Gatherings + Events
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🖤 the dc death collective special event 💡 dcdc member event
✨ local event we thought you might be interested in
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✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
Free to attend. Reserved seating. Held indoors. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. Seat reservations: HERE
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
✨ Portraying Death in Comics
Join artist Lillie J. Harris for this unique workshop!
Sunday, March 15th from 1pm-3pm
In this workshop, we will collaboratively make our own comics by looking at examples of how death can be used in graphic storytelling. Participants will draw on their own personal and collective feelings about death in order to create comics in intentional and compassionate ways. Using an improvisational method, we’ll learn to place death into comics regardless of genre; from horror to autobio to science fiction and anything in between.
All skill levels are welcome!
https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/portraying-death-in-comics-as-a-catalyst-and-as-monotonous/
✨Grief & Grace: A Open Mic
Grief & Grace is an intimate open mic experience centered on honoring love, loss, and the legacies that continue to shape us.
This evening invites community members to gather in a safe, welcoming space to share poetry, spoken word, stories, music, or reflections connected to grief and remembrance. Whether you have lost a parent, grandparent, friend, partner, or anyone who left an imprint on your heart, this space is for you.
💡Demystify Death Nature Walk
Join DCDC member and death doula Kristen P. Patterson of Sacred Journey Death Doula for a spring Demystify Death Nature Walk in Glencarlyn Park in Arlington, VA.
Do you find yourself struggling in your current season of life? Perhaps you are caring for elders, raising children, and managing a job, without time to find meaning in your day-to-day life. Perhaps you feel alone, missing a spouse, key friend, or family member who died recently, or many years ago. You may be holding ambiguous grief due to unexpected job loss or the end of a marriage, or anticipatory grief for a loved one with dementia.
Join a small group for an intimate walk in nature where we will connect the seasons of our lives with the seasons of nature. We will contemplate our mortality through mindful observation of the natural world and gentle reflections, opening our hearts to wonder and joy.
Learn more, read reviews, and register:
💡Living and Dying with Creativity, hosted by Sam Stebbins
Group 1: THREE Monday series at 4pm: Mar 23, Apr 6, Apr 20, with makeup class Apri 27 (see March 31 for Group 2)
Join Sam Stebbins, End of Life Doula, Grief Educator/Coach, Interspiritual Counselor, frequent Death Cafe host, and retired physician in a three-session workshop to explore and use your unique creative spark through acknowledging and accepting that you will die. Each session is 90 minutes. Free make-up session included. Fee: $65 ($50 for each of you if you bring a friend - limited to one).
Please email Sam Stebbins at indyinglife@gmail.com or text at 202-774-8454 for any questions or to sign up.
✨TO DIE FOR: An Evening with Author Rosie Grant and Carter Umhau
Join us for an evening of conversation about Rosie Grant's book, TO DIE FOR: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes with moderator Carter Umhau
Join Bold Fork Books in Mount Pleasant as we welcome author Rosie Grant for a conversation about her first book, TO DIE FOR: A COOKBOOK OF GRAVESTONE RECIPES. Rosie will be in conversation with Carter Umhau.
💡Demystify Death Nature Walk
Join DCDC member and death doula Kristen P. Patterson of Sacred Journey Death Doula for a spring Demystify Death Nature Walk in Glencarlyn Park in Arlington, VA.
Do you find yourself struggling in your current season of life? Perhaps you are caring for elders, raising children, and managing a job, without time to find meaning in your day-to-day life. Perhaps you feel alone, missing a spouse, key friend, or family member who died recently, or many years ago. You may be holding ambiguous grief due to unexpected job loss or the end of a marriage, or anticipatory grief for a loved one with dementia.
Join a small group for an intimate walk in nature where we will connect the seasons of our lives with the seasons of nature. We will contemplate our mortality through mindful observation of the natural world and gentle reflections, opening our hearts to wonder and joy.
