Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88_C-fogY40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9xtpqXzyfA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdPbmYAuMs0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwOCeXQO_5o


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pBavpXDyUM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5wprco7J44

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru4yrQFH1Uc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZoXb1WDpls


Questions:

1. Which of the videos was particularly interesting to you and why?
   
2. What conspiracy theories are you familiar with?

3. Have you ever believed any conspiracy theories? If so, have you stopped? What made you stop?

4. Do you know any conspiracy theorists? What do you think makes them the way they are?

5. Are conspiracy theories inherently dangerous? Should we work harder to disprove them?

6. Have conspiracy theories become more common? Why do you think so (or not)?

7. Some conspiracies are true, even though we only find out years later. But some are proven definitely 
    false. Should we always reserve judgment until all possible information is available?

8. If you you could send a conspiracy theory into the world, what would it be?

9. Do you have a question on this topic which you would like to ask the group?


Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Conspiracy Theories

CONSPIRACY THEORIES

Hey there Buddytree members in Vancouver -  Chris and I are cohosting this gathering at my place and we hope you can join us! :)


PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU RSVP:
We're cohosting two hangouts at my place in the next few weeks but space is limited, so please only sign up to one of them in order to allow for others to attend - thanks.

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/the-power-of-humor

**Please remember to watch a few videos BEFORE you arrive since we’ll be discussing them**

This will be an after-dinner potluck so feel free to bring a drink, appetizer or dessert to share. 

Arrival time is 6:30pm and we'll watch some funny videos together before the discussions begin. So please arrive on time so you can laugh with us a bit before the discussions.

We'll have two discussion groups; one in our living room and one in our dining room.

Once the discussions begin, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

After 60 minutes people can move around, mix and mingle and we'll likely have the fireplace going for some extra ambience. 

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Lastly, as usual:
- Space is limited to 12 people max, so please RSVP early to reserve your spot
- You must be in the RSVP list to attend since this is a private residence and that's why we've incorporated ID verification to attend public hangouts


This event is made possible in association with The Meaningful Discussions Project which is a non-profit initiative that has helped to organize over 1,500 events in 11 countries. View some testimonials here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVkt_Gnxe38


Glen Brauer
Founder of Meaningful Discussions, Buddytree & Friendship Bootcamp

The Power of Humor (Potluck & Discussion)

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
Crash Course explains:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtMwV2btpcij8S3YohW9gUGN 
Libertarian thoughts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdS8YUC7AUs
US-China conflict:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlfUX8i5s7s
Potential downsides:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddxgSvCAdRc

A parody:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcJjMnHoIBI
Interesting covers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CrBqRb3VGM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugqQlB5fpuc

1. What should be considered intellectual property?
2. Can creators choose to make their work free or should it be automatically protected as a matter od principle?
3. Do governments benefit from protecting intellectual property?  If so, how?
4. Has anybody ever stolen an idea from you?  Or accused you of stealing an idea?  How did the situation play out?
5. Where can we draw the line between plagiarism and inspiration?
6. How should parodies be considered?  Are they close enough to the original that IP rights should be taken into account?
7. Do you support artist who sue in the belief that others are profiting unfairly from their work when (they think) they recognize it in another artist's piece?
8. Is there a political party or philosophy that best protects IP rights in your opinion?
9. In an ideal world, would we need to pay for rights to access ideas, or would it be enough to credit the creator?
Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Intellectual Property

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/The-Future-of-Humanity

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

The Future of Humanity

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/family-challenges

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Family Challenges

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/the-need-to-belong

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

The Need to Belong

Hey there Buddytree members in Vancouver -  Chris and I are cohosting this gathering at my place and we hope you can join us! :)


PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU RSVP:
We're cohosting two hangouts at my place in the next few weeks but space is limited, so please only sign up to one of them in order to allow for others to attend - thanks.

Here is the video and the discussion questions for this topic:
https://buddytree.org/topic/The-Future-of-Humanity

**Please remember to watch the video BEFORE you arrive since we’ll be discussing it when we begin.**

This will be an after-dinner potluck so feel free to bring a drink, appetizer or dessert to share. 

