No small talk meetup - "Who are you?"

"Small talk limits us from having deep, meaningful relationships, not just with others, also with ourselves" -Jay Shetty

In this first ever meetup of RECONNECT, we would like to release everyone from the obligation to talk about the weather, what we do for a living, and where we grew up. We want to move away from the repetitive conversations that make us stop thinking and stop listening, and instead aim to have more meaningful, vulnerable, authentic conversations about deeper topics. New, and at first strange questions can lead to inspirational new ideas, radical honesty, and a real connection. Come ready to learn more about others, about yourself, and hopefully, reconnect to some meaningful aspects of being human through a new (to us, but really old) understanding of relationship to community.

We'll meet at a bar and split up into groups of around three to four people. This week week's topic will be "Who are you?". We'll hand out cards with related questions in order to break the ice. There is an option to switch up groups as the evening progresses, if it seems right. We don't want to give short, factual answers, but also explain the "why" behind our answers. Participants are also encouraged to add their own questions freely. The questions should serve as a starting point for a respectful, honest and meaningful discussion. We encourage everyone to bring their unashamed and radical honesty- you never know what new thoughts you may inspire in others by being truly vulnerable and authentic.

Vulnerability and honesty requires some ground rules to encourage respect between group members- these are simple but important to follow:

1. Refrain from interrupting until a group member has finished speaking, or having side-conversations during this time

2. Feel free to comment on the thoughts of others after they're finished (it's a discussion, after all, and it should feel organic), but try to refrain from diminishing their viewpoint, or trying to shift their opinions "debate-style"

3. Try to relax and have fun! You will hear some unfamiliar opinions and experiences- that's okay! Allow it to be expansive and thought-provoking, with an understanding that our differences can sometimes feel uncomfortable- that's just human.

4. Also let's remove the awkward from "awkward silences" because sometimes we just need a little bit of time to think before answering an unusual question.

Notes:

• The meetup is free but as we're meeting a bar it would be cool if you could order something to eat or drink if you can afford it.
• If you can't come please sign off, so we know for how many people we should reserve a table
• This is, as stated, our first meeting. The format may shift in the future (hikes, presentations, book club meetups...) We're open to suggestions!

What to bring:

• Curiosity
• Honesty
• Respect
• Empathy
• An open mind
• An awareness of your boundaries

What not to bring:

• Prejudice
• Judgement