The POTLUCK Aftermath

We may think that we are busy now, but we have a unique opportunity while in grad school. Soon, we will join the workforce again. With all of our efforts focused on proving that we are worth our salaries, we will feel as if we have no time to learn outside of the office. And even if we do have the time, we will not necessarily have a network of interesting and readily-available people who share our interests.

You took Cultural Exploration and Communication - I understand. You completed your project for Portfolio Development - I understand. First Years - I don't know what your excuse is. POTLUCK, while similar on the surface, offers something different. It is the chance to share in the experiences of your classmates with no strings attached. No studying, no peer evaluations, no subjects off limit. As Strategists, we try to understand people and brands. As creatives, you strive to make your work resonate. Becoming a part of the experiences of your classmates can only help with those things.

In short, Carpe Diem. You should never be too busy to broaden yourself and support your peers - especially when you have the chance to do those two things at the same time.

POTLUCK!

Communication via cupcake

Megan, Jess and I are starting a group at the Adcenter called Potluck. I've copied our group summary and action plan below. All Adcenter students are encouraged to join us at meetings, which will start this Thursday at 7:00 PM in the Lecture Hall. Our first advertisement for the group will go out tomorrow in the form of cupcakes. Because if we've learned anything this year, it's that Adcenter students rarely read posters, but always want food.

Exhibit A: Megan holding one of our advertisements.


POTLUCK PLAN:

To Sum It All Up

We aim to enhance our understanding of the world through sharing in the experiences of our classmates.

What We’re Doing

Potluck is a forum for discussion comprised of VCU Adcenter students. Interested students will meet to hear a classmate or panel of classmates speak about some part of their life outside of advertising such as hobbies, specialties and previous careers.

Why We’re Here

In a world that is becoming increasingly segmented, it becomes more and more important to have an in-depth understanding of consumers and of culture. We need to be able to connect with people of all sorts. By acknowledging the following truths, Potluck aims to enlarge its participants’ worldview for the sake of maximizing their communication potential.

• We need to understand the things that drive people and that help them make their day-to-day decisions.
• We need to shed our fear of the unknown by making it familiar.

As a secondary benefit, Potluck will allow us to gain a more in-depth understanding of our own classmates and will give students the chance to present and to lead their peers.

The Specifics

• All Potluck events will be held at the VCU Adcenter in order to provide a neutral space for discussion

• Potluck events will be held once a month

• There will be no membership; students are welcome to join in the discussion at any time as their schedule allows

• Meetings will not take any one set form, but will take whatever format necessary to have the most impact, whether it be lecture, discussion or activity

Example Speaker Ideas

Life in Sales
Improv Comedy Workshop
Coming to America: International students speak about cultural differences and surprises
Living through Hurricanes: New Orleans Before and After the Storm
Collecting model cars
From Arts to Advertising
The Real Richmonders
Interning Internationally
Selling education
Skateboarding
College/Competition level Athletics