Do you like to play chess? Casually ride bikes? Experience the world and many different activities, new things? Live a Meaningful life?

WHO IS JEFFREY DESKOVIC?

Jeffrey Deskovic is a champion of the actually innocent and also an advocate of criminal justice reform. He frequently does public speaking, media appearances, meets with elected officials, and activities connected with the non-profit organization he started, The Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation for Justice (www.Deskovic.org) which thus far has freed 10 wrongfully convicted people and helped pass 7 laws aimed at preventing those injustices. If you have not heard of his story or his advocacy, check out the documentary short about him on Amazon Prime [right here: https://www.amazon.com/Conviction-Jeffrey-Deskovic/dp/B08F9CN2XG] or read this article about him: https://bit.ly/3dRa4sw

While Jeff's life is dedicated to the cause, he would like to meet new people who share some of his interests. He believes that it is important to be balanced, experience the world, and to lead a life that is rich with fun, laughter, and experiences. Part of doing that is having quality people to do things with who share enough common interests that they can change genre's of activities, out of whom some friendships organically develop.

ACTIVITIES:
Firstly, Jeffrey loves playing chess because it involves thinking ahead, and he is quite good at it though of course not invincible. But beyond that, he also likes: trying NEW things: activities, unusual events, new foods; playing basketball [with people that can think the game, playing with fundamentals]; casual bike riding; attending professional sports (NBA; MLB; Tennis; NFL); ping pong; going to new places; going to quiet nature places; stand up comedy; spades; lazer tag; going to historical places- especially those connected with civil rights and freedom; occasionally going to museums (art other than abstract modern art); most things that involve a ball and/or energy; bumper cars; watching documentaries; attending presentations by talented orators who are speaking about intriguing topics; sometimes watching sports on tv; tubing; swimming (but not simply getting into the water or doing laps- maybe a diving board, slide, racing, a game involving a ball); Jenga; throw back Original Nintendo Games; occasionally going to the movies, bowling, mini golf; karaoke; dancing to latin music; card games that involve verbal interaction; botanical gardens; zoos; BBQ's. learning something new!! This is not an exhaustive list- Jeff enjoys many other activities as well!

Suggesting activities as well as organizing events is encouraged!!! As is bringing friends of friends!!

EVENT/ACTIVITY SCHEDULING:
In terms of events and activities, while Jeff will schedule some events- event planning sometimes takes time and therefore other people are highly encouraged to suggest and schedule activities. If you suggest an event, please include the logistical information (address, hours, cost). Message Jeff and let him know if you want to formally schedule the event and be responsible for being the host/facilitator/handling the logistics, rather than simply suggesting an activity.

Jeff hopes to not only meet new activity partners, some of whom become friends but he also hopes to facilitate other people meeting each other to increase their social circle as well. While events will be scheduled, sometimes events will be labeled "Last Second"- in such instances, send a message through Meetup if you are available to get together last second. Additionally, the hope is that people will hit it off and some get togethers will happen organically outside of meetup. Meetup is a means to an end, not an end in and of itself.

EVENT/ACTIVITY LOCATIONS:

In terms of where events will happen, while the group is listed as being in the Bronx, events can happen in Westchester County, especially in Peekskill where Jeff is originally from and where he visits semi-regularly. They can also be at other locations, such as other NYC boroughs or in nearby NJ or Connecticut. Therefore, events outside of the Bronx will be labeled according to the geography. Example: Peekskill- chess night!

In addition- especially after the pandemic is over- since Jeff travels across the country and even internationally for advocacy, some social events may be scheduled there to participate in during Jeff's down time. Group members will have the option to attend Jeff's advocacy event- or not. Those too will be labeled according to the geography: Example: West Palm Beach, Florida- Busch Gardens. So if you have admired Jeff's work from afar and would like to meet him, that would be an opportunity to do so while doing a fun activity!

THE PANDEMIC:

-Speaking of the pandemic, life has not ended simply because there is a pandemic, and it is important to have social activities albeit under safe conditions. People are not meant to live in isolation, which is why there is a lot of sadness, depression, boredom, quarantine fatigue, and even suicide. Therefore, events will be scheduled during the pandemic- it is simply requested that people observe safety protocols: wash your hands, use sanitizer upon arrival which will be provided; remain 6 feet apart if the activity lends itself to that, and if it does not, then wear a mask.

GUIDELINES

There are only a few guidelines which Jeff requests people follow:

- Please do not flake- if you commit to hanging out, please come. If your plans change, please let me know ahead of time- as soon as you know. This way I am not left hanging at the last second, when I could have made alternative plans.

-If you are running late, please message to let me know [Jeff's cell will be provided upon a member attending one event in person]

- In the event that an activity costs money, be prepared to pay your own way. When it is time to pay the bill, please do not make the moment awkward by waiting to pay your share so that someone has to speak to you about it.

- Please do not smell like smoke, and if you must smoke, please step away from the group while you smoke and/or position yourself so that the smoke is down wind and no one breathes in second hand smoke.

- While the trend is towards legalization of marijuana and whether to smoke or not is each person's choice, please do not smoke it at get group get togethers or bring it around, especially not at anyone's property.

- Do not do anything illegal or bring anything illegal around or you will be asked to leave; Jeff is a lawyer and an advocate and therefore it is important that his reputation remain pristine so he can remain an effective advocate for the cause

WHO SHOULD JOIN:

- Anyone who likes to play chess

-Anyone who enjoys doing at least 2 of the above mentioned activities

-Anyone who is open to meeting new people and socializing/including outside of meetup

-Anyone who wants to get more out of life and who would like some new people to do things with

- Anyone who has some free time- Jeff is requesting that group members have the intention of coming to at least one event every six weeks unless some unusual life event takes place or if they go on an extended vacation. In which case, enjoy!! And see you when you get back!!

- Being able to get together spontaneously is particularly appreciated.

Outdoor activities groups near Valley Stream, NY