STORY SHARING POTLUCK SUPPER

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Is this amazing event really free?

YES! There is no charge to attend our suppers. This is a potluck, so we ask everyone to consider bringing a dish (appetizer, main, dessert, or nonalcoholic beverage) to share. A donation to Community Plate is welcome and can be made at the door, or online at https://communityplate.me/donate

Please note: All of our suppers have limited space and significant interest. There will be a waiting list of people who would like to attend. If you register and for any reason cannot make it, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer your space(s) to another member of the community. Thank you!

What should I bring?

Bring a dish to share (and serving utensils if necessary), and it can really be anything at all! What you are bringing is less important than why you are bringing it. What you are bringing doesn't even have to be something that you make. If there's a store bought food (box of oreos!) or drink (bottle of Moxie!) that has a meaningful or funny story behind it for you -- bring that. And make sure to bring a copy of your recipe (and the story behind it) to the supper. If you’re trying to gauge how much to make or bring, we generally suggest a dish or recipe that would provide 8-12 servings. That said, bring whatever amount feels right to you. There’s always plenty of food! If you want, you can upload the recipe and/or story before the supper at: https://www.maine200cookbook.com/submit-a-recipe/

Do I have to bring a dish?

While we hope that everyone who comes to a Story Sharing Supper will bring food to share, if bringing something is an impediment to participation, then feel free to come without a dish. There is always plenty of food, and bringing yourself and your stories is a gift of community as well!

What’s the difference between story sharing and storytelling?

Storytelling is an art form that is practiced and performed. Story sharing is how human beings communicate with one another. It’s how we learn from one another, make connections, and establish common ground. Everyone can share a story. Story sharing is an act of community building. At a Story Sharing Supper there will be both story sharing and storytelling.

Do I have to share a story?

No, if you don’t have a story to share, or don’t want to share a story, focus on listening! Sharing stories requires at least two people. In order for stories to be successfully shared, there needs to be someone listening. We welcome story sharers and listeners alike!

How do I tell a story at the Supper?

During our coffee and dessert hour, several practiced storytellers (or readers) will get up and entertain us with stories or readings that they’ve prepared. Stories should be about food, community, or tie (in some way) into the theme of the evening, and need to be in line with our policy on inclusion and belonging. If you are a storyteller and would be interested in telling a story at a supper, please email us at community@communityplate.me. We are always looking for seasoned storytellers to add to our roster! If you’ve never told a story in front of an audience before (and even if you have), we welcome you to participate in one of our storytelling workshops. These will take place in the weeks prior to a supper, are typically 2-3 sessions, and will help you learn the art of storytelling, develop and craft a narrative, and practice in front of a supportive group. Then you’ll be ready to get up and perform your story at the supper!

Are children invited?

Children are the future of our community and always welcome! Parents will be asked to supervise their children throughout the event. While these events are not specifically designed for children, we love creating opportunities where intergenerational connections are possible. You know your kids best, and whether they will enjoy and be engaged in an event like a Story Sharing Supper. If so, please bring them! If you are not sure, or have questions, feel free to reach out to us at community@communityplate.me 

Is alcohol allowed?

Because this is a public event, and there may be children in attendance, we ask that you not bring alcohol as your contribution for the potluck. Smoking and vaping is also prohibited at the supper.

I have dietary restrictions, how will I know what I can eat?

When guests arrive, everyone is instructed to fill out a “recipe card” that will include your name, your dish, your story, and a list of any ingredients that may be things someone with dietary restrictions might need to avoid, for example: meat, dairy, fish, eggs, nuts, gluten, etc. We also always make sure that there is at least one vegetarian main dish, bread, and a nut-free dessert, so some basics with general appeal will be covered.

Do you have any tips for food safety?

Yes! We want to make sure that everyone who comes to a Community Plate potluck has some basic understanding of food safety, and the information necessary to follow a few easy food safety procedures. We are currently working on our own guide to potluck food safety. In the meantime, the Ohio Department of Health has a basic guide to Potluck Food Safety, and the FDA has a guide to Safe Food Handling. We definitely recommend reading both of these documents when thinking about what to bring to the potluck, and how to bring it.

Do you need me to bring my recipe?

Yes! In the weeks following the Story Sharing Supper, we’re going to create a mini community cookbook made up of the recipes and stories shared at the supper. Everyone who attends the supper will get a copy to commemorate our evening together and the community we shared. Eventually some recipes and stories from Story Sharing Suppers may be chosen to be included in a third volume of the Maine Community Cookbook (2026). We will get back and touch and ask permission before including your recipe and story in the Maine Community Cookbook, Volume 3. You make also upload your recipe and/or story to our website before the supper: https://www.maine200cookbook.com/submit-a-recipe/

How do I register?

Please register through our Eventbrite site, which you can access through our Events Schedule page. All of our suppers have limited space, and significant interest. There will be a waiting list of people who would like to attend. If you register and for any reason cannot make it, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer your space(s) to another member of the community. Thank you!

How do I bring a Story Sharing Potluck Supper to my community?

For a Story Sharing Potluck Supper to be successful it is important for us to have a local organizational partner who can provide connections within the community and assist in planning. Our Community Partner Guide document provides an outline for organizational responsibilities, and a timeline for planning a successful Story Sharing Potluck Supper. You can download the guide HERE and then email us with any questions at community@communityplate.me.

Who do I contact for other questions?

If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to us at community@communityplate.me !