Following recent political violence many are worried about the rhetoric in the United States.
An event in Sioux Falls looked to spread a simple message: “more potlucks, less political violence.”
The potluck at Full Circle Book Co-op in Sioux Falls had about 20 people in attendance. Over a dinner of pork carnitas, candy, chips and more, they questioned what can be done to curb political violence.
Jordan Deffenbaugh is an organizer of the event and former candidate for city council. He said people need to have more face-to-face conversations if anything is going to change…and what better way to do so than over food?
“A surefire way to start a fight is when people are hungry…that’s called hangry. So, this is an avenue where baselevel minimum if you feed somebody, you fed them a meal. You gave them nutrients; you gave them life," Deffenbaugh said. "Now, go one further and get people together to do it and get tons of people to show up with different types of dishes. It’s really exciting to go to a potluck and it’s filled with people that are passionate about giving back to their community through the form of cooking.
He said the event wasn’t about pointing fingers or placing blame but coming together as a community.
“I’m not saying you drop your convictions. I’m not saying you change your opinions. I’m not saying that you completely cave to any sort of agenda by showing up to something like this," Deffenbaugh said. "But what I emphasize to folks is like, ‘Show up. Come in the spirit of listening and something I like to call appreciate inquiry – where we are appreciating what somebody is bringing to the table whether it’s themselves or the dish.’ You know and emphasizing in so many of the different realms of our perspectives we bring so much to the community.”
The group watched a livestream of City Council’s Sept. 16 meeting and then walked to City Hall to continue the conversation during public input.
Deffenbaugh said he wants to see this event grow to start bridging divides and showcase the complexities of the issues society is facing. He plans to start that by holding a weekly potluck and pairing it with meaningful conversation.
