One of the things I resolved to do this year was to find ways to make the world a little bit brighter. That’s why I woke up early on Saturday morning, my designated sleep-in day, and went across town to Exodus Refugee Immigration Inc. to volunteer.
Exodus is a local organization that welcomes refugees to Indiana from all over the world. Many of the refugees have experienced violence, poverty and war. Exodus helps them find affordable housing, teaches them English and provides clothing, furniture and more. As a volunteer, I helped sort and organize items that have been donated to the organization and learned a little bit about the people they serve.
I didn’t make this journey alone. I was volunteering alongside a group of about 10 other people from a Meetup group called Millennials Doing Cool Stuff that Matters. The majority of the people in this group had never met each other before. In fact, one of the girls I spoke with told me she moved to Indianapolis only three days before attending the Meetup. It was the common desire to make new connections while finding a way to help those in need that gave us plenty to talk about.
Meetup.com has a variety of groups aimed at helping connect people who have common interests. The online social networking site is free to join and use, but event organizers are charged a fee. Whether you are into fitness groups, knitting, karaoke or exploring human sexuality, there’s a Meetup for that. There are a variety of local Meetup groups organized and targeted toward African-Americans.
Here’s a list of just a few:
Indy’s ClassyCurlies
Want to learn more about how to care for and style your natural hair? Indy’s ClassyCurlies offers a community of women who don’t mind sharing their triumphs and tragedies along the road to growing healthy natural hair.
Next Meetup: March 1 through 31
The group will be taking part in a 31 Days of Healthy Hair Challenge throughout the month of March.
Black World Travelers (30s–40s)
Do you love international travel but think good travel buddies are hard to come by? This group has more than 100 members who are ready to put new stamps on their passports.
Next Meetup: Bali on a Budget, April 2017
Bali, an island and providence of Indonesia, has become a popular tourist destination. For more information about signing up for trips with local travel lovers, visit Meetup.com.
Indy HBCU Alumni
Local alumni of historically Black colleges and universities are invited to join this group to socialize, network, build positive relationships and have a presence in Indy.
Next Meetup: Meetup information is available to approved members only.
Black Women Who Want More Indianapolis
This Meetup is focused on self-improvement, empowerment and building community. Members work out together, travel together, save and invest together, and pray together.
Next Meetup: Monday, Feb. 27, at 9 p.m.
This event is titled Black Women Who Want More Motivation. Come out and connect with local women who aim to foster more love, self-worth and offer opportunities to have more adventures.
To find these or other Meetup groups that interest you, visit Meetup.com.
