A few weeks ago I went to the sixth “Public Space Potluck” hosted by the nonprofit Design Trust for Public Space.

Lisa W. and I often encourage our nonprofit clients to find ways to connect personally with their members and donors. But it’s also a good idea to connect them to each other. Not only is this great built-in word-of-mouth, and it’s also an authentic way to deepen the community that supports your work.

Every few months or so Design Trust holds an informal after-work potluck at a public space in one of the five boroughs. This time it was at Southpoint Park at the very southern tip of Roosevelt Island, just past NYC’s only landmarked ruin, the Smallpox Hospital, designed in 1854.

According to Design Trust’s deputy director Megan Canning, the potlucks were inspired by a board member, who throws an annual summer dinner party on the Brooklyn Bridge “with food from Chinatown and wine in plastic cups” – an event that was written up in the New York Times last year.

“We thought, ‘This is such a great idea!’” Megan said. “We should have some kind of community-driven event for the public realm!”

The first potluck at Grand Army Plaza in September 2008 drew 25 people, mostly friends. But the group has gradually grown to 40-50. The crowd that showed up on the island was an eclectic mix that included a web designer, filmmaker, artist and historical preservationist, mostly in their 20s and 30s. Conversation touched on everything from the best fried chicken franchise (Popeye’s) to speculation about the park as a wedding destination (guests could come in on the tram).

While the potlucks weren’t conceived to be fundraisers, Megan recognizes that “these are the future donors and future leaders in design and architecture.”

With all the hubbub around social networking and virtual communities, Design Trust’s potlucks are a reminder that face-to-face gatherings still matter – and that an event doesn’t have to be $100-a-plate gala to draw and build a community.

If you want to join Megan and the gang at the next potluck, check out their web site and blog: www.designtrust.org.

Eating and enjoying public space.

Jerome Chou, Director of Programs, invited me to the potluck. Thanks Jerome!