Civic Engagement New York

Sunday Gathering: Sharing Our Peace Corps Journey–Bringing Our Experiences Home

Matt and Jen Tully spent 15 years living and working overseas in places like Armenia, Cameroon, Myanmar, Nepal and the Philippines. Their journey began as Peace Corps volunteers and has included roles in education and social work both in the US and abroad. Join us as Jen and Matt share about the experiences that led them to feel at home here at our Ethical Culture Society. This Gathering is at the meetinghouse and on Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, please email admin@ethicalfocus.org.

Victory Pints at Wild East Brewing

WEBSITE (http://www.victorypints.com/) TWITTER (https://twitter.com/victory_pints) FACEBOOK (https://www.facebook.com/victorypints) Every Monday we bring some serious board game madness to Wild East Brewing from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. They like board games; we like board games... it's a match made in heaven! WHAT TYPE OF GAMES ARE PLAYED? All types. Real short bluffing games decorated with skulls and flowers. Cooperative games fighting horrible diseases. Classic euro games where you haggle over sheep and wheat. Whether you want to fight unspeakable horrors in Arkham or build railroads across America or rebuild your farm after the black plague (more fun than it sounds) you can probably find a game you would like. Some games you might see are 7 Wonders, Settlers of Catan, Pandemic, Dominion, Dixit, Puerto Rico, Eldritch Horror, Ticket to Ride, Carcasonne among many others. You're also welcome to bring any game you want to play! I DON'T KNOW THESE GAMES? IS IT COOL IF I COME? We're very friendly and if you have no idea what the hell we're talking about just trust us when we say it's ton of fun. We'll have tons of games and we're very happy to show you the rules. Hang out, haves some drinks, and learn a new game. Questions? Comments? Contact us at info@victorypints.com

BRONX volunteers needed

Desert and food events for low income families in the Bronx, and other recipients that need help throughout NY. Every Thursday - Saturday during January and February. Welcome Tasters and Admin assistance. For your help, you will be treated too! RSVP via meetup for location and further information before spots fill up!

Casual Drinks, Conversations, and Trivia

Join me for casual drinks and conversations, and a couple rounds of trivia. This is an event where people from around the neighborhood just meet and talk. Talk about your day, talk about your life, talk about the weather, talk about your hobbies. Anything and everything is welcome! Then, at 8pm, we can join the rest of the bar in a round of Trivia where we can test our repitoire of all-important knowledge. Hopefully we can make meaningful connections and turn strangers into friends.

Volunteer open training - ALL LEVELS

You can paddle on your own, or receive some instruction from basic to advance strokes. Please sign up for up to one training per week, unless you are the trainer. Let others have fun! The host will move you to "Not going" if you sign up for more than one training per week. We'll check that folks have signed the annual waiver. Please sign ahead of time and keep the email confirmation, click [here.](https://app.waiversign.com/e/5c01c8bb33b77b2595e6fdfa/doc/695a606c38aa3d0012b5747c?event=none) Please be on time and come prepared with the following: \*Quick drying clothes * Close toe water shoes \*Change of clothes * Towel \*Sunscreen, hat * Water in a reusable bottle PREREQUISITES TO RSVP \*You have volunteered at least 4 embayment shifts in 2026

Grand Central Murder Mystery & Scavenger Hunt (+ After Party)

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKETS AT:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grand-central-murder-mystery-scavenger-hunt-tickets-1039615376577?](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grand-central-murder-mystery-scavenger-hunt-tickets-1039615376577) (This is co-organized by 30+ groups so don't go by RSVPs you see here. We'll have a good # attending. Must prepay to attend.) You don’t need any special skills — just a sense of adventure and curiosity! This unique scavenger hunt is all about connecting, uncovering history, exploring Grand Central and solving a mystery. Join us for a fun, social adventure at our Grand Central Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt. Get ready to have a good time making new friends and solving a mystery. Plus, you'll find out things about Grand Central you never knew before! How It Works: * **When you arrive we will put you on teams - if you don’t already have one (90% of those attending will not have a team).** * **Each team will be given a list of clues and 75 minutes to head to Grand Central to uncover the mystery of Mary’s demise. The team with the most points wins.** * **Once everyone is back we'll safely socialize where you can share your experiences with the others.** The Theme: Meet Up Mary is a regular on the social circuit in New York. You'd probably know her if you've been out before. She was very personable, friendly and bubbly! Unfortunately Mary met a horrific end at Grand Central and the police need you help to solve her case! Join us for this fun and educational night where you will get to explore every corner of the NYC Landmark in ways that you never have before! (If you have participated in our other Grand Central Hunts no worries as this is a completely different experience) FAQs: **Can I come alone?** Yes about 90% will attend on their own. **What's dress code?** Wear what you had on at work. It's casual and comfortable. **What are the ages?** 21 and over. We'll have a good mix of ages. **How much to attend?** $25 (goes to $35 as event gets closer). **Do I have to buy in advance?** Yes. Space is limited and this will sell out. To find more fun events follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)

