What's happening in August

August is upon us. We're in the swing of summer, and we hope you're having a good Civic Holiday! We've got a new event coming up, the first in a series where we'll explore the history of Palestine and Israel through documentary film.

🎥 movie night: The Iron Wall (2006)

We're hosting a regular movie night run by our friend Muhannad where we screen films relating to Palestine and Israel followed by conversation.

The documentary traces the timeline of settlement development and explores their impact on the peace process. It features interviews with Israeli and Palestinian peace activists and political analysts, including Jeff Halper, Akiva Eldar, and Hind Khoury. The film also addresses the construction of the Israeli West Bank barrier and its implications for Palestinians.

The title, The Iron Wall, references a 1923 essay by Zionist leader Ze'ev Jabotinsky, in which he argued that Jewish colonization in Palestine could only proceed under the protection of a strong force, metaphorically described as an "iron wall."

🗓️ August 12th, 7-10pm
💰 suggested donation 10
📌 RSVP on 🔗 lu.ma

⚡️Civic Spark

Not a 1RG event but one we care about very much, some of our friends from Civic Tech Toronto are organizing Civic Spark in August!

Civic Spark is a gathering for people who care about building a better public future.

We're bringing together organizers, technologists, public servants, mutual aid networks, researchers, designers, and community leaders from across North America.

This isn’t a pitch stage or a showcase. It’s a space to share real stories, challenge assumptions, and explore what works — and what doesn’t — when building for civic impact.

Whether you’re deep in the work or just getting started, you’re invited.

Share your story. Spark connection. Shape what’s next.

1RG is helping out with this event, and if you're reading this email we think you might like it!

🗓️ Saturday August 16 & Sunday 17th
📍Myhal Centre
💰 50
📌 RSVP on 🔗 lu.ma

🍽️ Community Dinner # 74

Join us for our next monthly Community Dinner! Tickets to the public open on Friday August 22nd.

These tend to sell out, so if you'd like early access you can become a Friend of 1RG and get tickets a week early, or become a member to RSVP anytime.

🗓️ Tuesday, August 26th
Time: 7-10pm
📌 RSVP on 🔗 lu.ma

1RG Classics

💻 Side Project Social: Come work on your side projects with us!
🗓️ Thursday, August 14th, starting at 6:30pm
📌 RSVP on 🔗 lu.ma
🗓️ Thursday, August 28th, starting at 6:30pm
📌 RSVP on 🔗 lu.ma
♟️Board games night: Bring your favourite game to share or discover what others have in their collections.
🗓️ Thursday, Aug 14th, starting at 6:30pm
📌 RSVP on 🔗 lu.ma