The Kalipay February Meet-up recently took place, marking an engaging and fruitful gathering centered around the theme of thriving in an ever-changing environment. With a robust turnout of 26+ participants, half of whom never knew each other, the event was not only a success but also a testament to the group’s enthusiasm and the amazing, effective process that fostered a good meeting outcome.
The World Café Method: Shaping Conversations That Matter: The World Café Method is a simple, effective, and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue; it approaches information sharing in a very systematic and flowing way. People from all walks of life are put at ease when they join a table made up of a small group of people. The intimate setting allows a free-flow exchange of ideas, with each opinion and perspective finding a place at the table.
Kalipay (Conversation) Café: Mountain Temple temporarily transformed into the Kalipay Café, where, instead of serving food, the main attraction was that the people feasted on several rounds of interesting conversations. The main host, Penny, began with a warm welcome and an introduction to the World Café process, setting the context, sharing the Cafe Etiquette, and putting participants at ease.
Small-Group Rounds: The process began with the first of five thirty-minute rounds of conversation for small groups of four (five maximum) people seated around a table. At the end of the thirty minutes, each member of the group moved to a different table. One person was left at the table as the “table host” for the next round, and they welcomed the next group and briefly filled them in on what happened in the previous round.
Tablecloths of Ideas: The heart of the meetup revolved around exploring the concept of thriving versus merely surviving. Attendees delved deep into discussions, exchanging insights on what it means to truly thrive amidst life’s constant flux. Ideas were shared in dynamic conversation and were also scribbled/drawn on a paper tablecloth – which served as a tapestry of the shared wisdom and diverse perspectives of each table and eventually, of everyone.
Community Connection: Beyond the exchange of ideas, the meetup fostered meaningful connections within the community. Attendees had a chance to be heard, seen, and acknowledged. They had the opportunity to not only share their perspectives but also to forge new relationships and strengthen existing bonds. The sense of camaraderie permeated the atmosphere, creating a space where everyone was encouraged to fully participate in sincere dialogue.
Potluck Feast: Adding to the sense of warmth and camaraderie was a potluck feast. Each attendee brought a dish to share, further enhancing the spirit of communal celebration.
