected** **Join the Discord:** https://discord.com/invite/s9bQZBVduF **Learn more:** https://buildcolumbus.org

13 attendees

Saturday Mornings @ East Market

Sat, Nov 14, 2:00 PM

From Columbus English Chat with Native Speakers

4.9

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

10 attendees

Jingle all the Clouds 3.0! Now with AI! - Columbus

Mon, Dec 7, 10:00 PM

From Columbus AWS (Amazon Web Services) Meetup

4.7

Happy Holidays! This year we are welcoming our fellow Azure, Terraform , DevOps, and MS Teams Columbus User Group colleagues for another combined **Multi-Cloud Holiday Meetup, Jingle all the Clouds 2.0**! Now with AI (We'll ask it to solve some Santa problem) **SPONSORS** * Bar tab - Sponsored by ***VEEAM*** * Pizza - Sponsored by ***Leading EDJE*** * Venue - Sponsored by **Olentangy River Brewing Company** * Dessert - Sponsored By ***Painless Analytics*** **DIRECTIONS** Olentangy River Brewing Company, 303 Green Meadows Dr S, Lewis Center, OH 43035 **THANK YOU *VEEAM*** for sponsoring the bar tab for our holiday party!! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit: https://veeam.com/ **THANK YOU** **Leading EDJE** for sponsoring pizza for our meetup! To learn more about *Leading EDJE*, please visit their website: https://www.leadingedje.com/ **THANK YOU** ***Olentangy River Brewing Company*** for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Olentangy River Brewing Company*, please visit their website: https://www.olentangybrew.com/ **THANK YOU** ***Painless Analytics*** for sponsoring dessert for our meetup! To learn more about *Painless Analytics*, please visit their website: https://www.painlessanalytics.com/ **CALL FOR SPEAKERS** Learn more: https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/ **Want to sponsor pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact Angelo if you would like to sponsor future meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

19 attendees

Voiceless made visible opening reception

Sat, Nov 14, 10:00 PM

From Columbus Vegan Meetup

4.8

**Voiceless Made Visible is a group exhibition moving between tender portraits and haunting confrontations, inviting viewers to look more closely at animals—not as commodities or symbols, but as living beings with agency, vulnerability, memory, and presence.** **The exhibition seeks work that considers the lives of animals and the systems that shape them: the ways they are confined, commodified, exploited, protected, loved, and resisted. We welcome artists whose work explores the intimate, the unsettling, the political, or the quietly profound.** **We invite artists to submit work that reflects on animal lives, agency, vulnerability, resistance, and our complicated relationship with the more-than-human world.**

7 attendees

Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions

Sat, Nov 14, 1:00 PM

From The Board Walks – Columbus

5.0

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

14 attendees

Vegan Friendsgiving organized by CAA and PAF

Sat, Nov 21, 6:00 PM

From Columbus Vegan Meetup

4.8

Join us for a warm and welcoming Vegan Friendsgiving Potluck. Organized by Columbus Animal Advocates and Project Animal Freedom — a chance to meet other vegans, make new friends, and share delicious plant-based food with people who share the same values. 📅 Date: Saturday 11/21/25 ⏰ Time: 1pm to 5pm 📍 Location: It’s all natural temple store Bring a vegan dish to share and post in the group what you’re bringing so we can avoid duplicates. Please include a post it if it has any of these major allergies: Soy, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame or wheat Come hungry, come friendly, and come ready to connect. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

11 attendees

Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless – Volunteers Needed

Tue, Nov 17, 5:00 PM

From Unity of Columbus Spiritual Guidance Meetup Group

4.9

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. 💛

1 attendee

All Members Meeting

Sat, Nov 14, 5:00 PM

From The Humanist Community of Central Ohio

4.7

This meeting is to have the entire group come together, recap the year, discuss the future, and hold elections. You can meet us in-person or attend online Food and drinks will be provided at the event. 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)

