This short vlog gives you a glimpse at a few students trying to be intentional about valuing community in a university setting.  For three years I have lived with a (semi-evolving) group of friends who share groceries and a meal once a week, our Family Dinner.  Though these seem to be very basic steps, it is quite unusual for students to take even these measures to create community. 

For our group, which has ranged in size from 6-9 over the years, sharing groceries and a meal once a week takes a fair bit of planning and sacrifice but are well worth the effort.  This weekly grounding does wonders to provide energy throughout the week.  Family Dinner also facilitates the sharing of each member’s events from the previous week.  This intentional sharing brings a sense of community.  We also use this time to discuss house issues such as chores, bills and other such communal topics.

We rotate cooking duties by means of schedule and the rest help out with dishes.  Our meals have included pad Thai and homemade poutine as well as countless curries and stir-fries.

Our Family Dinner is a simple concept but eating together has made a huge difference in our sense of community.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLXu8DC9RKo&feature=youtu.be