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Ad Astra Wine Bar & Market | 308 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
Connect, learn, heal, and make a tangible difference together.

Join us for our Community Centered Conversations, a recurring event dedicated to fostering meaningful conversations among community members and leaders from various sectors. Each event, we gather to discuss pressing needs, current issues, and innovative ways to support and uplift different sectors and identities within our community.

This is an opportunity to connect, learn, heal and make a tangible difference together.

Each event features a panel of guests from these diverse communities who will speak on relevant topics, sharing their insights and experiences. Following the panel, there will be a community Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers, ask questions, and participate in the dialogue, then a happy hour night for all to mingle and discuss together.

These events are crucial for several reasons.

They provide a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. By discussing the unique challenges faced by different community members, we can identify collective solutions and create actionable plans. Additionally, supporting specific organizations through donations helps to sustain their vital work, ensuring continued advocacy and assistance for those in need.

Come be a part of these transformative nights and contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive community.

Together is the only way forward.

Healing the Worth Wound: In a Society Hell-Bent on Profiting from Your Pain

Event Description:

Join us for “Healing the Worth Wound: In a Society Hell-Bent on Profiting from Your Pain,” a powerful panelist event dedicated to exploring and healing the worth wound that many of us carry. In a world where industries thrive on our insecurities and the notion that we must constantly change ourselves to be worthy, this event stands as a radical act of protest and self-love. We bring together local reiki healers, witches, spiritual practitioners, and mental health workers to share their insights and experiences on reclaiming self-worth.

Event Highlights:

  • Panel Discussions: Engage with a diverse group of experts who will discuss their unique approaches to healing and self-worth. Learn from their journeys and discover how they help individuals break free from limiting beliefs and societal pressures.
  • Insightful Conversations: Hear from reiki healers about how energy healing can restore balance and promote self-acceptance. Listen to witches and spiritual practitioners as they share rituals and practices that empower individuals to connect with their true selves. Gain valuable knowledge from mental health workers on addressing the root causes of the worth wound and fostering a healthy sense of self-worth.
  • Interactive Q&A: Participate in an interactive Q&A session where you can ask the panelists about their work, seek advice, and gain deeper understanding of the healing processes they offer.

Why Attend?

In a society that often undermines our sense of worth for profit, finding and nurturing self-worth is a radical and necessary act. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from experts dedicated to helping individuals recognize their intrinsic value and become their best selves. Discover practical tools and insights that can support your journey towards healing and self-empowerment.

 

Date & Time TBD

Centering Women’s Liberation & Self Love Through Art & Entrepreneurship

Join us for “Centering Women’s Liberation & Self Love Through Art & Entrepreneurship,” a special event celebrating the power and resilience of women. This event aims to empower and uplift by highlighting the incredible journeys and achievements of female-identifying artists and entrepreneurs who champion women’s liberation and self-love in their work.

Event Highlights:

Panel Discussions:

  • Inspiring Journeys: Hear inspiring stories and insights from our panelists about their personal and professional journeys, the challenges they have faced, and their remarkable successes. Discover how they have navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship and the art world while staying true to their values.
  • Integration of Empowerment: Learn how these dynamic women integrate themes of empowerment and self-love into their art and businesses. Understand the importance of these themes in driving social change and fostering a culture of support and respect.

Showcase of Female Talent:

  • Wines and Products: Enjoy a curated selection of wines and products made by women, showcasing the talent, creativity, and innovation of female artisans and entrepreneurs. This is a unique opportunity to support women-led businesses and experience their craftsmanship firsthand.

Why Attend?

  • Expand Your Horizons: Gain valuable insights into the intersections of art, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. Learn practical strategies and tips from successful women who have turned their passions into thriving careers.
  • Be Inspired: Be moved by the stories of resilience, creativity, and determination. Leave the event feeling inspired and motivated to pursue your own dreams and support the liberation and empowerment of women in your community.
  • Foster Connections: Engage in meaningful conversations and forge new relationships with individuals who are dedicated to promoting women’s liberation and self-love. Strengthen your network and find potential collaborators, mentors, and friends.

October 17, 2024. Panel introduction begins at 6pm.

Together We Thrive: A Conversation on Mutual Aid and Community Building

Event Description:

Join us for an enlightening evening at “Building Bridges: Understanding and Creating Mutual Aid Networks,” a community conversation night dedicated to exploring the power and potential of mutual aid. This event brings together a diverse panel of community leaders and voices who will share their insights on the concept of mutual aid, its importance, and practical steps for building your own mutual aid network.

What is Mutual Aid?

Mutual aid is a voluntary reciprocal exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit. It involves communities coming together to support each other, sharing resources, skills, and support without relying on hierarchical structures. Mutual aid emphasizes solidarity rather than charity, ensuring that everyone involved has a voice and an active role in both giving and receiving help.

Panel Discussions:

  1. Understanding Mutual Aid:
    • Gain a comprehensive understanding of mutual aid, its historical roots, and its relevance in today’s society.
  2. Existing Mutual Aid Community Resources:
    • Discover the various mutual aid initiatives and resources already thriving in our community. Learn how these programs operate and how you can get involved.
  3. Building Your Own Network:
    • Practical advice and strategies for creating and sustaining your own mutual aid network. Learn from the experiences of successful local organizers and community leaders.
  4. Creating Aid for One Another:
    • Explore the importance of reciprocity and solidarity in mutual aid. Discuss how we can support each other in times of need and strengthen our community bonds.