Learn more, read reviews, and register:
💡Memento Mori Book Club
Interested in creating community around our shared mortality? Join us every other month for casual chats, guided by our readings, about death, dying, grief, and ultimately, life.
March 29 book: Memento Mori: The Art of Contemplating Death to Live a Better Life by Joanna Ebenstein
RSVP on Partiful: https://partiful.com/e/58He3pXbPxUUosWwqlnH?c=JYWYwIv4
Gatherings are hosted by death doula Ali Brill.
💡Conversations Over Cake: Death Cafe
Join us for a Death Cafe—an open, informal gathering where people come together to talk about death, dying, and the many thoughts and feelings that surround them. There is no set agenda or objective beyond creating a welcoming space for honest conversation. It’s not a grief support group or counseling session, but rather a chance to explore a topic we all share in common.
Tea and cake will be served as we reflect, share, and listen in a spirit of curiosity and respect.
💡Living and Dying with Creativity, hosted by Sam Stebbins
Group 2: SERIES at 7pm: Mar 31, Apr 15, Apr 28, with makeup class May 6
Join Sam Stebbins, End of Life Doula, Grief Educator/Coach, Interspiritual Counselor, frequent Death Cafe host, and retired physician in a three-session workshop to explore and use your unique creative spark through acknowledging and accepting that you will die. Each session is 90 minutes. Free make-up session included. Fee: $65 ($50 for each of you if you bring a friend - limited to one).
Please email Sam Stebbins at indyinglife@gmail.com or text at 202-774-8454 for any questions or to sign up.
✨ Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
🖤Still With Us
Join us for a guided collage workshop for memory and remembrance
This event is in collaboration with the DC Death Collective.
This gentle collage workshop, facilitated by collage artist Ray Orr, invites you to honor and remember someone you love who has passed. Participants are encouraged to bring a photograph of their loved one and/or paper ephemera that belonged to them or evokes their memory. Think: letters, notes, textures, colors, or symbols.
Together, we’ll use collage and memory to create a finished piece of art that honors your loved one, intended for you to frame at home.
The workshop is facilitated with intention and spaciousness, offering a calm, supportive environment where you’re welcome to move at your own pace. While the experience is personal, you’ll be creating alongside others in a quiet community, with no pressure to share. No prior art experience is needed.
💡Demystify Death Nature Walk
Join DCDC member and death doula Kristen P. Patterson of Sacred Journey Death Doula for a spring Demystify Death Nature Walk in Glencarlyn Park in Arlington, VA.
Do you find yourself struggling in your current season of life? Perhaps you are caring for elders, raising children, and managing a job, without time to find meaning in your day-to-day life. Perhaps you feel alone, missing a spouse, key friend, or family member who died recently, or many years ago. You may be holding ambiguous grief due to unexpected job loss or the end of a marriage, or anticipatory grief for a loved one with dementia.
Join a small group for an intimate walk in nature where we will connect the seasons of our lives with the seasons of nature. We will contemplate our mortality through mindful observation of the natural world and gentle reflections, opening our hearts to wonder and joy.
Learn more, read reviews, and register:
✨ Spring Fair at Congressional Cemetery
Meet DC Death Collective members at our table at the annual Spring Fair at Historic Congressional Cemetery! Vendors and activities. Free entry,
Eco Market with sustainable small businesses, crafters and artists
Bee Talk with the DC Beekeepers Alliance
Tree Walk Through History
Batalá, Washington's all-female samba-reggae marching band, will lead a spirited second-line parade
See link below for more details!
💡Conversations Over Cake: Death Cafe
Join us for a Death Cafe—an open, informal gathering where people come together to talk about death, dying, and the many thoughts and feelings that surround them. There is no set agenda or objective beyond creating a welcoming space for honest conversation. It’s not a grief support group or counseling session, but rather a chance to explore a topic we all share in common.
Tea and cake will be served as we reflect, share, and listen in a spirit of curiosity and respect.
