What we’re about
Psychedelic Professionals Meet is a meetup-style group for professionals, healers, researchers, activists, and explorers on the leading edge of work with psychedelic medicines. Learn, share, network, and connect with the Colorado community of psychedelic professionals who are leading the way forward in transforming our relationships with drugs and medicines. Or, come as an interested community member to learn more about and discuss some really interesting topics!
Our community is based on values of openness and inclusivity, authentic empowerment, right relationship with medicines and drugs, and showing up for the people and causes important to our lives. Each meetup starts with an informative presentation on new or interesting happenings in psychedelic research, practice, or activism, with plenty of time for discussion and networking. Let's keep Colorado on the leading edge of psychedelic medicine work!
This meetup group is hosted by The Nowak Society -- a Colorado non-profit that aims to educate and support people in building safe, informed, and empowering relationships with self, others, and the drugs and medicines we interact with.
Relationship with self is the most important, primary relationship in our lives. We focus first and foremost on opening up to ourselves, finding our source of creative power, passion, inspiration, and enjoyment. In our experience, relationship to self is most supported when in community with others who are also desiring authenticity and connection. That's essentially what brought us together and what Nowak Society is about! From our work original work in festival harm reduction and in mental health, we found that so many people have confused and disempowered relationships with drugs and medicines --- from antidepressants, stimulants and other drugs taken under the umbrella of psychiatry, to alcohol, marijuana, MDMA, LSD, and other drugs taken under the umbrella of recreation. We aim to re-frame how and why we use drugs and medicines of all kinds, and support people and communities in re-claiming what "medicine" is for them. How can we relate to any of these substances in ways that open us up to expand and empower our relationship with self, rather than in ways that shut us down or represses pieces of ourselves?
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Psychedelic Professionals Social Hour: Colorado SpringsTrinity Taproom, Colorado Springs, CO
Psychedelic Professionals Meetup Groups are happening! Let's keep Colorado on the leading edge of psychedelic medicine work by coming together in community to learn, share, and grow. Each Psychedelic Professionals Meet gathering starts with an informative topic relevant to research, practice, policy, or activism around psychedelic medicines, followed by open discussion and an opportunity to connect with like-minded others.
On the last Wednesday of each month we are excited to offer a Psychedelic Professionals Social Hour in Colorado Springs! Join local professionals in a casual, friendly space where we can connect and meet other like-minded practitioners and activists.
We can't WAIT to see you there, Colorado Springs!
Please also be aware of our Community Guidelines for all Nowak Society events. To protect the community, we ask that no one try to solicit illegal substances or services from anyone attending the event. Be kind, be respectful, and keep it legal.
For more information and to RSVP, visit Events | Nowak Society | Colorado - Natural Medicines in Our Communities: Conversations on Psychedelic TherapiesUCCS Kettle Creek Lodge, Colorado Springs, CO
Questions abound about the resurgence of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin mushrooms or MDMA-assisted therapy, and the desire, necessity, safety, and risks of opening access to them. What does it mean for public safety for people in Colorado to have access to psychedelic mushrooms? What values are we supporting if we let people use these substances? With all the hype around psychedelics, have we forgotten the risks, concerns, and questions that many people still have around them? In this open public forum, let's have a real conversation about what the growing use of psychedelics means for all of us and our communities.
Schedule of Events
1-3pm Private law enforcement-only seminar (More info & RSVP for law enforcement here; Free event + lunch for law enforcement)
4-5pm Reception with Lt Gergerian for law enforcement, first responders, military & veterans, healthcare professionals, policymakers
5-7pm Public talk with Lt Gergerian and public receptionWe're inviting law enforcement, first responders, military and veterans, healthcare professionals, policy makers, and community leaders to join us for a reception with Lt Gergerian at 4pm. Have the opportunity to meet, ask questions, make new connections, and enjoy some hors d'oeuvre and beverages before the public event begins.
Leading us in this series of conversations is Lieutenant Sarko Gergerian. Lt Gergerian is a pioneering law enforcement professional with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of public service, mental health advocacy, and psychedelic self-care. As a decorated officer and wellness advocate, he has led efforts to integrate trauma-informed practices into policing, ensuring that first responders have access to the mental and emotional support they need. His groundbreaking work has earned recognition at the local, state, national, and international levels through numerous awards.
Gergerian’s advocacy is deeply rooted in his exploration of psychedelic-assisted self-care and its potential to foster resilience in high-stress professions. Understanding the profound impact of psychedelics on mental health, he has pushed for policies that encourage open dialogue, protect religious freedoms, and promote harm reduction strategies. His legislative efforts include supporting Massachusetts Ballot Question 4, ensuring psychedelic policy reform aligns with public safety and ethical considerations. His journey and advocacy were also featured in Episode 3 of the Netflix documentary How to Change Your Mind—based on Michael Pollan’s best-selling book.
Lieutenant Gergerian speaks from firsthand experience about the realities of trauma among law enforcement, the philosophies that have fueled our approach to drug control, and why building bridges between communities and law enforcement is our best way forward.
We ask everyone to please register for the reception and public talk, here. Free "open access" tickets are available for anyone who needs one. If you have the ability to pay, please select the "pay what you can" ticket option starting at $18. Small bites and beer and wine bar service will be available at the reception and public event. For questions, email us at: info@nowaksociety.org