Why Mutual Aid Matters:

Mutual aid plays a critical role in fostering resilience, equity, and solidarity within our communities. By building networks of mutual support, we can:

  • Address Immediate Needs: Provide essential resources and services to community members in need.
  • Strengthen Community Bonds: Foster a sense of belonging and interconnectedness.
  • Promote Equity: Ensure that support is available to all, especially those who are marginalized or underserved.

Build Resilience: Create sustainable systems of support that can withstand crises and challenges.

Date TBD

From the Heart: Black Voices, Black Stories

Event Description: From the Heart: Black Voices, Black Stories

Join us for an inspiring and powerful panel night titled “From the Heart: Black Voices, Black Stories,” dedicated to amplifying the experiences, narratives, and insights of the Black community. This event provides a platform for candid and heartfelt discussions on the critical issues facing the Black community today.

Event Features:

  • Keynote Addresses: Listen to influential Black speakers as they share their personal stories and reflections on identity, resilience, and the journey toward justice.
  • Panel Discussions: Engage with thought leaders and community activists on topics such as systemic racism, social justice, economic empowerment, and cultural pride.
  • Storytelling Sessions: Experience the power of storytelling as panelists recount their lived experiences, challenges, and triumphs, providing deeper insights into the Black experience.
  • Interactive Q&A: Participate in an open dialogue that encourages respectful questions and thoughtful answers, fostering understanding and actionable change.

This event is a unique opportunity to connect with and learn from Black voices, gaining a deeper appreciation of the diverse and dynamic stories within the community. Attendees are encouraged to come with an open heart and mind, ready to listen, learn, and commit to supporting and uplifting the Black community.

Note: We emphasize the importance of centering Black experiences and voices. We ask all attendees to approach with respect, openness, and a genuine willingness to engage with the narratives shared.

 

Date TBD

Coloring Outside the Lines: Queer Stories & Queer Liberation

Event Description:

Join us for “Coloring Outside the Lines: Queer Stories & Queer Liberation” a dynamic and inclusive event dedicated to exploring the multifaceted nature of queer identity and the journey towards true liberation. This event brings together a diverse panel of LGBTQ+ activists, community leaders, and allies to discuss the nuances of sexuality, the spectrum of queer identities, and the varied meanings of liberation. Through open conversations and shared experiences, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of community needs and celebrate the richness of queer life.

Event Highlights:

  • Panel Discussions: Engage with a vibrant panel of speakers who will delve into the complexities of queer identity and liberation. Learn from their personal journeys and professional insights on how to navigate and celebrate the spectrum of sexuality.
  • Exploring Sexuality and the Spectrum: Discover the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community as panelists discuss various identities, from lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender to non-binary, genderqueer, asexual, and beyond. Understand how each identity contributes to the rich tapestry of queer existence.
  • Liberation and What It Looks Like: Hear different perspectives on what liberation means within the queer community. Explore how the pursuit of liberation varies among individuals and groups, and what it looks like in terms of personal freedom, societal acceptance, and legal rights.
  • Addressing Community Needs: Gain insights into the unique needs of the queer community, from mental health support and safe spaces to legal advocacy and cultural representation. Learn how we can collectively work towards meeting these needs and creating a more inclusive society.
  • Interactive Q&A: Participate in an interactive Q&A session where you can ask the panelists about their experiences, seek advice, and gain deeper understanding of the topics discussed.

Why Attend?

In a world that often marginalizes and misunderstands queer identities, this event offers a crucial platform for education, celebration, and advocacy. Attendees will leave with a greater appreciation for the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, practical tools for allyship, and inspiration to support queer liberation in their own lives and communities.

Date TBD

Small Business, Big Impact: Building a Thriving Community Together

Event Description:

Join us for an enlightening evening of discussion and inspiration at “Small Business, Big Impact: Building a Thriving Community Together.” This community conversation night brings together a panel of passionate speakers who will delve into the numerous benefits of nurturing a small business-centered community. Topics will include:

  • The Benefits of Building a Small Business Centered Community: Discover how small businesses can drive local economies, create jobs, and foster a sense of community pride.
  • Resources for Small Businesses: Learn about the vital resources available to small businesses, from funding opportunities to mentorship programs, that can help entrepreneurs succeed.
  • Why Investing Small Matters: Understand the importance of investing in local businesses and how it keeps money circulating within the community, supporting local families and services.
  • How a Vibrant Downtown Aids the Community: Explore the ripple effects of a bustling downtown area, from increased tourism to enhanced community engagement and a higher quality of life for residents.

Why This Matters

In small communities, investing in local businesses is more than just an economic choice; it’s a commitment to the wellbeing of the entire community. When we support our local entrepreneurs, we are not only helping them succeed but also fostering a resilient and self-sustaining local economy. Small businesses bring unique products and services, create job opportunities, and ensure that the character and charm of our community remain vibrant and diverse.

By building a thriving small business community, we ensure that everyone benefits – from improved local services and increased property values to a more engaged and connected populace. A vibrant downtown area becomes a hub of activity, attracting visitors and new residents alike, and creating a cycle of growth and prosperity that uplifts the entire community.

Date TBD