America’s Potluck Toolkit
How to Host an America’s Potluck Gathering
On Sunday, July 5, 2026, tens of thousands of Americans will gather for potlucks to celebrate America’s 250th birthday – the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Need: An Alternative to Division
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 80% of American adults believe the nation is greatly divided. This problem feels familiar — we hear about division and polarization every day. But that isn’t the whole story.
According to More in Common, 66% of Americans believe we can learn a lot from interacting with people with differing viewpoints. Moreover, 70% of us believe we have the responsibility to do so. And Americans aren’t just interested in talking with people who think differently; we want to act together to solve problems. More in Common’s research found that Americans are “most interested in connecting across difference to work together to achieve a shared goal.” The most cited barrier to connecting across differences is a lack of opportunity.
Most Americans feel responsibility to engage in pluralism — to respect, relate, and cooperate for the common good. The challenge isn’t that we are divided; it is that many Americans don’t know how or where to interact with people who think differently than they do.
The Opportunity: Host a Potluck in Your Community
On Sunday, July 5, 2026, tens of thousands of Americans will gather for potlucks to celebrate America’s 250th birthday – the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. What better way to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary than to create opportunities for people to connect across differences? Potlucks are a warm, inviting, and joyful setting where everyone contributes something and everyone belongs.
This toolkit is a step-by-step guide for hosting your potluck.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Pick Your Time & Place
- Sign up to host a potluck with America’s Potluck, to get updates, tips, and support.
- If you’re joining the national celebration, the date is July 5, 2026.
- Otherwise, choose a day that works for your community.
- Location ideas: your home, a park, a community center—anywhere comfortable and accessible.
Step 2: Invite People
- Friends, neighbors, coworkers—include people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Hosting a potluck is one of the easiest—and most joyful—ways to connect people across differences!
- Use text, email, or a simple flyer. Keep it warm and welcoming: “Join us for good food and great conversation!”
- Pro tip: Think about connecting people from lots of different backgrounds—different faith traditions, cultures, generations, neighborhoods, etc.
Step 3: Organize the Meal
- Ask guests to bring a dish that’s meaningful to them.
- Share a sign-up sheet to avoid duplicates. (A Google Doc or Sign-Up Genius work great.)
- At the event, provide sticky notes for labeling dishes and noting allergens.
- Keep dietary needs in mind—variety matters!
Step 4: Plan to Foster Connection at Your Potluck
This potluck isn’t just about food—it’s about building relationships. Set aside time for conversation and activities that spark curiosity and respect. Here are some recommended activities:
Connection Activity: Talk Better Together
Pair guests in two nested circles and rotate every few minutes with new questions—starting light (“What’s your favorite movie?”) and moving deeper (“What values guide your life?”).
Connection Activity: Shared Values Dialogue
Explore quotes from different traditions and discuss what values you share (and where you see things differently). This builds understanding and common ground.
Connection Activity: Speedfaithing
Listen to a presenter share the basics of their values, sacred or secular, for 5-15 minutes and then take 5-15 minutes of questions from the audience.
Step 5: Enjoy & Share
- Take photos and share your experience with #AmericasPotluck.
- Thank your guests and invite them to the next one!
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep it simple: paper plates and napkins are fine.
- Make sure your space is accessible and welcoming.
- Music and comfy seating go a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I host a potluck like this?
Because most Americans want to connect across differences—but don’t know how or where to do so. A potluck is a simple, joyful way to create that opportunity. Sharing food and stories helps build respect, relationships, and cooperation in your community.
Is this really necessary (or a good idea)? Aren’t people too divided?
Yes, division is real, but research shows that 66% of Americans believe we can learn from people with different viewpoints, and 70% feel a responsibility to do so. The biggest barrier that people mention? Lack of opportunity. Your potluck can be that opportunity.
What makes a potluck effective for building bridges?
Potlucks mirror what’s great about America: everyone contributes something unique, and the diversity of dishes mirrors the diversity of people. It’s a low-pressure, welcoming setting where differences become strengths.
What if people disagree or have strong opinions?
That’s okay! The goal isn’t uniformity—it’s respect and curiosity. Activities like Talk Better Together and the Shared Values Dialogue help guests engage differences constructively. If tension arises, remind your guests of the big goal: building a community where we see respect, relationships, and cooperation, even across deeply different perspectives and experiences. (The free, short online course We Can Build Bridges can help prepare you to talk about this goal.)
How do I make sure people feel included?
Invite a mix of friends, neighbors, and community members from different backgrounds. Choose an accessible location, consider dietary needs, and encourage everyone to bring a dish that matters to them.
What if I’ve never hosted anything like this before?
No problem! Start small. Use this step-by-step guide. Consider partnering with a neighbor or two (or three or four) to plan the potluck together.
How do I explain the purpose without sounding political or preachy?
Frame it around shared values, for example: community, generosity, and celebration. You can say: “We’re gathering to celebrate what we share as Americans, to strengthen our community, and to learn from each other’s traditions.”
Continue Creating Connections Across Difference
Telling Your Potluck Story
Telling the story of your potluck can attract additional attendees and supporters and increase the positive impact of your event. Consider how you can share the story of your potluck (before and/or after the event) with friends and neighbors through social media or local newspapers, TV or radio. Here are some tips for sharing your America’s Potluck story.
- Your story matters. Sharing what happened at your potluck inspires others to do the same. Post photos, write a short recap, or share a favorite moment.
- Connect to something bigger. Frame your potluck as part of the America’s Potluck movement. It shows you’re building bridges—not just hosting dinner.
- Lead with the core message. You’re creating an opportunity for people to build respect, relationships, and cooperation. Relate. Cooperate. These three words capture what your potluck is all about.
- Keep it casual. People love authenticity. Share what surprised you, what you learned, and what made you smile.
- Show the impact. Tell people why you hosted, what conversations happened, and what you hope comes next.
- Invite others in. End your story with a call to action: “Want to host your own? Here’s how!”
- Consistency builds trust. Use the same tone, images, and hashtags (#AmericasPotluck) so your story feels part of the movement. (Check out America’s Potluck’s graphics and messaging tools.)
- Start simple, layer later. Begin with the big idea—community and connection—then add details like activities and outcomes.
- Sandwich your message. Open with why it matters, share what happened, close with why it matters again.
Pluralism Beyond the Potluck
After your potluck, you might ask “What’s next?” Here are some ideas!
- Neighbor Skill Share: Get together and invite people to teach a skill—cooking, podcasting, knitting, magic tricks, woodworking—all skills welcome!
- Quarterly Community Meals: Make potlucks a regular tradition.
- Volunteer Together: Partner with local service groups. Try JustServe, Points of Light, Habitat for Humanity, or Repair the World.
- Explore Interfaith America’s “Faith & Freedom in America” materials, a resource that invites you to reflect on how diverse beliefs shaped early American ideals and how interfaith dialogue can strengthen civic understanding and unity today.
- Take the Listen Pledge to join a community committed to better conversations, and get regular emails with dialogue opportunities and listening tips from Listen First.
- Visit Conversation.us to learn and practice the skills of effective bridge building through trainings created by leading bridge‑building and dialogue organizations.
Interfaith America envisions an America that embraces the power of pluralism—where people cooperate across differences for the common good. As part of this mission, IA is partnering with America250 Utah to produce this toolkit to help people host potluck dinners that connect people across difference.
