The Death Network

You might be wondering - "What on earth is a Death Cafe?"

At a Death Cafe, people, often strangers, gather to eat treats, drink tea and discuss death. Our objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.

We are creating an inviting, safe space to share the heartfelt experience of diving into a taboo topic which unites us all. Whether you've experienced death first hand or you're exploring your mortality, you can expect authentic, engaging and lively conversation with people from all walks of life.

Our discussion groups are hosted by volunteer facilitators and the intention is to foster positive conversation within a like-minded community. Please be mindful and respectful of others. Remember, this is a discussion led by you. We want to hear as many voices as possible.

Things to note:

• Please plan to arrive around 9:50 am. We will begin promptly at 10:00 and will be locking the door at 10:05. If you are running late, please plan on joining us next time.
• We will begin our introductions together in a large group and then split into smaller groups to facilitate deeper discussions.
• No pets are allowed at this meeting.

FAQs:

• Is this a support or therapy group?
  No, this is a volunteer-based community discussion group.
• Is there a fee to attend?
  Nope! Death Cafe is a free event hosted by volunteers. If you'd like to support our gatherings, we welcome your donations. Our venmo account is @deathcafe.
• Is there parking?
  Yes, there is plenty parking in the lot.
• Will food and drinks be provided?
  Water, tea, and a small tasty treat will be available.
  Please feel free to bring your water bottle or favorite mug for tea.
• Is this event for kids?
  No, Death Cafe is an adult only gathering.
• Do I have to share?
  Our Death Cafe is lively and collaborative, we hope you feel comfortable sharing but it’s not a requirement.

Thank you! We look forward to meeting you!

Photography Notice: Photos may be taken at the Death Network event for marketing purposes. If you prefer not to be included in any photos, please inform your host before the event. Thank you!

You are invited to the Grief Garden Club! Please join us every first Saturday of the month at Pioneer Park in Mission Hills for a peer-support grief gathering of gardeners. No experience needed! Beginners are welcomed and encouraged!

What is the Grief Garden Club?

• A seed, succulent, plant, and harvest swap
• A place for tips, tricks, and suggestions for grief gardening
• A death positive community space with like minded people
• A casual and safe place to discuss grief amongst peers

What is the agenda?

• 1:00-1:15pm make nametags, altar set up, swap table set up
• 1:15-1:45pm welcome message, introductions
• 1:30-1:45 pm what is grief gardening?
• 1:45-2:45pm a round table discussion on grief and loss
• 2:45-3:00pm goodbyes, and seed, succulent, plant, and harvest swap

What should I bring?

• Any seeds, succulents, plants, or harvests for swapping (not mandatory!)
• A camping chair or blanket to sit on
• Any photos you'd like displayed on the temporary community grief altar we build for each event

Where are these meetings held?

• Pioneer Park in Mission Hills (1521 Washington Place, San Diego)
• Please walk to the back corner of the park where the Calvary Cemetery Monument is located. You will see a row of headstones that were salvaged when this park was converted from a cemetery into a public park. Look for us close to them!

When are these meetings held?
Every first Saturday of the month from 1:00-3:00pm

• February 1
• March 1
• April 5
• May 3
• June 7
• July 5
• August 2
• September 6
• October 4
• November 1
• December 6

Where should I park?

• You can park in the parking lot located at the park or there is ample street parking along Washington Place. There is also limited street parking on Pringle Street which is on the backside of the park.

Is there a cost to attend?

• No, this is a free event.

Is this event for kids?

• No, sorry, this is an adults only event.

Is this a therapy group?

• No, we are not psychologists, therapist, or certified mental health professionals. This is a peer-led community support group for grief and not a therapy group.

Do I have to share about my grief?

• It is welcomed but not mandatory. At the beginning of the meeting, we will introduce ourselves and share the reason why we wanted to be present today (which can be extremely vague if you want). After that, all other participation is absolutely optional.

Will food and drinks be provided?

• We will have some bottled water if you need it, but please bring your waterbottle if you have one!

Photography Notice: Photos may be taken at the Death Network event for marketing purposes. If you prefer not to be included in any photos, please inform your host before the event. Thank you!