Bike with Samara Community School students at Van Cortlandt Park!

Paint In Central Park (Bucket List Event)

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKETS AT:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-in-the-park-tickets-1984990444855](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-in-the-park-tickets-1984990444855) *(This is a prepay event and only way to attend is to get ticket in advance at link above. Our events are co-organized by multiple groups so don't pay attention to the RSVPs. These events are consistently well attended.)* CELEBRATE SPRING AT ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR MEETUPS - A PICNIC 'N PAINT IN CENTRAL PARK! Come join us in a relaxed, creative and social setting. No experience necessary. So grab your picnic basket and enjoy wonderful paint event in Central Park! Included: a pre-sketched canvas, unlimited painting materials (brushes, acrylic paints etc.) and a take home bag. No smocks so please dress appropriately. Please bring something to sit on. What to expect: **• Step-by-step, group-oriented painting instruction, which is designed to simultaneously entertain and enlighten our members.** **• We'll have a professional artist guide you through a featured painting that is yours to keep and proudly display. And don’t worry — no experience is necessary.** **• 2 hour course lead that teaches you the art of mixing colors, blending and painting techniques.** **• All supplies provided - 12x16 pre-sketched canvas, unlimited acrylic paint (water based), brushes, and aprons.** DIRECTIONS TO FIND GROUP: We are located in a cul-de-sac at PINETUM EAST. We will be behind this row of benches (right under the trees). If you are coming from the east side you can find us by entering Central Park on East 84th street. Walk up the ramp, cross over the road and head west. If you are traveling from the west side we are east of the basketball courts. FAQs: What if it rains? We will email attendees a rain date. Can I still attend If I don't know how to paint? Yes, there's no experience necessary. Can I come alone? Yes, about 80% come on their own. Is this age specific? No, all are welcome. Cost? $35-$45, price goes up as the event date gets closer. This event will sell out. Can't purchase at the door. For more fun events follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)

Millennial Skip the Small Talk: Make Friends, Not Small Talk

**###PLEASE NOTE: Even if you RSVP on Meetup, you will need to grab a ticket here https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/millennial-skip-the-small-talk-night-at-mccarren-parkhouse-tuesday-october-13-2026 in order to attend###** This event is cross-posted so Meetup RSVPs won't accurately reflect the actual number of attendees; typically there are around 30-40 people in attendance. Folks in this Meetup group get **10% off**! Use code: **MEETUP** at checkout. **What's It Like?** Do you wish you could have more of the kinds of conversations you have late at night where for some reason, you feel safe talking about the things you actually care about? Bring your friends (or come by yourself- most people do!) and spend your Tuesday night at an event where you know everyone else is there for the same reason. We'll be offering 'big talk' conversational prompts on them to get you started, and we'll have lots of structure to make sure that you actually talk to people and that it's not awkward. There will be drinks for sale! **There is a 1 drink minimum purchase** for this event, so please keep that in mind. **Check-in** for this event will begin around **6:45 pm**. Please do your best to arrive before 7:00 pm so we can begin as close to on time as possible. Skip the Small Talk is dedicated to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone. Check out our safety policy here: tinyurl.com/ststSafety Please see our event [page](https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/millennial-skip-the-small-talk-night-at-mccarren-parkhouse-tuesday-october-13-2026) for more accessibility info. **Ready to Skip the Small Talk With Us?** **[Grab a ticket](https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/millennial-skip-the-small-talk-night-at-mccarren-parkhouse-tuesday-october-13-2026)** since entry is on a first come first serve basis and we tend to sell out in advance for these-- once we are out of tickets, we will NOT be able to accommodate folks at the door. Want to see what else is happening at McCarren Parkhouse? Feel free to check them out **[here](https://mccarrenparkhouse.com)**! If you want to be the first to hear about our events before we sell out, feel free to join our mailing list at [Skip the Small Talk Mailing List Sign-Up](https://sendfox.com/skipthesmalltalk) For refunds or transfers, please contact use at info@skipthesmalltalk.com

