Take Away Groupies – Face to face meetings matter
After countless days of beautiful, sunny and warm weather, the heavy rains on Friday, 8th of April 2022 made it almost impossible to hold the long-awaited Take Away Groupies Event. Just before meeting one another next to the “Schmale Wurf” on the Rhein, the weather conditions changed. As the rays of sunshine broke through the majestic clouds, the excitement and enthusiasm grew amongst the ten participants.
At the beginning of the event each participant received a cold bottle of beer. Later each participant briefly introduced him/herself and the aim of the Take Away Groupies Event was explained.
The aim of this event was to allow the JCI members to better get to know each other on an individual level by organizing short walkabouts in Basel while discussing various topics.
To help facilitate this process, the participants received printed handouts, each of which included a different route description and a set of interesting and thought-provoking-questions such as “What is one important skill you think everyone should have?” or “What’s the best piece of advice you have been given? “. The tours were always completed in twos, by pairing the longest standing JCI member with the newest member/candidate. Interesting, exciting and intense conversations were triggered by these unique questions which allowed the members and candidates to find out funny, curious and very individual aspects about their counterparts.
After a successful first exchange, the returning rain led to follow-up discussions in „KLARA“, known as a meeting place for family and friends. With its nine kitchens, 18 spoken languages and a team of 61 people, it represents a cultural diversity and one of the many “Raisons d’être” of JCI.
What started next to the “Schmale Wurf” with a beer continued in “KLARA”, accompanied by a variety of international dishes, exotic cocktails, wines and table soccer. It was long after midnight when the last participants headed home with unforgettable memories.
Stephanie Ritschard, Kandidatin