{"id":902,"date":"2015-06-22T15:45:02","date_gmt":"2015-06-22T15:45:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tloishappening.com\/?p=902"},"modified":"2015-06-22T15:45:02","modified_gmt":"2015-06-22T15:45:02","slug":"big-lunch-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/turnlightson.com\/2015\/06\/big-lunch-2\/","title":{"rendered":"A Small Lunch with BIG Results"},"content":{"rendered":"
Yesterday it finally happened, we had our Big Lunch<\/a>\u00a0after weeks of spreading the news and thinking about it we made it happen! \u00a0Debbie was my\u00a0organising partner in The Big Lunch\u00a0and is also the owner of The Deck<\/a>– A wonderful place for tea and cake in Cardiff! \u00a0We\u00a0were both really pleased we made it happen. This is a blog to tell you what our journey has been like and also to give you some tips on what we feel would have helped us and what we are going to do in the future.<\/p>\n On the whole I have loved the experience and also been a tiny bit nervous about it from time to time as I mentioned\u00a0in my last blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n Did you know\u00a0that 86% of the UK workforce is disengaged at work? \u00a0That a lack of social interaction is as harmful of smoking 15 cigarettes a day? \u00a0As\u00a0the leader of Turn Lights On I naturally had to get involved with The Big Lunch as it’s right up our street! \u00a0We (TLO)\u00a0are a movement and a practice that tackles these issues by promoting human connection and supporting people to enjoy the here and now.<\/p>\n Some of The locals having a blast:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n So Here Are Our Findings And Tips…<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t\u00a0Be A Hero\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Debbie and I are very busy people, both business owners, other projects on the go and families. \u00a0On reflection I think we needed to have more people involved in helping us arrange things. \u00a0There were times when I would have a busy day and think \u201cOh no! I haven\u2019t knocked on doors\u201d and have a feeling of letting the team down. \u00a0I reckon\u00a0that if you are going to do a big lunch you should start by approaching some neighbours with the idea and ask if they want to help you to make it happen. \u00a0Two people driving it\u00a0is probably possible but\u00a0it’ll be way easier if there’s more of you on the team making it happen. \u00a0Together we are stronger!<\/p>\n Give yourself plenty of time <\/strong><\/p>\n Give people lots of notice then check in with them. \u00a0I think a month before is good however I suppose everyone is different. I spoke to people about a month before the lunch and they seemed really keen however I didn\u2019t get to remind them and they didn\u2019t come. I think finding a way to get lots of engagement would help.<\/p>\n Check the calendar <\/strong><\/p>\n In our wisdom we organised our Big Lunch\u00a0on Fathers Day! \u00a0Great for people who didn\u2019t have plans. Our planning did mean that some people really wanted to come but couldn\u2019t due to Dad commitments.<\/p>\n Network <\/strong><\/p>\n When I was knocking doors I was speaking to lots of people saying\u2026Do you know anyone on the street you could ask? Asking Children if they play with other children on the street so they can ask a friend. \u00a0You don’t have to be\u00a0the only way\u00a0people find out!<\/p>\n Be Clear <\/strong><\/p>\n When you mention about the big lunch at first people go through a process, first they think you are selling something and naturally guarded. \u00a0Then have a few minutes to get into rapport and build trust,\u00a0making sure\u00a0I showed my neighbors\u00a0where I lived, my name and why I was organising the lunch. \u00a0My script easy:<\/p>\n Then I would explain about the lunch and explain it\u2019s about sharing a meal or a cuppa together to put some names to faces. \u00a0It inspired lots of conversation and I really loved my chats. \u00a0Be clear that this is not a lunch that is being put on for people. \u00a0Promote contribution, if they let you know that\u00a0that’s tricky (maybe the expense of it) let them know that they’re still welcome to come along! \u00a0Smile, really be in that moment and questions ‘How long have you\u00a0lived on the street?’ and ‘Do you\u00a0know anyone on the street?’ the more conversation and connection the better.<\/p>\n Start Off Small<\/strong><\/p>\n Debbie and I decided not to close the road as we felt that we wouldn\u2019t get the numbers (A week before we were unsure if anyone would turn up – that’s normal!) then we stopped and reminded ourselves that\u00a0the right people will come. \u00a0It\u2019s not about quantity it\u2019s about connection and making quality connections I can safely say that happened. \u00a0I know\u00a0that year by year it will grow and if it doesn\u2019t I\u2019m happy to have the same experience next year as it was a truly lovely lunch.<\/p>\n The Big Lunch:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n So would we do it again? Hell Yes<\/strong>! At the end of the lunch Debbie and I high fived\u00a0our\u00a0lovely sense of achievement. \u00a0Be it a small gathering it was filled with people who really had fun, it was like meeting up for a coffee with friends. \u00a0On a personal level I feel I have really benefited. \u00a0I’ve got to know my next door neighbours really well. \u00a0We have been to each other apartments for drinks and nibbles and we have plans to spend more time together. \u00a0They have a dog Bailey (pictured just below!) and I have said I can help out with walking, etc. \u00a0I\u2019m just so happy I have got to know them as it was always just a \u201cHi, how are you?\u201d on the stairs to now it’s a good\u00a010 minute\u00a0conversation.<\/p>\n My Neighbours and Bailey the Dog:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n So I hope my tips are useful and if you want a chat about arranging a big lunch drop me a line on\u00a0georgina@tloishappening.com.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember if we want things to change we have to be the change. \u00a0If we want less loneliness and disconnection we have a choice to connect and The Big Lunch\u00a0is certainly a great way to do that!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Yesterday it finally happened, we had our Big Lunch\u00a0after weeks of spreading the news and thinking about it we made it happen! \u00a0Debbie was my\u00a0organising partner in The Big Lunch\u00a0and…<\/p>\n\n