Young Ethical Explorers

**Newcomers are always welcome!** To join, please RSVP to Youth Programs Director Audrey Kindred at [ethicalfamilies@nysec.org](mailto:ethicalfamilies@nysec.org). For more information about our youth and family programming, please visit [ethical.nyc/youth](http://www.ethical.nyc/youth). **About Young Ethical Explorers** YEE is our Humanist Sunday school, designed for youngsters from ages 4 to 13, and takes place concurrent with our Sunday Platform meetings. Sessions raise issues of personal identity and integrity, appreciation and respect for others, and knowledge of religions, philosophies, and social concerns. Topics are explored in an age-appropriate way through discussion, storytelling, dramatization, music, art, games, and field trips. RSVP is essential to guarantee your place and for planning purposes. If you are enrolled for the season or are members of Ethical NYC your spot is guaranteed. To RSVP as a guest, become a member, or enroll in season, please contact Audrey at [ethicalfamilies@nysec.org](mailto:ethicalfamilies@nysec.org). Newcomers and visitors are always welcome!

ST. Lutheran's Church

THIS IS A REMINDER: members can sign up by calling the church and arrange to meet with other members. Every tues and Thurs, St Lutheran's church serve food to the needy in the neighborhood. Average 200 meals are served. 6 to 8 volunteers are needed. the meals are served between 1 to 2 pm. I understand this is the middle of the day. I will post this on first tues of every month to remind others. if you have the time pop in. Or bring donations k- every first monday of every month is Clothing bank. We ask that volunteers arrive by 12:45pm. [b]Volunteers can RSVP by calling the church office at (212) 246-3540.[/b] MUST!! Saint Luke's Lutheran Church is located in Times Square at 308 W. 46th Street between 8th and 9th Ave. Take the A,C,E, 1,2,3, 7, or Shuttle to 42nd Street. NBC news came to their soup kitchen on 12/22/09

Songwriter Circle @ Brooklyn Ethical

**Play and listen to original music!** The Songwriter Circle at Brooklyn Ethical is a monthly gathering dedicated to musical expression and creativity. Everyone from beginners to pros are welcome to share songs in progress, exchange feedback, and jam together! **What to expect?** We'll take turns sharing songs we've written ourselves and discussing the art of music and songwriting from a learner's perspective. Feel free to bring your instrument of choice, but if you just have your singing voice, that's great too. We can also play recordings on our lovely sound system; this is a great option for music that can't easily be performed live. We'll have two rounds of sharing, then a rest break. Then one or two more rounds depending on available time and energy. Drop by any time from 7 to 9 pm! We do have the space until 10 pm so if there are a lot of us, everyone can have a chance to share. RSVP is not necessary but encouraged! **What to share?** * A song you or a friend composed * A song that you have adapted from another song * An interesting/creative cover of a song * Standalone chord progressions or lyrics * Questions or thoughts on the creative process * Requests for help, feedback, jamming, sing-along, etc. **Does it cost anything?** We don't have an attendance fee. We do ask for a $10 donation or whatever you can give to help pay for the space. All proceeds go to our host, the [Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture](https://bsec.org). **Frequently Asked Questions** **Where is it?** We're hosted by the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. Here is the address: 269 4th Ave (between Garfield Pl and 1st St) Brooklyn, NY We're near these subway stations: * Union St. (D, N, R, W) (2-minute walk) * 4 Av-9 St (F, G) (11-minute walk) * Grand Army Plaza (2, 3, 4) (12-minute walk) **When is it?** We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, from 7 PM to 9 PM/10 PM (ending time varies based on attendance). **Do I *have* to bring a song that I've written?** No, you don't have to :) You're welcome to simply bring your ears if you like! Discussion during turns is encouraged, so you can always use your turn to talk or ask questions about the composition or writing process. **I'm shy...** **My song is bad...** **I just started writing music...** Our hope is to create a comfortable space for performing original music, even if it's terrible :) You will find all levels of skill and composing ability here. It is more important that you practice with us, and not worry about being "perfect"! **I have another question...** Feel free to post your questions as a comment on the main group page or any event page! **See you there!**