San Diego Virtual Death Cafe
The San Diego Virtual Death Cafe is a safe place to share your interest in the subject of dying and death. Are you looking for a safe place to share your thoughts, ask questions, and hear what others say? At this Death Cafe, we welcome all opinions and topics, provided they follow a few rules that keep the discussions safe and accessible.
The History of Death Cafes
Death Cafes are an international phenomenon. Jon Underwood founded Death Cafes in 2011 in London, England. Jon’s vision was to create a space where people could talk about death over tea and cake. The cafes welcome all perspectives. Jon knew that creating a space where people knew there was no agenda, no speakers, nor promotions created an environment that nurtured organic conversation.
After Jon died from cancer in 2017, his family and friends continued Death Cafe as a tribute to his life’s work. To this day, Death Cafes remain free to attend and free from pre-planned discussion. All Death Cafe hosts agree to host as volunteers and to follow the guidelines set by Jon.
The History of The San Diego Virtual Death Cafe
In March 2020, the state of California declared a state of emergency due to a novel human coronavirus that was highly infectious and deadly to vulnerable populations. People were required to avoid congregating in person. Schools, churches, libraries, and cafes were closed.
I received an email from Death Cafe hosts, Mits Tomita and Frank Stefano, asking if I wanted to be part of an online Death Cafe. I accepted the invitation, and we hosted our first San Diego Virtual Death Cafe in April of 2020. At first, it was difficult to navigate the technology required to host successfully. We had many hiccups and a “Zoom Bomb” or two that helped us learn how to be better hosts.
Eventually, Mits’ schedule could no longer accommodate the time and day that worked for our attendees. Frank and I continued to co-host on the fourth Wednesday of every month. In the end, Frank decided to hand me the reins, and I continue hosting to this day.