💡Death Cafe at All Souls Unitarian Church
Join DCDC steering committee member Leslie Tolf for the newly launched cafe gathering ~ email to register (leslieatolf@gmail.com) or use the link below:
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
5:00–5:30 PM | Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
Death Cafe is gently held in a spirit of presence and privacy. Our Death Doula in Residence, Laura Lyster-Mensh, represents the Cemetery at these events.Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. Seat reservations: HERE
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
✨ Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
✨Pet Loss Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
Join us in person at the beautiful Historic Congressional Cemetery for our first Pet Loss Cafe. Whether you are grieving or simply wish to connect with others who understand, this gathering offers support, compassion, and community in a welcoming environment.
💡Memento Mori Book Club
Interested in creating community around our shared mortality? Join us every other month for casual chats, guided by our readings, about death, dying, grief, and ultimately, life.
Gatherings are hosted by death doula Ali Brill.
💡Death Cafe at All Souls Unitarian Church
Join DCDC steering committee member Leslie Tolf for the newly launched cafe gathering ~ email to register (leslieatolf@gmail.com) or use the link below:
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
| 5:00–5:30 PM | Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
✨ Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
Our Death Doula in Residence, Laura Lyster-Mensh, represents the Cemetery at these events. Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. Seat reservations: HERE
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
A monthly (or more) death cafe in our historic cemetery. Indoor event. Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. Seat reservations: HERE
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
|Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
✨ Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
💡Death Cafe at All Souls Unitarian Church
Join DCDC steering committee member Leslie Tolf for the newly launched cafe gathering ~ email to register (leslieatolf@gmail.com) or use the link below:
💡Memento Mori Book Club
Interested in creating community around our shared mortality? Join us every other month for casual chats, guided by our readings, about death, dying, grief, and ultimately, life.
Gatherings are hosted by death doula Ali Brill.
💡Death Cafe at All Souls Unitarian Church
Join DCDC steering committee member Leslie Tolf for the newly launched cafe gathering ~ email to register (leslieatolf@gmail.com) or use the link below:
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
|Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
A monthly (or more) death cafe in our historic cemetery. Indoor event. Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. Seat reservations: HERE
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
✨ Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
A monthly (or more) death cafe in our historic cemetery. Indoor event. Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. Seat reservations: HERE
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
💡Death Cafe at All Souls Unitarian Church
Join DCDC steering committee member Leslie Tolf for the newly launched cafe gathering ~ email to register (leslieatolf@gmail.com) or use the link below:
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
|Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
✨ Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
💡Memento Mori Book Club
Interested in creating community around our shared mortality? Join us every other month for casual chats, guided by our readings, about death, dying, grief, and ultimately, life.
Gatherings are hosted by death doula Ali Brill.
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
A monthly (or more) death cafe in our historic cemetery. Indoor event. Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. Seat reservations: HERE
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
💡Death Cafe at All Souls Unitarian Church
Join DCDC steering committee member Leslie Tolf for the newly launched cafe gathering ~ email her to register.
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
|Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
✨ Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
💡Death Cafe at All Souls Unitarian Church
Join DCDC steering committee member Leslie Tolf for the newly launched cafe gathering ~ email to register (leslieatolf@gmail.com) or use the link below:
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
|Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
A monthly (or more) death cafe in our historic cemetery. Indoor event. Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. Seat reservations: HERE
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
✨ Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
💡Memento Mori Book Club
Interested in creating community around our shared mortality? Join us every other month for casual chats, guided by our readings, about death, dying, grief, and ultimately, life.
Gatherings are hosted by death doula Ali Brill.
