Host a January 20th Community Potluck for American Values
This year, January 20th is a day of conflicting emotions and values - Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday contrasts with the inauguration of a president whose administration threatens to undo the fabric of our democracy. In a time of fear and uncertainty, the way to gather strength is to gather with others, reaffirming our shared American values. We urge you to plan and host a potluck to build and fortify your community and bring like-minded folks together. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make planning your potluck.
This year, January 20th will be a day of conflicting emotions and values – Martin Luther King Junior’s birthday is contrasting with the inauguration of a president who threatens to undo 240+ years of government by the people.
In a time of high anxiety and uncertainty, with looming threats to our democracy, the way to gather strength is to gather with others – reaffirming our shared values in community. That’s why we’re starting a new program – New Yorkers for American Values – to build a support system throughout the state of like-minded individuals who value a functioning representative democracy.
Getting together with like-minded family and friends for a potluck, sharing good food, and perhaps readings or discussions, will fortify us for the challenges ahead.
We will gather to reaffirm our American values:
The political equality of all citizens
Government of, by, and for the people
Free and fair elections
The rule of law
Protection for individual liberties and rights
A government system of checks and balances with limits on the power of elected representatives and separation of powers
We urge you to plan and host a potluck, a first step to strengthening ourselves for the year ahead and building our New Yorkers for American Values network. There’s nothing magical about January 20th – your potluck can be during the weekend, before, or on the day itself. And time of day doesn’t matter – brunch, lunch, or dinner – whatever’s most convenient for you and those you gather with.
Planning and hosting a potluck is easy and fun – we’re here to help.
Here’s a step by step guide to make planning your potluck smooth and seamless.
1. Brainstorm your guest list and reach out to folks
Think through the like-minded members of your community who you’d like to invite to your potluck. Reach out to those friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, members of your congregation or book club – anyone who you’d like to welcome into your home as the host.
To make outreach easy, here’s a sample email or text message you can send out en masse:
Hey, I’m hosting a community potluck on [X DATE] at [X TIME] to observe MLK Day and bring folks together over shared values in light of the inauguration. I’d love for you to join! Feel free to bring a main dish, side dish, or dessert, as well as any quote or reading you might like to share or discuss. Please let me know if you can make it – hope to see you then!
It may be helpful to create a shared spreadsheet to keep track of what dishes folks are bringing – or you can keep it more informal.
*If you are planning to host a potluck, and you’re open to inviting other Common Cause New York members in your area, please email ngewirtzman@commoncause.org ASAP and she will help you coordinate the invitations!*
2. Gather your potluck hosting materials
Here are some resources for you to help with your planning and preparation:
In these upsetting, uncertain, and frightening times, community is what makes us resilient. It is so important that folks feel they have a network of like-minded and supportive folks to connect with over shared values. As host, we encourage you to take care to introduce guests to one another so all feel comfortable and welcome.
Feel free to facilitate and guide as much discussion as you’d like to – or just hold space for your community to share their thoughts, feelings, and values as they come up regarding January 20th, MLK Day, and the incoming administration.
4. Let us know how it went!
If you hosted a potluck, we’d love to hear about it! Please share a recap of your potluck with our team by emailing ngewirtzman@commoncause.org and if you’re comfortable, please share photos!
5. Keep in touch and help grow New Yorkers for American Values
Remember that we are only as strong as our communities are. The years to come under this administration may be fraught, but we don’t have to – and cannot – brave them alone. Continue to grow and nourish your community, leaning on each other for support and to affirm your values. Reach out to folks in your network to stay in touch, continue the discussion, and brainstorm and take political actions together!
Ready to host your potluck? Or, want to attend a potluck if one is held in your area? Sign up below!
Host a January 20th New Yorkers for American Values Community Potluck
This year, January 20th will be a day of conflicting emotions and values – Martin Luther King Junior's birthday is contrasting with the inauguration of a president who threatens to undo 240+ years of government by the people. The way to gather strength is to gather with others – reaffirming our American values in community. Sign up to plan and host a potluck, a first step to strengthening ourselves for the year ahead.
Host a January 20th Community Potluck for American Values
This year, January 20th is a day of conflicting emotions and values - Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday contrasts with the inauguration of a president whose administration threatens to undo the fabric of our democracy. In a time of fear and uncertainty, the way to gather strength is to gather with others, reaffirming our shared American values. We urge you to plan and host a potluck to build and fortify your community and bring like-minded folks together. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make planning your potluck.
