Poetry, short stories, plays, novels, history, philosophy, science, not necessarily in that order, classics that are worthy of discussion, current and past, western and non-western, these are the works we discuss. The discussion is what is most important. We discuss these works to enlarge our understanding of the ideas that shape our culture and gain a deeper appreciation for what it means to be human.

Poetry, short stories, plays, novels, history, philosophy, science, not necessarily in that order, classics that are worthy of discussion, current and past, western and non-western, these are the works we discuss. The discussion is what is most important. We discuss these works to enlarge our understanding of the ideas that shape our culture and gain a deeper appreciation for what it means to be human.

This is a group for non-fiction writers or writers creating fiction based on real-life events who want to share their work, receive feedback from one another, and get encouragement to publish. Writers working on essays, memoirs, researched articles/books, etc. are welcome. Meetings will held on Sundays in the early-evening, at 4: 30 p.m., at a Berkeley cafe.   Information about our sharing/feedback process can be found at http://www.meetup.com/East-Bay-Non-Fiction-Writers/about/.

For those of us who didn't go into academics in the humanities but wonder what it's like to teach a class, this Meetup is a chance to explore that road untraveled. Here's the idea: every month (or week?), one member makes up a syllabus for a class -- you know, like the ones we got in college, with the title of the course, a brief description, a reading list, an outline of the course's structure, maybe even the titles of individual lectures, etc. Print it out, make copies, distribute it at the me …

The Bay Area Open Sangha exists to allow people to practice and study the Buddhadharma, the teachings of the Buddha, without concern for sectarianism or the historical lines between traditions of Buddhism. This is not to say that these lines are ignored and traditions are mixed without reflection or regard to their conflicts. The Buddha taught many ways to practice the Dharma and his teachings have come down over two and half thousand years to this day. Many of the differences in doctrine and pr …

The Berkeley Bicycling Meetup Group is for anyone who wants to meet new people and explore the  Bay Area. We have done mostly road rides but I plan to post a few mountain bike rides in the near future.  The rides are a lot of fun and are a great place to learn new routes. Despite the vast number of "members" (444, last time I checked), our group is small. There are 10-15 people who regularly attend our rides, with a handful on any given ride. This group doesn't drop slower riders! Unless I spe …

I am a graduate student finishing an MFA in Creative Writing at Goddard College. I love leading groups and being in the company of people who want to explore the world through writing and reading. This July I'm leading a writing workshop for two weeks in mid- July M, W, F with the hopes it might spin into something more. WHAT Family Matters: Fiction and Memoir Six 21/2 hour sessions helping you mine your family history as well as the histories of others for rich material. Explore creative writin …

This group is for the general public to enjoy wine and socialize. Whatever wine you like is OK here, because this group is not for the wine industry or the "wine expert" snobs. The organizer is not part of the wine industry and does not take money or gifts from the wine industry, e.g., no web site sponsors. Therefor, we don't promote or push any wine brands on our web site. We only go to nice QUIET uncrowded venues. None of our photos are of paid professional models, just us. Our wine meetups ar …

Share the pleasures of food, wine, and friends! Events will be mostly around SF,  These events will include wine sailings, local wine tastings, winery release parties, private tastings, wine blending/pairing classes, cooking lessons, music festivals, and travelling! Imagine going to the France to go wine tasting and being able to tour the wineries and even help crush the grapes in the French tradition! Closer to home, we can always schedule shorter trips up or down the coast to the wealth of win …

Want to build a jewish community, eat good food, and get cultured too? Join the Jewish Young Adult Book Group! Each month we read a new book by a jewish author, meet to have a meal, make new friends, and discuss! Possible authors/titles include: Gertrude Stein, Michael Chabon, Saul Bellow, Jewish Radicals: A Documentary History, All Together Different: Yiddish Socialists, Garment Workers, and the Labor Roots of Multiculturalis​m.

A major goal of this group is to promote community among Humanists and Non-Theists. We have monthly pot luck dinners and discussions including topics related to humanism, atheism, Non-theism, science, political issues, naturalism, evolution, religion, history etc. We also have special programs and events such as our Darwin Day celebration. This group meets at, and is associated with, the Unitarian Universalist Church of San Francisco. For more information go to: http://www.sfhumanists.org/i …

Asian American of The Bay Area,(AABA) is a vibrant and exciting community of Asians and Asian Americans living in the bay area. There are no age limits to join this group. We are engaged in variety of activities that range from casual gatherings, such as casual dinning, group potlucks, picnic and BBQ's , movie nights out or trying out a new local restaurant, check out new groupon deals from local community events to larger events, such as attending concerts or cultural activity. Outdoor activi …

Feed your art habit with museum and art gallery visits. Let’s arrange group visits and discussions around new exhibits at Museum of Modern Art, Fine Arts Museum, Asian Art Museum, etc. Or take a deeper look at a few interesting pieces from the permanent collections or discover emerging artists at a local art gallery.