Arrival time is 7pm and we'll start the discussions at 7:15pm so please arrive on time so you don't interrupt the discussions in progress.

We'll have two discussion groups; one in our living room and one in our dining room.

Once the discussions begin, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

After 90 minutes people can move around, mix and mingle and we'll likely have the fireplace going for some extra ambience. 

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Lastly, as usual:
- Space is limited to 12 people max, so please RSVP early to reserve your spot
- You must be in the RSVP list to attend since this is a private residence and that's why we've incorporated ID verification to attend public hangouts


This event is made possible in association with The Meaningful Discussions Project which is a non-profit initiative that has helped to organize over 1,500 events in 11 countries. View some testimonials here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVkt_Gnxe38


Glen Brauer
Founder of Meaningful Discussions, Buddytree & Friendship Bootcamp

The Future of Humanity (Potluck & Discussion)

A tradition for many years, the Eastside Culture Crawl is a great way to view art and artists. 
https://culturecrawl.ca/

Join us Saturday Nov 19 from 2-3:30pm ( we may extend the time to 4:30 or 5:30 if needed)  beginning at Parker Street Studio 
1000 Parker St, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Parker Street Studios is a 100-year-old Vancouver landmark, hosting 4 floors of artists diverse in style and discipline. This 152,000 square foot industrial building was originally home to the Restore Mattress factory and now features 110 studios for over 200 artists, designers, photographers, woodworkers, and more all creating under one roof.

There are 145 artists located here. As there will be 7-9 people, we will randomly split up into 2 groups of 4 and 5 OR 3 groups of 3. I will devise a method. In our small groups, let's explore Parker Street Studios for an hour.

By 3:00pm let's meet up again and decide who wants to finish exploring Parker Street Studios and who wants to walk to Eastside Atelier 
1310 William Street, Vancouver, BC,

Eastside Atelier, formerly William Clark Studios, is located on the southeast corner of William Street and Clark Drive. The artist collective has been in operation for several decades. In Spring 2020 while on the verge of a mass eviction, artists teamed up with the Eastside Culture Crawl and the City of Vancouver to save these spaces. Following a new wing addition, Eastside Atelier is now our second largest art collective boasting 45 artists! Go up one staircase and discover 36 open studios across a single, large, U-shaped floor. Be sure to visit both the east and west wings! Diverse art styles include painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, collage and textile art. Instagram: @eastsideatelierartists

https://culturecrawl.ca/buildings



East Side Culture Crawl

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:

Some artistic respect:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hy5jFa3CtM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM_m3mVCYI8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDxEojOepWU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Irb7l4m_i4

Deeper analysis of the comic and its creator:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLbwmwOJ-Rk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV4D2ad6pEc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCBQG-C6pic

The comic on film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1-1pHOHeJA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCK288kGXow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7mJ8N3az6Q

1. Do you enjoy Herriman's design?  What do you (not) like about it?
2. How would you describe the relationship between Krazy and Ignatz?  Is it simple comedy or something deeper?
3. Why do you think Herriman used such an unusual accent for his main character?  What does it "sound" like to you?
4. How does the triangle of Krazy, Ignatz and Pup subvert typical views of love and animal relationships?
5. Herriman described Krazy as genderless; are you surprised that a character from the early 20th century could be described this way by its creator?  What would the reaction be today if a comic strip had a non-binary or agender character?
6. In later strips the background is very changeable.  What is Herriman transmitting with these changes?
7. Herriman had a mysterious background himself.  Is the flexibility of his main character a reflection of his own?  Do you identify with literary characters who are what you are or what you want to be?
8. Do comics have to be funny to be good newspaper comics?
9.  What do you enjoy about comics/cartoons/graphic novels?
10. Do you know of other comics that seemed simple but can be seen as deep or philosophical, or had important messages for their readers?

