How to Coordinate a Neighborhood Potluck

The digital age and its accompanying mechanization have resulted in a population without the social skills to interact with their neighbors. More and more, work becomes more singular and faceless, think cubicles and call centers, and housing more isolated, think tract housing located 35 miles from a city’s core. To combat the isolation of today’s modern lifestyle, more and more people are looking to their neighborhood. Breaking bread is a time honored tradition of forging new relationships, and a potluck is the perfect vehicle for neighbors to strengthen bonds. The hardest part of a potluck is to get others to think it is as good of an idea as you do.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Create a buzz. Run the idea past a couple of people to see if they think it is a good idea. Chances are they will and will talk about it with other neighbors. Talk it up a little more, perhaps the next time you run into Bob-from-two-doors-down at the grocery store. You’ll know the time is right when you hear the potluck idea from someone else.
2. Pin the date down and choose a place. There will be a core three to four people who will naturally make up the “potluck committee.” Discuss the date and place with them; don’t do it on your own. The place could be in the middle of the cul-de-sac, a driveway or someone’s backyard. Remember, the important thing is consensus. You want it be a neighborhood potluck, not a dinner party thrown by you.
3. Decide a theme, or decide on no theme. Is the potluck for Memorial Day weekend calling for hamburgers, hotdogs and other Americana menu items? A theme is not necessary, but can be fun.
4. Invite the rest of the neighborhood. In-person invitations are best, especially if there is a flyer or some other piece of paper invitation accompanying it. Email or telephone follow-ups don’t hurt a few days before the big event.
5. Divvy up the chores. Setting up tables, trash patrol, coordinating ice chests, firing up the barbecues … The core committee can ask others to pitch in with these tasks.

Tips & Warnings

• Accept there will be naysayers and grumps. Don’t take it personally. Their refusal to participate probably has nothing to do with you, or the neighborhood.
• Stick to the meaning of potluck and don’t micro manage what attendees should bring.