Shifting people to Rawfoods at the local level

[Rachan]

  One of my missions that many others naturally share is to help make it better, easier and faster for everyone to go raw and stay raw on the local level.  With this topic, bit by bit we'll get a big pot of swirling ideas and feedback that anyone anywhere can share, learn and use.   There's a few ideas that have been kicking around so I'll start this topic with a couple of them.

Raw prep/demo/talks at the potlucks

  One thing in Perth that is quite common in many other cities are regular monthly potluck picnics.  This is a great way for us to get to know other local rawfoodies and try out different dishes.  Recipes for those dishes are also often exchanged....
  One idea that a few people have  already come up with now (and I'd say that a few cities have already started doing?), is to include one or two 10-20 minute rawfood preparation demonstrations/talks at each potluck.  I don't see why there can't be outdoor demos or talks as well, but the demos/preps that require a kitchen can be scheduled and booked for winter months indoors, at someone's house would be convenient.

Local Collective Rawfood Library and Resources
  We've already started sharing books but it would be good to organise a system that encourages greater exchange of books and resources.  One way of going about it is to create both an online and printout list of books and resources available to be lent out so that everyone can browse and see.  These can then be requested and arranged to be brought to a picnic.
  Resources can also include things like spare blenders/food processors/kitchen equipment, info on books that are available thru the local libraries, plants and seeds available to grow,  fruit available to be picked, and so on.

[Helen]

How about a themed potluck type thing.
I was just reading a blog where they had a breakfast get together.
The spread on the table was amazing.  All these little bowls with assortments of nuts, seed, fresh fruits, goji berries, someone had done these crispy things, served with a jug of chocolate and vanilla nut milk, and everyone built their own breakfast.
I know my kids would think that was fun - and a good way for them to try things they might not normaly go for.
I know our house gets up with the sun and that may not suit everybody - but perhaps done as a brunch might work.

[Rachan]

  I like the idea of potlucks with a theme.  That would make them more memorable too.  We'll have to start a list of themed potluck ideas...

  Wow, breakfast potluck sounds like something out of a hardcore rawfood textbook  .  I have to say that some of the most delicious meals I've ever had were breakfast fruit salads in Thailand though, in the right season there it was definitely the best meal/time of the day, with peaceful and beautiful natural surrounds to thoroughly enjoy the flavours with.

[Helen]

Absolutely i agree - last I was there was nearly 10 years ago - my how time flies - but going over land from Malaysia to Thailand - I ate my way along - juicy rumpletums for breakfast, pineapples - well - anytime is good for pineapples : ).....

You've made me miss my old life  ..... oh well, maybe we'll hit the road again soon -  it would be a very different experience traveling with kids - one I would really like to have with them....

And as for pot luck themes - how about picking a fruit or veg as the theme - so each dish would have to have it in - an easy one would be avocado - but could do maybe something more unusual like starfruit or frejoia (can't think of any weird veg).

[Helen]

Your previous post mentioning beautiful, peaceful, surroundings - has stayed with me the last few days - and woke me at 3am this morning  inspired to bring that into my life. 

I thought that when the weather is more predictable, a picnic in the hills or maybe Jarrahdale or Serpentine would be nice.  Followed by a bush walk perhaps?