Civic Engagement Near Me

Pot Luck at a member's home!

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. This time, we will meet at the home of one of our members. Address will be given to those attending prior to the event. **Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink.** We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat! Note: We are asking that our members help out by contributing $5 or whatever they are able to at each Pot Luck Gathering to offset costs. Many Thanks! Lisa Arzate

CMG Gives Back: Serve Brunch at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN!

Join us at this CMG Gives Back volunteer event as we get together to help those in need by serving brunch at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking and available in the surrounding area. Please see links / attachments for additional info / details. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

< $200 /Month, Ready for Infinity: Modernizing CRM with Claude + AWS in 90 Days

What happens when a fast-growing business outgrows a CRM built to handle 100–200 customers a year? In this session, I'll walk through how I used Claude and AWS to modernize the entire operation in just three months, scaling it to handle an unlimited number of customers for under $200 a month. We'll start with the foundation: a serverless sync that pulls CRM data into RDS Postgres every hour during business hours, plus on demand when key operations happen. This gives the business fast, flexible reporting without overloading the CRM. From there, we'll look at how leads from multiple sources now flow through a single Lambda function, and how new front-end and back-end tools transformed lead handling, sales pipeline visibility, and company-wide reporting. You'll also get the behind-the-scenes examples that made this pace possible: * CI/CD pipelines that let you deploy quickly and often * Using code reviews as the main quality gate for every release * Tips for writing a CLAUDE.md file that maximizes your workflow * A shared STYLE.md that keeps standards consistent across projects * Splitting and combining projects with separate CloudFormation templates so they stay easy to update and simple to maintain Whether you're a solo developer, a consultant, or part of a lean team, you'll leave with practical patterns for building scalable, low-cost systems on AWS, and for getting the most out of AI as a development partner. **SPEAKER BIO** Angelo Mandato is an AWS Columbus User Group leader, AWS Community Builder, and Certified Solutions Architect - Associate who has been developing solutions on AWS since 2007. https://angelo.mandato.com **CALL FOR SPEAKERS** Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/) **THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/) **DIRECTIONS** 8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH go to 4th floor. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Open Barn Day in October at Sunrise Sanctuary!

Open Barn Days are group tours where we open the Sanctuary to the public, allowing you to visit and get to know the animals on a personal level. Admission prices are Adult (18+) Admission $10, Youth (4-17) Admission $5, and Children 3 and under are free. All funds raised go directly toward caring for the approximately 140 precious souls that call Sunrise home. We are a volunteer run vegan Sanctuary and the funds raised are crucial to providing vet care, feed, and housing. We do limit attendance at these events to help ensure a safe and enjoyable interaction with the animal family. Because of this, we do require that tickets be purchased in advance. To register **[CLICK HERE](ttps://sunrisesanctuary.app.neoncrm.com/forms/october-24th-2026-open-barn-day-registration?event=1268&&fbclid=IwY2xjawTvSHNwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUxuQmhlRlN2UHE0ekJZMXJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe817YdpMPZUi-GSo-Umi614z2YtUeAx0FFgaKHpJ9Am4fwytuunSUttr4Bkk_aem_TVvJg5YEN5Fw6z6PHnGutw)** After registering we will send you info on what to expect on our Barn Days. Looking forward to meeting everyone! For more information on Sunrise Sanctuary **[CLICK HERE](https://www.sunrisesanctuary.org)**

Coding with AI Agents: Better Code, Faster

AI coding agents can write code in seconds. Getting that code to be correct, understandable, and easy to maintain takes some judgment—and a good workflow. Join Columbus AI Engineering for a practical discussion on using Codex and other AI coding agents more effectively. Through a before-and-after example, we’ll explore how to guide an agent from its first attempt to code you can confidently ship. We’ll cover: * Giving agents the context and instructions they need. * Breaking work into manageable tasks. * Spotting unnecessary complexity, excessive verbosity, and questionable assumptions. * Using feedback, code review, and testing to improve the result. * Knowing when to let the agent work and when to step in. Expect concrete examples, honest discussion of what works and what doesn’t, and plenty of room to share your own experiences. Whether you’re getting started with AI coding tools or already using them daily, come explore how to make them a more effective part of your development workflow. LOGISTICS AND PARKING: The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks! The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.

Simply Living Film Series presents: BOMBSHELL

🎬💥 Simply Living Film Series + Special Guest Panel! Join Us for BOMBSHELL! History doesn't just shape our past—it shapes the conversations we're having today! Join Simply Living's Film Series at Gateway Film Center for a special screening of BOMBSHELL, a compelling documentary exploring how the story of the atomic bomb was presented to the public—and the courageous journalists who challenged official narratives and worked to uncover the human cost, even as government censorship limited what could be reported. From local conversations to national headlines and global events, the film raises questions that resonate today: Who shapes the stories we hear? Whose voices are missing? And why does independent journalism matter in a world of competing narratives? ✨ Stay for a special panel discussion featuring director Ben Loeterman, producer Gaia de Simoni, and historian Felecia Ross, moderated by Spencer Hunt, Director of Student Media for The Lantern at Ohio State. Come for the film, stay for the conversation, and discover how lessons from history can deepen our understanding of today's world. 📍 Gateway Film Center \| Columbus\, OH 📅 October 26 \| 6:30–8:30 PM \(Doors open at 6:15 PM\) 🎟️ Tickets $10 (stay tuned for ticket link!) Bring a friend, bring your curiosity, and join the conversation! #SimplyLiving #BOMBSHELL #GatewayFilmCenter #ColumbusEvents #IndependentJournalism

Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions

[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).

Volunteers & Beers: Rhodes Park Cleanup + ThunderWing Brewing!

Ready to get your hands dirty and reward yourself with some of the best local craft beer on the West Side? Join us for our next **Volunteers and Beers** outing! We’re heading to Rhodes Park to clear out litter, spruce up the green spaces, and keep Columbus beautiful. Once we’ve done the heavy lifting, we’re taking the short 4-minute drive over to **ThunderWing Brewing** to celebrate a job well done.

Nature Loving Fest | Autumn Edition

Join us for the Autumn edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/26278108015134799), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating comforting vegan eats, handmade goods, and the turning of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this gathering remains a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 local vendors offering seasonal vegan comfort food, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products inspired by harvest time. This is a welcoming space to gather, reflect, and enjoy the cozy, grounding energy of autumn. Come support local makers, share good food, and welcome the harvest season with us. Admission is Free.

🍂 Leaf It to Us: A Thriving in Motion Hike 🍁

COUNT monthly event: Kitchen service at Van Buren Center's shelter

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 2nd 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.

Volunteers & Beers: McKinley Park Cleanup + Endeavor Brewing!

**Description:** Ready to get your hands dirty and reward yourself with some of the best local craft beer near Grandview? Join us for our next **Volunteers & Beers** outing! We’re spending a couple of hours giving back to the community by cleaning up McKinley Park. We'll focus on picking up trash, clearing debris, and keeping our local green spaces beautiful. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, get moving, and meet awesome people. Afterward, we’ll head just down the road to Endeavor Brewing & Spirits for a well-deserved hangout! We'll grab some tables, share a few pints, and grab lunch from the local food trucks. **The Game Plan:** * **10:00 AM:** Meet at McKinley Park. We will provide trash bags, but please bring your own gloves if you have them! * **12:00 PM:** Wrap up the cleanup, wash our hands, and head over to the brewery. * **12:00 PM - 2:00 PM:** Beers, food, and good times at Endeavor!