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
A monthly (or more) death cafe in our historic cemetery. Indoor event. Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. Seat reservations: HERE
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
💡Death Cafe at All Souls Unitarian Church
Join DCDC steering committee member Leslie Tolf for the newly launched cafe gathering ~ email to register (leslieatolf@gmail.com) or use the link below:
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
|Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
✨ Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
✨ Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
✨Floral Alchemy: Blooming Through Grief
Floral Alchemy: Blooming Through Grief @ Sinners & Saints
Join us for an afternoon of floral alchemy where we turn our pain into beauty and destroy the taboo around grief to unlock its transformative power. This unique event blends the beauty and joy of creating floral arrangements with a safe, authentic discussion about grief, the impact it’s had on our lives, and the loved ones we honor while building a supportive community. Grief is the one guarantee we all have – we don’t need to go through it alone.
💡Death Cafe at All Souls Unitarian Church
Join DCDC steering committee member Leslie Tolf for the newly launched cafe gathering ~ Use the link below or email her to register.
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
Facilitated by a rotating crew of regional volunteers, each Death Cafe is gently held in a spirit of presence and privacy. Our Death Doula in Residence, Laura Lyster-Mensh, represents the Cemetery at these events.Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. Seat reservations: HERE
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
💡Conversations Over Cake: Death Cafe
Join us for a Death Cafe—an open, informal gathering where people come together to talk about death, dying, and the many thoughts and feelings that surround them. There is no set agenda or objective beyond creating a welcoming space for honest conversation. It’s not a grief support group or counseling session, but rather a chance to explore a topic we all share in common.
Tea and cake will be served as we reflect, share, and listen in a spirit of curiosity and respect.
💡Demystify Death Nature Walk: Sacred Journey
Glencarlyn Park, Arlington, VA
Join an intimate nature walk that will evoke connections with the seasonality of the natural world and your mortality. We will discern how we can live more fully by considering our eventual death. We will be outside, dress appropriately, and wear comfortable shoes. We will be on accessible paved and/or natural trails, and will go up and down hills. Participants should be able to walk/roll two miles. Bring a journal and something to write with. No pets. ARRIVE 10 MIN EARLY PLEASE.
$20-$40-$60 pricing options.
💡Demystify Death Nature Walk: Sacred Journey
Join an intimate nature walk that will evoke connections with the seasonality of the natural world and your mortality. We will discern how we can live more fully by considering our eventual death. We will be outside, dress appropriately, and wear comfortable shoes. We will be on accessible paved and/or natural trails, and will go up and down hills. Participants should be able to walk/roll two miles. Bring a journal and something to write with. No pets. ARRIVE 10 MIN EARLY PLEASE.
20-$40-$60 pricing options.
💡Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
💡Living and Dying with Creativity, hosted by Sam Stebbins ~ Cohort #2
Monday afternoons from 4:00 - 5:15 pm ET on January 12th, January 26th, and February 9th, with a make-up session on February 23rd
When you acknowledge and accept that you will die, you can more deeply explore how to live as fully as possible in the time you have. Sam Stebbins, End of Life Doula, Certified Interspiritual Counselor, and retired physician will lead a three-session discussion group to help you find and use your unique creative spark.
The course consists of three 75-minute ZOOM sessions that take place every two weeks over two months. Cost: $40. Please contact Sam for enrollment.
💡 Living and Dying with Creativity, hosted by Sam Stebbins ~ Cohort #1
Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:15 pm ET on January 6th, January 20th, and February 3rd, with a makeup session on February 24th
When you acknowledge and accept that you will die, you can more deeply explore how to live as fully as possible in the time you have. Sam Stebbins, End of Life Doula, Certified Interspiritual Counselor, and retired physician will lead a three-session discussion group to help you find and use your unique creative spark.
The course consists of three 75-minute ZOOM sessions that take place every two weeks over two months. Cost: $40. Please contact Sam for enrollment.
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 5:00–5:30 PM | Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
💡Finding Joy in the Shadow of Loss (Well For The Journey)
Location: Zoom
Mary Jo will guide us in gentle discussion where our views and expectations regarding grief and loss will be explored and then suggest how joy and humor are accessible tools for coping, stress reduction, and healing. This is not about ‘cheering up’ grief but instead allowing space for the whole of our emotional experience and response. There will be quiet time for reflection and opportunities to share as you feel led. Join Mary Jo in this safe and sacred space to discover the humor that can be found in the heartbreaks and absurdities of life, the healing that is possible through laughter and lightness, and how community can accelerate healing.
