Global Potluck for IHL
About
Global Potluck for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is an activity through which youth and young adult advocates and Red Cross Clubs participating in the Youth Action Campaign (YAC) program will prepare popular dishes from other countries around the world that have connections to IHL or the annual YAC theme.
Purpose
This activity is an opportunity for participants to conduct research on how IHL protects communities in times of conflict and foster a deeper appreciation for the culture through food. This activity is also a great opportunity to educate people about the issues that global communities face and how IHL protects them in times of conflict. If this activity is undertaken as a fundraiser, the money donated to the Red Cross will support its lifesaving mission which includes responding to disasters, collecting blood donations, and/or assisting military members and their families.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Set Clear Goals and Objectives
Define your desired outcomes for the activity and create measurable goals and objectives to guide the planning process. We encourage you to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into your activity and be creative with your approaches.
Step 2: Plan the Details
Determine the activity/fundraising strategy How many dishes will be displayed?
• How will the food be distributed?
• If this will be a fundraiser, determine how you want to price the items. Here are some options:
• Entrance fee – participants pay a fee for access to all the food
• Fixed price per dish – participants pay a fixed fee for each of the dishes
• Create an online sign-up form to coordinate the dishes that participants will be bringing, along with a written list of ingredients to help those with food allergies.
• Here is a sample contribution category list to help predetermine the number of dishes that you want from each of the categories: Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Desserts, Beverages
Step 3: Coordinate the Logistics
Set a date and time
• This activity will take about two hours.
Secure a venue
• You will need a space that is suitable for a potluck and can accommodate the number of participants attending.
Assign roles and responsibilities
• This activity requires volunteers to oversee planning, setting up, welcoming participants, managing the activity, cleaning up, and taking photos or recording videos for the activity.
• Create PowerPoint slides to introduce the food at the potluck and their associated countries of origin!
Gather supplies
• Create a list of needed supplies (e.g., tables, chairs, plates, forks, serving utensils, etc.) and make arrangements to acquire them in advance.
• Encourage participants to bring their own containers and utensils to be more sustainable.
Spread the Word
• Advertise the activity through various channels such as social media, email, and school announcements.
• Send a reminder with important details prior to the activity.
• Tag @YouthVoices4IHL and @americanredcrossyouth on Instagram or using the hashtags #IHLYouthActionCampaign to be spotlighted!
Step 4: Facilitate the Activity
• Run through Step 2 and Step 3 in advance and engage the participants throughout the activity.
• Arrive early to set up for the activity.
• Label ingredients in the food due to potential food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Remind participants to clean up before they leave. We suggest providing trash, compost, and recycling containers to make it easier for participants to dispose their waste.
Step 5: Debrief and Thank Your Volunteers
• Invite participants to discuss their experiences and capture lessons learned.
• Thank everyone who contributed and participated.
• Remind volunteers to record their hours through Volunteer Connection.
• Inform participants that they can contact IHLYouth@redcross.org and follow @YouthVoices4IHL on Instagram if they are interested in learning more or getting more involved.
Additional Resources
American Red Cross IHL Resources
Geneva Academy Refugee Law Overview