8 attendees

Quarterly Community Gathering

Tue, Nov 17, 11:00 PM

From Columbus AI

4.7

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message the organizer with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/transformlabs/)

28 attendees

COSQAM Presents: Quality in the Age of AI

Mon, Nov 16, 10:30 PM

From TechLife Columbus

4.6

Join us in the beautiful **Improving Columbus** office space for a Panel Discussion around this topic... **Quality in the Age of AI: The Good, the Bad, and the Lessons Learned** What AI tools are we using? What do we think should be better? How can we make it work in our lives and careers? **The Panel** Bob Fornal - Senior Engineer at Leading EDJE (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfornal/) Krishna Chaitanya Bandarupalli - Quality Assurance Team Lead at Encova Insurance (https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishna-chaitanya-bandarupalli-a1038436/) Ryan Quellhorst - Quality Assurance Specialist at The Helper Bees (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanquellhorst/) Joseph Beale (Moderator) - Lead Consultant at Tricentis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephbealeqa/) Food and drinks provided by COSQAM and Improving PARKING INFORMATION: Street parking is available through the ParkColumbus or ParkMobile apps. There is also garage parking available at the following locations: * LAZ Parking - Gravity Garage, 500 W. Broad Street * Veterans Memorial Lot - 300W W Broad St * LAZ Parking - Dorrian Green Garage (i.e. COSI Garage) - 52 Belle St, Columbus, OH 43215

20 attendees

November Nature Walk

Sat, Nov 14, 3:00 PM

From WQC- Westerville Queer Collective

4.8

Join WQC for our monthly nature walk. This month, we’ll do a two-mile gravel loop around Blendon Woods. This trail series has some hills and stairs, which we’ll take at a medium pace to admire all the amazing views and ecosystems. Bring your favorite birding or plant identification book. If we’re lucky, we’ll see some wild turkeys! All fitness levels welcome! WQC nature walks are LGBTQIA+ spaces, but allies are welcome. Note: this trail is not mobility scooter or pet accessible.

5 attendees

November Queer Birding

Sun, Nov 29, 2:00 PM

From WQC- Westerville Queer Collective

4.8

Join us for our monthly Queer Birding! No gear or experience necessary.

4 attendees

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Frequently asked questions

Meetup connects people through shared interests by facilitating community-based events and groups. It helps users find activities and meet individuals with similar passions.

Meetup offers various groups focused on civic engagement, from volunteering opportunities to town hall meetings. You can find local events that match your community interests.

Yes, you can find multiple civic engagement events on Meetup by searching for groups and activities in your area dedicated to social and community causes.

Absolutely! Meetup offers access to various community action groups focused on bringing positive change, allowing you to contribute to local causes effectively.

Simply search for civic engagement or community-focused groups on Meetup, and RSVP to participate in events that align with your interests in making a difference.

Yes, users can start their own civic engagement group on Meetup to rally people around important community issues if an interest isn’t already represented.

Meetup hosts a variety of civic events, including volunteer projects, community forums, environmental clean-ups, and more to engage citizens actively in societal issues.

Meetup is geared more towards group activities and collective causes rather than facilitating direct one-on-one advocacy connections alone.

Many find Meetup effective for organizing, as it helps gather people with shared interests for community actions. Success depends on active participation and event quality.

Simply use the search feature on Meetup to locate community groups in your vicinity. You can filter by distance and interest to find the perfect match.

Yes, you can RSVP to as many events as you wish, enabling you to participate in different civic engagement activities and expand your community involvement.

Group activity varies by location and organizer involvement; while some are very active, others may only host occasional events. Check group details before joining.

Generally, browsing Meetup is free, but certain groups or events may have participation fees depending on the activity or resources involved.

Networking naturally occurs at events as you meet others who share similar civic interests, fostering both professional and social connections within your community.

Not all civic interests may be represented locally, though you can always start your group on Meetup if you notice a particular community interest missing.