The San Francisco Chapter of the American Cetacean Society (ACS) supports the mission, vision, and values of the national organization: to protect whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises face more challenges today than at any other time in history. More than ever before, we must explore innovative, strategic ways to ensure the protection, safety, and welfare of cetaceans, and restore the …

If the thought of Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior fascinates you and you've been pondering Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji for some time, then this is the book club for you!  Slice of Mooncake is based in San Francisco and will focus on literature primarily by Asian American authors, but will also embrace stories centered on Asian culture, history, and icons. Selection of readings will be suggested by both the Organizer and members, and include current fiction, nonfiction, classics …

This group is designed to bring all vintage fashion lovers and thrift store junkies together under one roof. **online sellers, store owners, vintage lovers, thrift lovers, collectors, students, fashionistas/bloggers and more** Your style may be head to toe vintage or you simply appreciate that one special vintage accent piece to complement your outfit. Meet and Greet, workshops, fashion expos, thrift outings, online seller support group, fashion shows, photo shoots (for online shops, blogs, por …

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is an internationally recognized association that promotes leadership and excellence for professionals and volunteers in the interpretive field. We  endeavor to connect people with the natural and cultural world around them in parks, museums, schools, zoos, communities, and other special places. Region 9 (the Sierra Pacific Region) of NAI's Meetup Group will help members and non-members of the association gather to share ideas and experiences at …

This a group for photographers who explore urban areas seeking a particular aesthetic. It is not the modern, clean, well-ordered architecture or landscape environment nor it is a sentimental view of beauty: a flower, beautiful people, a loyal pet, a scenic vacation... it is a darker vision.  It is not necessarily "urban" as you can see from past meetups.  It has been a decommissioned Navy base (Mare Island), former prison (Alcatraz), pet cemetery (Presidio), industrial shoreline (Pt. Richmond) a …

The Bay Area Nature Journal Club is a diverse community of artists and naturalists, of all levels, who meet together to connect to nature through art. Through free monthly field trips, hands on technique workshops, and community events we explore the Bay Area, developing our artistic and naturalist skills and deepening our love of nature. The club and its activities are a program of the National Wildlife Federation of California. We welcome the diverse communities of the region. The program is i …

The purpose of this group is to spread the word about Holotropic Breathwork groups to a larger number of people, as well as share when the different groups are happening.  With this group I want to provide a space for those curious and new to the work, to experience it for the first time in a supportive and nourishing environment.   As well as those who have practiced it for some time, have a place and a community to come back to. I have found through the years, that this work is a wonderful wa …

This is a group that meets to discuss and train in memory techniques as practiced on Mnemotechnics.org. Meetups alternate between the East Bay and San Francisco. Beginners are welcome! Please read the information below to be sure that this is the group that you're looking for. About the Techniques The techniques we discuss and practice are useful for studying in school, learning languages, memorizing poetry, and for competing in memory competitions. Here is a list of some of the techniques: Met …

Meet fellow tequila aficionados in the Bay Area! Experience tequila culture, the spirit and history of its people, the food and folklore of Mexico while enjoying a great dining experience and tasting excellent tequilas. Everyone is welcome from the novice to the tequila connoisseur. Salud y cultura!

We have lively conversations not just around the subjects of Thelema, Hermetics, and the occult arts and sciences, but also relevant topics of history, science, astronomy, astrology, technology, social change, psychology, healing work, self-improvement, and so much more. Because of the diversity of the people who attend, everyone has their own unique perspectives and contributions, and this group is so welcoming to new ideas. Your unique contributions are valued. All levels of experience are wel …

We meet once a week in the Open Fine Art Gallery in Berkeley as well as other locations with a Piano. Everybody can suggest and host Meetups, so if you have a Piano or know a public location where it is possible to play and want to do this with a few other piano enthusiasts then this group is for you.

Going out on the Bay in a comfortable safe boat: teaching a little sailing, talking a little history and really leaving the hardworld behind, if only for a short time. We can keep it casual or maybe do a Corinthian Yacht Club Friday Night "Beer Can" race- in Tiburon; a very low-key event, and I don't try to win, just stay with the tail of the fleet.. Barbecue on the club deck after.

Sanyok Gallery is a Non-Conformist Post Avant Garde gallery located in Sausalito, CA. Since its inception in 2009, Sanyok Gallery continues to pave the way for new art movements and makes its mark in contemporary art history. The mission of Sanyok Gallery is to introduce artists whose artistic worlds are a breath of fresh air, and whose artworks have not been saturated with and impacted by stylized and common images we so often see. Sanyok Gallery creates a link between artists and viewers that …

What is Kizomba? Kizomba is a sensual dance that originated in Angola in the '80s. The word 'kizomba' means 'party' in the Angolan language Kimbundo. It is a fusion of Semba, the predecessor of Samba with Zouk music of the French Caribbean Islands. Kizomba is more laid back than tango but more intimate, slow and sensual than salsa. In the last few years, Kizomba has quickly spread throughout Europe via Portugal. Now it is taking its place in the USA. Kizomba Classes with Bay Area's most favorite …

This group is for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and use of therapeutic grade essential oils (plant medicine) and on raw living plant foods.   It is for all seeking a lifestyle of vibrant & healthy living! We will learn about the powerful healing properties of therapeutic grade essential oils, natures most powerful healing substances for body, mind & spirit!  We will also learn how to use therapeutic essential oils for health & dynamic flavor enhancement in raw living foods.  We …