The Washington Area Astronomy Meetup connects people interested in astronomy by fostering informal gatherings at local star parties, public observatory nights, astronomy lectures and other astronomy-related programs. No experience in astronomy is required and you don't need to own a telescope to participate. The free evening "star party" meetups posted here are hosted by local astronomy clubs and organizations that welcome public participation. These groups offer fun, safe ways to explore the ni …

CFI–DC Drinking Skeptically is an informal social event designed to promote fellowship and networking among skeptics, critical-thinkers, and like-minded individuals. CFI–DC Drinking Skeptically provides an opportunity for skeptics to talk, share ideas (and yes, drink) in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. We discuss the issues of the day and whatever else is on our minds. But most of all, we have fun while promoting skepticism, science, and rationality. Don't drink? Don't let that stop you from joini …

Cutting edge discussions yet timeless truths! Weary of the "same old same old"? Want to meet very interesting people outside the customary? Well come connect with others who are interested in Socrates Cafe, a philosophical community. Be a social thinker! Our basic guidelines, established centuries ago in Plato's Dialogues, are that all opinions expressed need to be supported by reasons, and that all assumptions need to be examined. Dialogue is not a competition, a sport or debate with winners an …

NCAS was founded in 1987 in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area. We are advocates for science and reason, actively promoting the scientific method, rational inquiry, and education. Full info about our group can be found at www.ncas.org .

STAY YOUNGER LONGER! New research shows how! "If you want to improve the way you perform, look & feel in your life, then this is a genuine path to Wellness!" Univera + You! (The video) Bio-technology research proves Life extension is now available to average humans, and peak performance and quality of life is now achievable. Using science and botanical research and how it affects gene function to optimize cell reproduction. We are a wellness support community sharing new ideas and coaching t …

Every second Thursday of the month we meet downstairs in Politics and Prose's remainder room to discuss science fiction. We are a friendly bunch and our topics have ranged from Scarab-Beetle Head-Sex to how much we all dislike Greg Bear. Some of the books we've read in the past include: The Forever War - Joe Haldeman Yiddish Policeman's Union - Michael Chabon Doomsday Book - Connie Willis Darwin's Radio - Greg Bear Fleck and the Elixer - Rudy Rucker Snow Crash - Neil Stephenson The Sp …

We are a group of writers who enjoy imaginative, perhaps even offbeat, fiction. Our goal is to write well--or at least better--but with the freedom to make mistakes. We are not here to necessarily produce polished, publishable fiction, but to rather to carve out a space where writers can experiment and have fun in a relaxed and supportive environment. Speculative fiction--which includes science fiction, supernatural horror, steampunk, dystopian fiction, magical realism, fantastic allegory, and …

The Washington Science Fiction Association, founded in 1947, is the oldest science fiction group in the greater Washington, DC, area. Our interests cover a wide range, including science fiction, science fact, fantasy, and many related fields. Each year we run Capclave, our regional science fiction convention, and we have helped sponsor worldwide conventions such as the World Science Fiction Convention and the World Fantasy Convention. In addition, the club administers the WSFA Small Press Award, …

Interested in casual, weekday evening conversations (and hearing interesting speakers) to explore questions and doubts related to Christian faith and finding meaning in life? If yes, then grab a beer and join us! DC Theology Pub is an experimental conversation designed to foster fresh new perspectives on--and questions regarding--Christian spirituality in the 21st Century: it is part discussion group and part speaker series. Recently we have started to focus on book discussions on science and fa …

To discuss the value of self quantification and explore new technologies and methods that are advancing this emerging new field.  To discuss how the quantified self is changing the way we think about fitness, productivity, consumption, healthcare, and science.

The Great Books Reading Group is not a literature club. It is a discussion group that uses a multidisciplinary approach to learning and exploring the past and present. We are reading from the St. John's College Reading List. As we read foundational texts in the Western tradition, we examine mysticism, history, theology, the earth and physical sciences, mathematics, philosophy and government, as well as art, literature and music.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN! YOU CAN VISIT US ANY DAY WE MEET OR YOU MAY CHOOSE TO ENROLL IN OUR ONGOING INTRODUCTORY CLASSES THAT ARE USUALLY HELD ONCE A WEEK. WE ALSO MEET FOR SOCIAL EVENTS AND ANYONE IS MORE THEN WELCOME TO JOIN US JUST FOR SUCH GATHERINGS. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO CHARGE FOR VISITING OR LEARNING WITH US. WE STRONGLY SUPPORT THE FACT THAT SPIRITUALITY IS OPEN TO EVERYONE AND THERE IS NO PRICE ATTACHED TO IT. NO MATTER HOW OR HOW OFTEN YOU DECIDE TO JOIN US, WE ARE ALWAYS O …

Data Science DC is a non-profit professional group that meets monthly to discuss diverse topics in predictive analytics, applied machine learning, statistical modeling, open data, and data visualization. Our members are professionals, students, and others with a deep interest in these fields and related technologies. Meeting topics are varied and range from tutorials on basic concepts and their applications, to success stories from local practitioners, to discussions of tools, new technologies, …

We are a global community of inspired individuals caring for and about each other and the entire planetary family. Our community is affiliated with Centers for Spiritual Living. All spiritual paths are welcome here! We meet on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in Takoma DC (7059 Blair Rd NW) and on Sundays at 2 p.m. on Capitol Hill (520 North Capitol St NW). We also offer classes certificated by CSL. Please visit www.cslDC.org to learn more.

