Our Vegan Cookbook Club in Duluth started in 2016 when Bonnie Ambrosi, the founder of our club, asked a librarian at our local library if they would have the space to accommodate a meeting once a month for people learning about adopting a more plant-based diet. The library said yes, and the rest is history.
We feel that libraries are a good location because they provide a safe, easy-access public space for meetings, and it encourages the use of the library’s cookbook collection.
Our advice is to choose a monthly meeting time that works for you and the library, and ask the library to publicize it on their website and bulletin boards. In addition to date, time and location, the flyers and listings should emphasize that the meetings are welcome anyone with an interest in exploring a plant-based diet – it is not necessary to be a full-time vegan.
Conducting a Meeting
- Greet people A group facilitator greets each person as they arrive.
- Sit in a circle Close enough that everyone is able to hear everyone else
- Ask for people’s names and email addresses Pass around a clipboard for attendees’ names and email addresses (so we can email notes from the meeting later). Repeat attenders only write their names, while new attenders add their email addresses if they wish.
- Open with a word of welcome Mention the theme of the meeting if there is one. Note how long the meeting will last
- Go around the circle Every attender gets the opportunity to share something. It may be the story of why they are interested in eating more plant-based or may be a recipe or a cooking tip, or a question for the group. If anyone prefers not to speak, they may pass. Sometimes other members of the circle may offer comments and ideas in response to what one has shared, which is great. Be ready to get back to the circle if needed and to gently and politely cut someone off if they are talking for too long (this has rarely happened to us). The advantage in going around the circle is that it allows shy people, who might not speak up otherwise, to add their voices to the conversation. It is very valuable for everyone in the group to be heard.
- Keep notes It’s useful to designate one person to keep notes duing the meeting. These notes are then typed up and emailed out to the list. This has proven very helpful in connecting our group and including people who may not be able to attend meetings regularly but still value the information we share. We also use the email list to send a brief reminder a few days before each monthly meeting.
- Focus on tone It is very important to be welcoming and nonjudgmental. For us, the Cookbook Club has been a place for exploring, learning and encouraging. At these meetings, every person can contribute, and every person can learn.
- If you wish, announce a theme for the next meeting. Themes may be specific ingredients (such as fair trade chocolate or squash) or food types (such as vegan burgers or soups), or food occasions (such as vegan foods for Thanksgiving). This is an opportunity to get creative. It provides a good device to center discussion and get people thinking (and making) for the next meeting.
- Let us know about it! If you do start your own club, let us know about it so we can help you make a page on this site to share your notes and resources and connect.
Vegan Cookbook Club 