What Do People Want/Expect from an Offline Gathering?

That's what I'm wanting to do, really. Start small and provide help setting up small groups. I'm in contact with the Jedi Federation and I'm hoping that in general we can get small groups to build up in various cities. Maybe with 1-2 bigger meet ups/camping trips, and slowly spread the word out and develop a regional community. Start small, then build up big.

Hmm, like many people, I would expect some work AND some fun!

I like the idea of reading sermons and having a discussions, maybe group meditations (or having a small class on mediation), some saber practice, camping out, hiking, swimming, etc.

One of the important things, to me, would be to get out of a room, explore the outside and get in tune with the force. This is were the outside activities come in place. You should try to make activities that nourish all of your body (mind, heart, and spirit as well).

Sometimes just sitting around and having dinner is great too! You learn so much about each other when you just sit and eat!

This thread makes me wish I knew how to plan a gathering. There's a great spot for one nearby me, I just don't think many would be able to make the trip.

Why not put some feelers out? I went a good few hours each way for the one in the UK, some came from other countries to attend. You never know who's keen near you until you ask

Just like with being Jedi in general, I would say, with a gathering, there is no secret ingredient except for the realisation of that fact. The UK gatherings go so well because we're not trying to be any particular way about it and interact with each other naturally as who we are without any very specific plans or scripts or expected ideals.

If I can get enough interest in my region, I'd love to go camping for a weekend more or less just have a super relaxed camp out. Have a little portable book case with books, some campfire meals, meditation mats, some combative drills for those interested, debates, and so on, let it flow. But, that's still a bit out there for me.

SamThift wrote: Any Denver-metro area types

You need to meet my friend Jax, if you haven't already.

Atticus wrote:

SamThift wrote: Any Denver-metro area types

You need to meet my friend Jax, if you haven't already.

Have not met her...but have been in contact with her through her page and a local (state) Facebook group. I'll certainly have to toss a "let's do lunch" thing up there too...just thought I'd open that up here since not everyone is very "Facebooky" and what nots.