In what feels like an increasingly divisive world, we feel the pull toward practicing neighborliness — getting to know the people on our street, in our community, and in our organizations more deeply. So, we are supporting the launch of a People’s Supper campaign during the height of election season (between September 9 until mid-November) to help remind each other what community is really about: relationships and connection - not elections.

The People’s Supper uses shared meals to build trust and connection among people of different identities and perspectives. This work was born of a belief — to quote a popular adage — that “change moves at the speed of trust,” and that trust moves at the speed of relationships. Hosting a People's Supper is one way you can take action aligned with the enduring love that is at the center of Unitarian Universalism. If you choose to host, you will have access to training and support.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A MEAL?

It starts with an invitation. Those of us who choose to host a dinner will reach out to people in their communities they don’t yet know well to invite them to a small dinner of 4-8 people in their home, at a local restaurant, or a neutral location like a faith community or community center.

Dinner is served. Dinner is simple. Maybe everyone chips in for a pizza, or you pick something simple to serve. Dinner (or brunch or lunch) is not the point - it is there as a mechanism for building relationships, so plan for a simple, easy meal.

Relationships are built. Hosts will have support and training. There is a toolkit with a script and introduction, ice-breaker questions, ground rules, and 3-4 discussion questions. The toolkit and training will also give hosts some tips for how to redirect conversation away from politics (if it comes up) and back to relationships and community.

After all the dinners, hosts will be invited to debrief the experience on November 24 in the early evening and we see if there are any natural next steps that arise from the process. Final details for this meeting are still in process.

HOW DO I SIGN UP OR LEARN MORE?

If you are interested in attending the training and hosting a dinner, please sign up to host here. The link will take you to a form that will collect some information about you, your location, and ask for the time and date of your dinner. We’ve found the best nights to host dinners are Thursday, Friday, Sunday or Monday, but choose a time that works for you. If you want to learn more and come to our training, let us know that too. If you and other Eliot Chapel hosts would like to host a group dinner in Adams Hall, just check the calendar and reserve the space.

Ready to host a dinner? Sign up through our partner organization, Metropolitan Community Church.

Questions? Please contact Claire Wyneken or Lisa Pavia-Higel at peoplessupper@eliotchapel.org.