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Transcendence In Comics - George Herriman and Krazy Kat

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/rethinking-work

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Rethinking Work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfr82RB72U8 desalination
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi3aZLA1tMw a global problem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooGeK4hP0NQ USA vanishing river
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYUWBwzIfXY European drought
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmG5OzIW5_8 TED talk on dams
Water Stress: A Global Problem That’s Getting Worse | Council on Foreign Relations

Is your part of the world currently experiencing drought or water stress? How does this affect you?

Do you take any personal steps to decrease your water use?

How do you think changes to water availability will affect your life in the future?

Is it reasonable to keep sustaining agriculture in areas where water supplies are running out? What are the alternatives?

Do you think people will reach a point where they will voluntarily give up foods like beef to conserve water?

What will happen to people who live and work in agricultural regions when the water runs out? Could we be taking steps now to plan for this?

Is desalination a reasonable way to increase available fresh water? Do you think it will ever become economically and environmentally feasible?

Are the benefits of dams, especially hydroelectric dams, worth the drawbacks? Can they be balanced?

What steps can be taken to reduce pollution in parts of the world where water is undrinkable? 

Should water use be regulated at a local, national, or international level? How do we make sure water commodities are fairly distributed? 

Should water resource management be a bigger focus in climate change discussions?



As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

The Most Valuable Commodity: Water

These gatherings are for:
- people who want to help make Vancouver a friendlier city (with the help of Buddytree, Meetup & Facebook)
- people who enjoy meeting interesting people and having great conversations, AND
- people who enjoy after-dinner potlucks with delicious appetizers, drinks and desserts! :)

I'm someone who is passionate about friendship, community and making Vancouver a friendlier city to live in. I'm also proud to be working with some awesome people to help make this happen.
Wanna join us? 

You may have seen me in the Buddytree videos such as this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipaduqzp3QU

The format for this evening will be:
- waiting for everyone to arrive
- presentation - recent updates, goals and plans (5 minutes)
- discussion (approximately 30-45 minutes)
- socializing with interesting people in our Buddytree community 
- we'll likely have the fireplace going to provide some extra ambience

Feel free to bring a drink, appetizer or dessert to share. 

For more information on my other projects, feel free to check out:
https://friendshipbootcamp.com
https://friendshipbootcamp.com/tv_series

Glen Brauer
Founder & CEO, Buddytree

**PLEASE NOTE**
- Space is limited to 12 people max, so please RSVP early to reserve your spot
- You must be in the RSVP list to attend since this is a private residence and that's why we've incorporated ID verification to attend public hangouts

After-dinner Potluck (Friendly Vancouver Project)

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
SNL Gameshow Common Knowledge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0HGEZXTy8Y

A TEDtalk on cultural literacy and tolerance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Xnkp4o6nU

An interview with an educator on the necessity of instilling common culture in children:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H097vPnDpkI

Neil Postman discusses his book on trivialized information in two interviews:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRabb6_Gr2Y&t=64s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHd31L6XPEQ

1. What contributes to a common social narrative? What is most responsible – e.g. news media, schools, family etc.?

2. In the past, there were fewer choices in media, whether for entertainment or for information.  Some people think societies were more uniform because of larger segments of society were sharing the same media than we see today.  What are your thoughts?

3. Postman says, "Thinking is not a performing art."  Do you agree that visual mediums like TV, cinema and, to a large extent, the internet are not well-suited to provoke thoughtful exchange?

4. Is it easier to convince somebody of a false narrative or prove a true one?

5. How do you know your own narrative is “true”? What sources do you trust?

6. Who benefits from a fractured/un-shared narrative?

7. Reg Stewart puts forth the idea that we should learn about other cultures (and sub-cultures) without assimilating to them.  E.D. Hirsch insists that assimilation is essential for a coherent and functional society.  Which view are you closer to?

8. Are the forces that push people to embrace different sets of “facts” working as a conspiracy, or are they more like a collection of selfish, short-sighted actors with no formal connection between them?

9. Is information overload really to blame for our lack of trust in authority? How can we make the jump from just seeing leaders and experts as “believable” to understanding what they are saying?

