Facilitator/Charlotte Death Cafe

I do have resources available for folks if they desire to take them....bibliography,a poem or two,website listing but nothing that specifically markets anyone,service or organization.
I just have them on a table for them to pick up if they choose.
Very low key. I may mention that they are available at the beginning when going over a few preliminaries.

Posted by Gaye Dimmick

Hi there, I have been facilitating my Death Cafe since December 2015 and qualified at that time too in funeral celebrancy having been a wedding celebrant some 3 years previously. I don't "sell my wares" not only because of the guidelines but also because the DC is not about me. The rules laid down by the DC makes it so very simple to enjoy discussions that are spontaneous and not limited in any way. I don't deny it if it comes in the conversation that I'm a celebrant especially as I am in a small community and most participants will already know or might be curious about my work. But as the conversation is about death and dying, it's not been a problem to avoid talking about me. You'll see when you do more and more events that conversations are easier every time as you gain confidence in facilitating and holding the space! Good luck!

Hi Caitlin although you have been canvassing people about what they want, the Death Cafe discussion is always spontaneous and arises at the actual time of the DC. If you want to have speakers about topics around death and dying this is fine but should not be called a Death Cafe which is always a non directed discussion. Sometimes people have a talk before or after a Death Cafe. Thanks for asking the question and please contact us again of you need more clarification.
Susan

Posted by Susan Barsky Reid

Thank you!

Thank you Susan! This definitely helps. I believe I just wanted to know if it would be ok to compile resources for participants in case someone was seeking a particular answer of perhaps books on grief or death customs from around the world for example. I certainly wouldn't have set topics or guest speakers at a Death Café event; I love that the heart of the café is the openness of just talking and active listening. It's wonderful :)

There should be no problem with compiling resources although I have never ceased being surprised at what the other attendees know about all sorts of stuff.
Susan

Posted by Caitlin

DC Moderator (AK.)

I reignited the Death Cafe in my city last January ~ (paused by COVID in 2020), and our momentum has grown steadily. I think that the tremendous number of Death Positive initiatives in the US and globally has contributed to widespread interest! GOOD NEWS!!!
We have various professions represented at our DCs, and often questions related to an individual's specific business entity will be raised (sometimes to the detriment of the group's intention). So, I really like the idea of addressing such questions outside of the DC space . . . i.e. before or after - and maybe at a separate time all together. I will definitely implement this option.
Also, I have previously seen someone's post on "rules of conduct" for DC participants - however, I haven't been able to find the post again. . . If anyone has such a reference, please post, or message me.
Thanks to all of you who participate in this very important life affirming work!!

Posted by Linda Johnson