COST: $75
For more information, follow this link.
💡Memento Mori Book Club | "Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins" by Amy Shea
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 6:30 PM | Kbird DC, 1333 P Street NW, DC (RSVP to Ali)
Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins is a collection of interconnected essays that illuminates what happens to people who die while experiencing homelessness, or who become indigent or unclaimed at the end of life. Guided by rotating readings from the book, these gatherings are hosted by death doula Ali Brill.
💡Conversations Over Cake
Join us for a Death Cafe—an open, informal gathering where people come together to talk about death, dying, and the many thoughts and feelings that surround them. There is no set agenda or objective beyond creating a welcoming space for honest conversation. It’s not a grief support group or counseling session, but rather a chance to explore a topic we all share in common.
Tea and cake will be served as we reflect, share, and listen in a spirit of curiosity and respect.
💡 Memento Mori Book Club | "Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins" by Amy Shea
Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins is a collection of interconnected essays that illuminates what happens to people who die while experiencing homelessness, or who become indigent or unclaimed at the end of life. Guided by rotating readings from the book, these gatherings are hosted by death doula Ali Brill.
(RSVP to Ali)
💡Demystify Death Nature Walk: Sacred Journey
Dates: Jan 24 2-3:30 pm, Jan 31 10:30-noon, Feb 4 10:30-noon, Feb 15 2-3:30 pm
Glencarlyn Park, Arlington, VA
Join an intimate nature walk that will evoke connections with the seasonality of the natural world and your mortality. We will discern how we can live more fully by considering our eventual death. We will be outside, dress appropriately, and wear comfortable shoes. We will be on accessible paved and/or natural trails, and will go up and down hills. Participants should be able to walk/roll two miles. Bring a journal and something to write with. No pets. ARRIVE 15 MIN EARLY PLEASE.
$25-$45-$65+ pricing options.
Death Café East Rockville, MD
The East Rockville Death Cafe is a community of people interested in being thoughtful about death and dying. We feel honored to offer a place to discuss death and its physical, emotional and financial aspects and effects on those dying and their family and friends. We talk about practical things and often have participants with specific knowledge: death doula, advanced planning, funeral practices, etc. We have been meeting for more than 6 years. If you can attend please email pdubroof@assistinghands.com for the meeting ID and Password.
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
Sunday, January 4th, 2025 | 5:00–5:30 PM | Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
🖤 DC Death Collective Virtual Check-In
Sunday, February 1, 2025 | 5:00–5:30 PM | Meeting room link, no RSVP necessary
A gentle, monthly drop-in. Come say hi. Bring your thoughts, questions, or just your face. Whether you’re knee-deep in this work or quietly circling it, this is a space to connect, reflect, and be in community
💡Death Cafe at All Souls Unitarian Church
Sunday, January 4th, 2025 | 12:10–1:30 PM | 1500 Harvard Street NW
Join DCDC steering committee member Leslie Tolf for the newly launched cafe gathering ~ email her to register.
🖤 Grieving Over the Holidays: A DCDC Webinar
Join us for "Grieving Over the Holidays," a webinar designed to support individuals navigating loss during this emotionally challenging time of year. Discover practical strategies, share in a supportive community, and find ways to honor your feelings. Together, we'll explore paths to healing and resilience amidst the holiday season.
Please get in touch with Leslie at leslieatolf@gmail.com with any questions. Register here. Free.
💡Memento Mori Book Club (Location #2): Rehearsals for Dying: Digressions on Love and Cancer by Ariel Gore (DC)
Interested in building community around our shared mortality? Join us every other month for casual, thoughtful conversation about death, dying, grief—and ultimately, life. Guided by rotating readings, these gatherings are hosted by death doula Ali Brill on the last Thursday of every other month. RSVP here!