10. How do we escape the echo chamber/info bubble of Google, Youtube and social media algorithms?

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

The Fractured Social Narrative

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYfCsTWSnTg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIOfEHlVp_c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FizWPJXz12I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQrRcIqhadY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdoTMuxYjTI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kav846OCBQ8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AkV0IaFN3g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcM7xAYPwXI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNgP6d9HraI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi2A31vJW1E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5JZzY99PII

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zTwRL97Y-o


1: Which of the videos was particularly interesting to you and why?

2. What is the most important characteristic for a head of state to have?

3. Would a life term for an elected monarch be better than a hereditary monarch?

4. What are the benefits of hereditary leadership and its costs?

5. Is the British monarch obsolete?

6. Should all citizens in a democratic republic be prepared for a place in government from childhood, whether they are interested or not?

7. What do you think about members of the royal family involving themselves in affairs of state, the environment or other issues? Should they be allowed to say whatever they think, or should they keep silent in public about such issues?

8. It is sometimes argued that, as the monarch has a number of privileges that are not available to ordinary people, then he or she also has the responsibility to marry another member of a royal house. What is your opinion?

9. Would you prefer your country to be a monarchy or republic?

10. Do you have a question on this topic which you would like to ask the group?



Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

The Monarchy Debate

As always, these events are for people who enjoy having deeper conversations and making new friends.

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/meaning-purpose-passion

Admission fee is $6 to cover the cost of the room. Please bring exact change - thanks.


As always, please remember to:
-  watch at least a few of the VIDEOS before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin

- arrive ON TIME (or even a few minutes early) out of respect to your fellow attendees


As soon as everyone arrives we will divide up people into groups of 5-6 people, and we'll be providing some social distancing with window ventilation. Feel free to bring something for you to eat and drink if you like. 

Once the discussions begin, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

The structured portion will last 90 minutes and then we'll provide the option to mix and mingle. 

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

**PLEASE NOTE: Due to our small group sizes, latecomers (after 6:10pm) will not be admitted since they require us to reshuffle our groups.**

This event is made possible in association with The Meaningful Discussions Project which is a non-profit initiative that has helped to organize over 1,500 events in 11 countries.

View some testimonials here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVkt_Gnxe38

I look forward to seeing you at the event! :)

Sincerely,
Glen Brauer
Founder, Meaningful Discussions & Buddytree

Meaning, Purpose & Passion (Dinner & Discussion)

Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
About human rights in general:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWN40FEzfNg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDgIVseTkuE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDdJ-EI3sVU
https://youtu.be/m9-R8T1SuG4?t=153

About the Uyghurs in particular:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4GQx3srO-4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzHxelG6FL4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9aLNxcokOE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRBcP5BrffI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbBsh46aSz4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmvyjwLxC5I

1.  Do you know what commonly accepted basic human rights are?  Do you follow the UN Declaration or do you use another standard?
2.  How happy are you with your knowledge of human rights around the world?
3.  What did you know about the Uyghurs before seeing the videos?
4.  What did you know about China's treatment of different ethnicities inside its borders?
5.  Are you aware of similar actions by other governments with other groups?
6.  Are there political or religious groups whose members do not deserve to have their rights respected, i.e. membership itself is criminal?
7.  Is there ever a justification to suspect each and every member of a group of being a threat when one member commits a crime?
8.  What do you expect from your government in terms of protection of human rights for its citizens?  Should your government also take an interest in citizens of other countries and protecting their rights to some degree?
9.  Should there be an international or supranational organization to oversee compliance with human rights in the world?
10.  Do we need to adjust our ideas of what human rights are - should we include things like internet access, data protection and online privacy?
11.  Can nations ever truly atone for infringing on or stripping people of their human rights?  Whose responsibility is it to apologize and make amends?  How much time are we allowed to be angry?

