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:
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://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:
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/meaning-purpose-passion

Admission fee is $6 to cover the cost of the room. 
(If you don't have cash, you can e-transfer me at glen6490@gmail.com)


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 per table. 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.**

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:


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

These gatherings are for:
- people who want to help make Vancouver a friendlier city (with the help of Buddytree)
- 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)

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 Eastside Atelier. 1310 William Street, Vancouver with Joanne Probyn Studio 10B and then see fellow peer artists at Eastside Atelier before going to nearby artists 

https://culturecrawl.ca/buildings



East Side Culture Crawl

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

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.

Self-awareness

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

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.

Just like we did when we met up in restaurants, we have a few groups of 5-6 people each. Feel free to bring something for you to eat and drink if you like.

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

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

Trust & Vulnerability - Picnic & Discussion

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

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.

Cancel Culture

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/The-Movies-We-Love

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 Movies We Love

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

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.

Racism & Privilege

Childfree by Choice

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

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.

License to Shoot

Plan: 

7:00 - meet at the Perfecto Cafe, 605 Davie St, and grab grab delicious coffee/gelato/snacks - https://www.perfectocafe.ca/

8:00 - watch a Spanish film, The Good Boss, at the VIFF Theatre around the corner (1181 Seymour St)!

The VIFF Theatre is showing The Good Boss, a "shrewd Spanish satire" featuring Javier Bardem. Tickets are $15 and can be bought online or at the box office. The show starts at 8 pm. Let's check it out! 

More info here: https://viff.org/whats-on/the-good-boss/

Here's the writeup:

No Spanish film has ever recorded more Goya (*Spanish Oscar) nominations than the 20 picked up by The Good Boss this year. It won six: Best Picture, Director, Actor, Original Screenplay, Score and Editing. Writer-director Fernando León de Aranoa (Mondays in the Sun) has fashioned a shrewd class satire about a proudly benevolent businessman Julio Blanco (Javier Bardem), whose family firm manufactures scales for home and industrial use. Short listed for a good business award, Blanco is determined that the factory should put on its best face for the imminent inspection. But there are snags: an angry ex-employee is picketing the front gate; a veteran manager is going through a marital crisis and his work is suffering; and then there’s the sexy new marketing intern, Liliana (Almudena Amor)…

Bardem (is there a better actor working today?) commands the show here as the paternalistic patrón, one of those all too familiar smug and self-righteous industrialists whose surface charm masks ruthless narcissism. While ostensibly keeping the tone light and amusing, de Aranoa cleverly notches up the stakes and skewers Blanco’s hypocrisy without forcing the kind of self-reckoning that would be completely out of character for a man as morally complacent as this. Deft comic supporting turns – the security guard with an unexpected ear for poetry; the slyly seductive intern – round out a superbly realized political entertainment.

    Slickly entertaining… reminiscent of the Coen brothers.

    Jordan Mintzer, Hollywood Reporter

Let's Get Gelato and Watch an International Film!

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

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.

Expectations & Conformity

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

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.

Truth & Beliefs

Goals and Motivation

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/The-War-on-Drugs

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 War on Drugs

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.

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Genetic Engineering

Gender Rights & Equality

Emotional Intelligence

Human Rights in the World - The Uyghurs

Meaning, Purpose & Passion (Dinner & Discussion)

The Monarchy Debate

After-dinner Potluck (Friendly Vancouver Project)

East Side Culture Crawl

Recent Hangouts

Rethinking Work

Drinking Culture

Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Rethinking Art

Self-awareness

Trust & Vulnerability - Picnic & Discussion

Cancel Culture

Rethinking Art

The Movies We Love

Racism & Privilege

License to Shoot

Let's Get Gelato and Watch an International Film!

Expectations & Conformity

Truth & Beliefs

The War on Drugs

Family Challenges

Some of our members

Join An Upcoming Hangout

Genetic Engineering

Gender Rights & Equality

Emotional Intelligence

Human Rights in the World - The Uyghurs

Meaning, Purpose & Passion (Dinner & Discussion)

The Monarchy Debate

After-dinner Potluck (Friendly Vancouver Project)

East Side Culture Crawl

Recent Hangouts

Rethinking Work

Drinking Culture

Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Rethinking Art

Self-awareness

Trust & Vulnerability - Picnic & Discussion

Cancel Culture

Rethinking Art

The Movies We Love

Racism & Privilege

License to Shoot

Let's Get Gelato and Watch an International Film!

Expectations & Conformity

Truth & Beliefs

The War on Drugs

Family Challenges

Some of our members