📍Kbird DC, 1333 P St NW, Washington, DC
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
December 4th, 2025 | 6:00–7:30 PM
An intimate monthly gathering to talk openly about death over tea and sweets. There’s no agenda—just space to be curious, contemplative, and in conversation. These Cafes are part of a global movement to demystify and destigmatize death through community dialogue.
Facilitated by a rotating crew of regional volunteers, each Death Cafe is gently held in a spirit of presence and privacy. Our Death Doula in Residence, Laura Lyster-Mensh, represents the Cemetery at these events.
Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. To join the waitlist or ask questions, email Laura
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
✨ Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
Thursday December 4th, 2025 | 6:00–7:30 PM
An intimate monthly gathering to talk openly about death over tea and sweets. There’s no agenda—just space to be curious, contemplative, and in conversation. These Cafes are part of a global movement to demystify and destigmatize death through community dialogue.
Facilitated by a rotating crew of regional volunteers, each Death Cafe is gently held in a spirit of presence and privacy. Our Death Doula in Residence, Laura Lyster-Mensh, represents the Cemetery at these events.
Free to attend. You're welcome to bring something to share—tea, sweets, or a small donation (suggested $5) to support event costs.
Due to space limits, please reserve your seat in advance. To join the waitlist or ask questions, email Laura
📍The Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel, 1801 E St SE, Washington, DC
💡Memento Mori Book Club (Location #1): Rehearsals for Dying: Digressions on Love and Cancer by Ariel Gore (MD)
Interested in building community around our shared mortality? Join us every other month for casual, thoughtful conversation about death, dying, grief — and ultimately, life. Guided by rotating readings, these gatherings are hosted by death doula Ali Brill on the last Thursday (DC) and Sunday (MD) of every other month.
📍People’s Book, 7014 Westmoreland Ave Suite A, Takoma Park, MD (RSVP here)
🖤 The DC Death Collective Monthly Happy Hour
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 6:30–8:30 PM | KBird DC, 1333 P St NW
Come join us in Logan Circle for a get together ~ let’s put some names to faces! Bring your curiosity, bring a friend, bring yourself. All are welcome.
💡Finding Your Humor In Grief's Shadow
In our culture, grief is expected to be somber and isolating – a solitary burden that keeps us disconnected from our full humanity. These cultural expectations often prevent true healing and trap people in prolonged suffering. This workshop, lead by DCDC member Mary Jo Neil, challenges these harmful norms by giving participants explicit permission to explore how humor and joy can serve as powerful coping mechanisms alongside their grief. While grief can create chronic stress, depression, and physical illness – humor and joy offer a healthy counterbalance. They reduce stress hormones, lift our spirits, enhance recovery, and most importantly, connect us to one another during our most vulnerable times.
Head on over to this link to learn more.
💡 Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead
Join us for an extraordinary celebration of Día de los Muertos at Historic Congressional Cemetery. In collaboration with special guest and Capitol Hill resident, Rosa Moreno, and Death Doula-in-Residence, Laura Lyster-Mensh, we will transform the chapel in the center of our grounds into a place of learning, remembrance, community gathering, and celebration of the “Day of the Dead.”
Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street, Southeast Washington, DC 20003
💡Finding Your Humor In Grief's Shadow
In our culture, grief is expected to be somber and isolating – a solitary burden that keeps us disconnected from our full humanity. These cultural expectations often prevent true healing and trap people in prolonged suffering. This workshop, lead by DCDC member Mary Jo Neil, challenges these harmful norms by giving participants explicit permission to explore how humor and joy can serve as powerful coping mechanisms alongside their grief. While grief can create chronic stress, depression, and physical illness – humor and joy offer a healthy counterbalance. They reduce stress hormones, lift our spirits, enhance recovery, and most importantly, connect us to one another during our most vulnerable times.
Head on over to this link to learn more.