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Human Rights in the World - The Uyghurs

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/emotional-intelligence

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Emotional Intelligence

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/gender-rights-equality

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Gender Rights & Equality

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:

https://youtu.be/F7DpdOHRDR4 The Economist - genetic engineering

https://youtu.be/sWBgSgWYS5s Gene Editing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_KruQhfvW4 movie trailer - GATTACA


Did something from one of the videos catch your attention?

Do you eat or avoid eating GMO foods? Do you think they pose a health or ethical risk? Why do you think so many people object to GMO foods?

Should people be allowed to modify non-harmful traits in their children (e.g. height)? 

Should the scientist who engineered HIV-resistant Chinese girls have been punished?

How do you feel about the ethics of at-home genetic testing? Is there a risk of this information being misused?

Would you want to know if you had an increased (but not definite) chance of developing an untreatable condition?

Should we genetically eliminate conditions like deafness that some but not all people consider a disability? What about non-lethal conditions like Down syndrome? 

How do issues of equality affect genetic engineering? Can it make life better for everyone? Will people with wealth have their children engineered for traits that make them more likely to succeed? 

What kind of limits should be put on genetic engineering?

Who should be in charge of regulating genetic engineering?



Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Genetic Engineering

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
1. Do you have a drink that you have a ritual for, i.e. it has to be made a certain way, drunk at a certain time, for certain reasons?
2. When did rituals with beverages become important to you, assuming they have?  If not, why do you think they don't play a role in your life?
3. When were you first allowed to have caffeinated drinks?  Do you enjoy them for their flavor or are you hooked on the stimulation?
4. When did you first try alcoholic drinks?  What were the circumstances?
5. In some cultures parents give their teens alcohol at home to prepare them for responsible drinking later.  Do you think this is a good way to prevent dangerous behavior?
6. Alcohol has been with humans for thousands of years.  Is it a lost cause to try and eliminate it as a common, even daily beverage?
7. Children are often given juice instead of soda, with the belief that it is healthier.  Do you think juice or flavored milk should be accepted as substitutes for water to encourage children to keep hydrated?
8. How do beverages fit into your normal diet?  How many treats do you give yourself in liquid form?
9. In some countries children are kept away from alcohol in many spaces.  Is this a good way to prevent them from picking up bad habits?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--mxjzQggx0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq_xjXk1BGo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tZzv_cvma0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS2KFQcnILc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S04mZtUjTyA&t=25s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bsHOxQtBW4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6cBewazRXY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=husd06vJ9qY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAnERPl9FPw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUvhq6je15Q

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Drinking Culture

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/meaning-purpose-passion

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/Rethinking-Art

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Rethinking Art

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/self-awareness

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Conspiracy Theories

The Power of Humor (Potluck & Discussion)

Intellectual Property

The Future of Humanity

Family Challenges

The Need to Belong

Recent Hangouts

The Future of Humanity (Potluck & Discussion)

East Side Culture Crawl

Transcendence In Comics - George Herriman and Krazy Kat

Rethinking Work

The Most Valuable Commodity: Water

After-dinner Potluck (Friendly Vancouver Project)

The Fractured Social Narrative

The Monarchy Debate

Meaning, Purpose & Passion (Dinner & Discussion)

Human Rights in the World - The Uyghurs

Emotional Intelligence

Gender Rights & Equality

Genetic Engineering

Rethinking Work

Drinking Culture

Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Rethinking Art

Self-awareness

Some of our members

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Conspiracy Theories

The Power of Humor (Potluck & Discussion)

Intellectual Property

The Future of Humanity

Family Challenges

The Need to Belong

Recent Hangouts

The Future of Humanity (Potluck & Discussion)

East Side Culture Crawl

Transcendence In Comics - George Herriman and Krazy Kat

Rethinking Work

The Most Valuable Commodity: Water

After-dinner Potluck (Friendly Vancouver Project)

The Fractured Social Narrative

The Monarchy Debate

Meaning, Purpose & Passion (Dinner & Discussion)

Human Rights in the World - The Uyghurs

Emotional Intelligence

Gender Rights & Equality

Genetic Engineering

Rethinking Work

Drinking Culture

Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Rethinking Art

Self-awareness

Some of our members