The pandemic pushed us into our homes, away from others, and for many (including myself) it has proved difficult to reconnect. The reality of climate change and the instability of global politics have also underscored how much we need one another.
Connection builds resilience and with support from the Neighbourhood Small Grants program, I created Fireside Conversations.
We gathered outdoors in late September, in a public park under a gazebo lit by LED lamps that flickered like flames. Our region of BC is in its fourth year of Stage 5 drought and real fire was banned. The evening was chilly, but we had warm drinks and food. Most brought their own chairs; some brought blankets.
Fireside Conversations followed a simple structure. Three Fire Keepers each, in turn, asked an open-ended question. A feather was passed around the circle, giving everyone three minutes to respond. The questions invited honesty and reflection: What would others say about your strength? What lesson would you save another from having to learn? When have you caught yourself unintentionally happy?
Everyone shared openly. Those listening often nodded in recognition, and when their turn came, they built naturally on what others had said. Nobody was in a rush to leave when we closed the circle so we took time to reflect together on how the experience felt. Words like validation, gratitude, warmth, and community came up again and again.
New connections were made, especially for community elders. Many hoped to attend another, and some left intending to host their own Fireside Conversation in the future. To help others do the same, I created the Fireside Conversations Toolkit which is a free resource with most everything needed to host a similar evening, ready to print, share, and adapt to community needs.
We’re deeply grateful to the Neighbourhood Small Grants program for making this gathering possible and for supporting the Fire Keepers who helped shape and lead the evening.
