Starting a Cafecito can be overwhelming if you're unsure where to begin. That's why we're here to help. In this post, we'll share some valuable recommendations on how to create a Cafecito, a gathering of individuals who share a deep passion for Puerto Rican culture. These Cafecito meetings are designed to gather local knowledge and generate ideas for Junte Boricua, a project that relies on the active participation of individuals in each region for its success.
Junte Boricua Cafecito in Boston with "Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción".
The objectives of Cafecito meetings are as follows:
The frequency and duration of these meetings will be determined by the lead ambassador during the initial meeting. It's expected that more frequent meetings will be necessary in the early stages to plan and drive the initiative, with less frequent meetings once plans are in motion. The Steering Group will provide you with the necessary tools to conduct these meetings effectively.
Each meeting will follow a standard agenda, which includes brief updates on activities, comments from interested parties, identification of emerging issues, discussions about events in Puerto Rico, project updates, and future planning.
To ensure a smooth Cafecito gathering, here's a checklist to guide you:
On the day of the Cafecito, you can follow the suggested rundown to ensure an organized and productive meeting:
|
Community Meeting Running Order Welcome |
|
Junte Boricua Presentation, purpose and outline How we’ll work together. |
|
Introductions at table Facilitator introduces him/herself , explains role & introduces first conversation: Tell everyone your name, where you’re from and what has brought you here tonight. Also share 2 or 3 things you think are really great about your local area? |
|
Idea generation (complete headline ideas sheet) What ideas do you have for gatherings that could take place in Junte Boricua in 2024? (Building on the ‘great things about your local’ area identified earlier) |
|
Selection and development of ideas (complete Top Ideas template) Look at all the ideas generated at your table and pick a few that you would like to take forward. For each idea, explore: What needs to be done to make it happen? Who needs to be involved to make it a success? Are you prepared to be involved? |
|
Closing |
Organizing a Cafecito requires careful planning, key roles, and effective communication. Volunteer facilitators play a crucial role in creating a welcoming atmosphere, and selecting the right venue and setting is essential. It's also important to inform people about the community meeting and prioritize actions for public relations.
By following these recommendations and utilizing the provided checklist, your Cafecito gathering will be a success, fostering collaboration, and generating meaningful ideas for Junte Boricua. Remember to make the most of this process, as the commitment to achieving results is established during the Cafecito meetings themselves.