What we’re about
hello,
This meetup is basically for friendly people to get together and hang out.
I was asked to point out that it is NOT singles only. Couples whether married or not can join and partake in all activities.
I will try to keep it to locations near the NY/NJ border, locations that conversations can actually take place (NOT loud places with dim lighting).
Mostly, it will be game nights, and walks in parks. Since there are many hiking groups out there, I will say that we will NOT hike, we will walk or stroll through a park, enjoying the surroundings, nature, and by talking while walking, enjoy each others company.
I will also try to set up "group conversation" nights where we can talk about subject but not limit ourselves to that subject alone. I found that hot topics were....internet dating....and male/female interactions ("why do they do this..." kind of questions ).
I intend on having most meetups on Friday nights and during the day of a Saturday. Since most likely I will be available those times. Other members are more then welcomed to host other meetups at other times, but I can not guarantee that I could attend.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- FTI: How Neurotypicals Can Better Understand and CommunicateLink visible for attendees
Communication Differences: How Neurotypicals Can Better Understand and Communicate with the Neurodivergent.
Speaker: Benjamin Meyer, LCSW-R
Bilingual Psychotherapist/CoachHave you ever wondered how to identify and communicate with a neurodivergent person? Whether they are autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, OCD, or a learning difference, understanding their communication needs will not only help you to support them, but could also create meaningful neurodiverse relationships. I will describe some common traits in neurodivergent communication and ways you can create an inclusive environment.
Format: Lecture and discussion
Note: social time for our community 15 minutes before the presentation.
To get familiar with our organization, feel free to learn more here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E16-qv-OZZoKh4HSyHCtQ_eZA-ko_n3Kd3SwxfLpk84/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.qsvmnmkadvaqTo get familiar with our past events, feel free to check out our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmixGB9GdrptyEWovEj80zgAfter registering via zoom, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.
Here’s our legal notice: For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish any and all Zoom recordings for trade, advertising and any other commercial purpose, and to alter the same without any restriction. I hereby release Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability related to said video recordings.
- FTI: 5 Simple Rules to Live a Better Life - A Conversation with Garrett LangLink visible for attendees
For today's meeting, we will gather to engage in an intellectual discussion group that promises to be as enriching as it is stimulating. The theme of our conversation will be "Five Simple Rules to Live a Better Life," a topic that I believe resonates with the continuous learning and growth we all aspire to.
Here are the five intentions that will guide our discussion:
- Utilizing reason to continually evolve into the best version of ourselves, seeking truth and fairness in our endeavors.
- Embracing transparency in our identity and beliefs, matched with a willingness to trust and an openness to challenge our perspectives with new, possibly conflicting ideas.
- Sharpening our critical thinking to ensure it becomes a reliable compass for sound decision-making.
- Striving to amplify happiness and reduce harm for ourselves and those within our sphere of influence.
- Recognizing our universal desire for love, fostering a readiness to both give and receive it, in all its forms.
Let’s discuss these 5 intentions in more detail, and discuss how we can use them in our daily lives. For those interested in practicing applying these intentions into their daily lives, you can always apply to be a member of the FTI (Currently free) where we practice doing just that. Learn more about us here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E16-qv-OZZoKh4HSyHCtQ_eZA-ko_n3Kd3SwxfLpk84/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.6r8ewdm34lvo
EvSpeaker: Mr. Garrett Lang
Garrett Lang is the Founder and Executive Director of the Free Thinker Institute, a transformative community that blends personal development, ethical exploration, and practical education. Under his leadership, the Institute has grown into a vibrant space where individuals from all walks of life explore deep questions about purpose, ethics, and success in modern society. Garrett is the architect of the “5 Intentions,” a pioneering ethical code designed to foster unity and thoughtful decision-making in an increasingly divided world.
Through weekly events and curated peer mentorship programs, Garrett has built a platform that bridges philosophy with real-world application—empowering members to not only think deeply, but to act meaningfully. His approach to “practical philosophy” makes complex ideas actionable, helping people cultivate both personal growth and professional acumen in fields like product management, software development, and UX design.
A Cornell University graduate with over two decades of experience in technology leadership and entrepreneurship, Garrett continues to innovate at the intersection of values and systems. He brings the same rigor and visionary thinking that helped him double the operating margin of a 200-person company into his work at the Free Thinker Institute, demonstrating that thoughtful, ethical frameworks can be both aspirational and operational.
Learn more at www.freethinkerinstitute.org.