DC elementary science teachers and teachers of other subject areas who are interested in learning more about science instruction.

DC Secondary Science teachers and teachers of other subject areas who are interested in learning more about science instruction.

If you are like me then you may have grown up on comics. We have also seen comics expand into movies, games, digital etc. Over the years, I have gone from DC to Marvel, currently a combination of both plus some new comers. DC has quite a few comics’ book stores, but they aren’t the places to sit back and discuss our experience. I suggest getting together at a local restaurant and having an open discussion on classic story lines and new/up to date material. Feel free to contact me if you have oth …

WINFORMS is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the theory and practice of operations research and the management sciences in the greater Washington DC area. WINFORMS, with 120 individual members, is one of the largest geographic sections of INFORMS. WINFORMS holds joint meetings with many other organizations, such as the Institute for Industrial Engineering National Capital Chapter, the National Economists Club, and the Washington Statistical Society. In addition, WINFOR …

We are the DC Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery.  We help advance computing as a science and a profession.  We do this offline through lectures, workshops, discussion panels, and professional development seminars.  We partner with ACM HQ, ACM Public Policy, ACM special interest groups (SIGs), DC area technical user groups, and area university Comp Sci and Info Tech departments. Join us if you like any of the following categories: http://acm.org/sigs Suggest a topic or speaker, w …

Are you committed to writing? We are looking for ten more serious wordsmiths to join our writing and critique group located in Northern Montgomery County, Maryland. We meet the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7pm in Olney, MD, at the Harris Teeter. We also meet the fourth Saturday of every month at 1pm in Olney, MD, at the Harris Teeter.  Our meetings are about two hours in length. We have talented writers of varying levels of experience.  We write:  fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, young ad …

The Philosophical Society of Washington (PSW), the oldest scientific society in Washington, invites speakers from the large, diverse scientific community in the Washington area to present results not yet in public awareness. The society attracts members who would like to be aware of the frontiers of diverse intellectual disciplines. Meetings are generally held every other Friday from October to May at the Cosmos Club. After the scheduled program, members have the opportunity to ask questions of …

You have read all the books, graduated from religion, atheism, eastern and western philosophy. Now you want to get out of your mind!  You want to fearlessly practice your most important muscle, daily, every moment.  If you are ready to live according to the way of heart, this group may be a good station on your journey. They way of Heart is the way of Life.  It can help you realize all your dreams. For me, it helped me come up with even better dreams. Highly interactive and electrifying gatherin …

This is a non-denominational book club. Just like any other book club, we are reading down a list of books on the topic of Buddhism and we discuss them at restaurants and cafe's near Takoma Park and Silver Spring. You don't need to be self identifying Buddhist to participate and the organizer will not pressure you to "join the club." We'll be reading books for the popular audience and will rotate through all the major traditions with a mild leaning towards Buddhism as it is developing in the US …

Action Design is the art and science of designing products that help people take action in their lives. It entails: Designing the action itself so that it's easy to take, Structuring the environment to encourage the action, and Preparing the person to take the action, once and in the future. This meetup is for people in the DC area who are already doing this (under the banner of UX, behavioral econ, data science, and advocacy work), and who want to learn more about these skills.  [See http://w …

Theta Healing is a new and revoluntionary technique where science meets spirituality to manifest instant miracles in one's life. As we are approaching the year 2013, we will be ascending into higher and less dense energies. This shift will allow us to manifest instantly. Theta Healing allows us to eliminate any blocks we have that prevent us from creating our perfect reality. This heals us on a genetic, subconscious, physical, energetic, and soul level. This technique is for anyone that wants to …

The Data Science MD group is intended to be a gathering of professionals, students, and enthusiasts in the area to discuss diverse topics related to data science. We aim to have frank discussions on all topics related to the field of data analytics. No subject is too big or too small, as we believe analytics can operate on any scale. We plan to mix education with practical examples, helping users make the most of their time. Data Science MD on Facebook Data Science MD on LinkedIn Data Science MD …

This is a group for events from Data Community DC that do not fit our other Meetups (Data Science DC, Data Business DC, Data Visualization DC, R Users DC). Job fairs, conferences, data drinks, weekend educational events, hackathons, etc.

Trees for the Planet (TFP) creates learning programs and environments to allow individuals, student teams and communities to participate in hands-on ecosystem restoration, on-going maintenance, and education. We are building networks and teams of neighborhood people (students, parents and all interested) who want to learn about and engage in actual eco-system restoration where they live. We plant trees and remove invasive species on property in our neighborhoods. Our work is in consort with the …