One More Hour Grant Application
The following is The Tea Stand's submission for the One More Hour grant, submitted in March 2024. The Tea Stand did not receive the grant :(
To what extent does your club/org actively reach out and include members from diverse and/or historically marginalized communities?
The Tea Stand's motto is "free tea for all" – in addition to being written on our signs to explain our presence in public parks, this motto is a call for a world in which all people have their basic needs met and are thus able to enjoy a cup of tea.With this in mind, diversity and equity are central to the mission of The Tea Stand. While The Tea Stand naturally cultivates a diverse community due to its emphasis on accessibility and authenticity, consistent efforts are made to actively celebrate and welcome people with myriad backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. These efforts include collaborating with several local artists, creating opportunities for members to serve culturally-significant teas to their communities, and serving tea at mutual aid events.
Many of The Tea Stand's collaborations have occurred through an event series called "Steeped in Sound." Co-organized with Asian-American musician LEEWAY, Steeped in Sound is a daytime tea event hosted in a charming Greenpoint loft. Each Steeped in Sound event features a slew of collaborations with local, diverse artists and individuals: doula and activist Taylor Maude Love leads a guided meditation, non-binary illustrator and tattoo artist Esther Shin sells prints and charms, trans-owned business Unfound sells hand-foraged herbal goods, and queer-identifying ceramicists Slug Home and Samson Ceramic sell their handcrafted mugs. Over 15 DJs have performed at Steeped in Sound across the 7 volumes we've hosted in 10 months, including Indian-Canadian DJ again&again, Filipino-American DJ Florence Cecile, and Syrian-American DJ L1NH. Additionally, several volunteers have assisted The Tea Stand in serving tea at the event, all of which have been female-identifying and first-generation immigrants.
In addition to the ongoing Steeped in Sound collaborations, The Tea Stand hosts regular events called "Popups," in which we set up a small table in a neighborhood park and offer free tea, a place to sit, and conversation to all passersby. We host Popups about four times a month, typically in our local communities of Bedford-Stuyvesant ("Bed-Stuy") and Bushwick. Both Bed-Stuy and Bushwick are home to large immigrant populations -- many of Bed-Stuy's residents are African Americans from the South and immigrants from Latin America and the West Indies (source), and 37% of Bushwick's population is foreign born (source). During Popups, we offer a free cup of tea to all park visitors, demonstrating our care for their wellbeing and our desire to connect with our neighbors. As part of an event series called "Global Tea In Your Local Park," we invite members to serve a tea which is important to their cultural identity during a Popup. For example, member Adin Vashi prepared a large batch of homemade masala chai, a tea his mother taught him to make and served him throughout his childhood, and together we served it to the local community. Vashi wrote about the experience, reflecting, "...it became clear that serving my mother’s chai in Brooklyn was much more important to me. Real homemade masala chai with spices roasted and ground by my mother’s hand, and fresh mint, ginger, and lemongrass just for this batch. To serve this at the tea stand is an honor." Through the "Global Tea" event series, The Tea Stand gives park visitors an opportunity to sample exotic teas free of charge and members the chance to serve their communities while simultaneously celebrating their heritage.
Beyond the Steeped in Sound and Popup events, The Tea Stand also regularly (twice per month) serves tea to community members at food and clothing distributions. We call these events "Distros," short for "distributions." The food and clothing distributions are led by mutual aid groups like Riders4Rights and Collective Focus, which operate in Bed-Stuy and Bushwick, respectively; over 25% of families in both neighborhoods are below the poverty line. At these distributions, community members often wait over an hour standing still in line before the distribution begins. During winter months, this can be an incredibly uncomfortable experience, to the point that some will choose to stay home rather than receive some much-needed goods. The Tea Stand aims to prevent this from happening by serving free, hot tea to all those waiting in line before the distribution begins, providing comfort, dignity, and warmth during these essential events.
The Tea Stand is committed to equity and creating spaces in which all feel a sense of belonging, as demonstrated above. It's also worth mentioning that by hosting events which are free and accessible to all – in Brooklyn, one of the most diverse places in the world – The Tea Stand naturally cultivates a diverse community. While The Tea Stand does not track demographics of its members, there is consistently a strong presence of individuals belonging to BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ identity groups at all events hosted by The Tea Stand. While Brooklyn itself deserves a great deal of credit for this truth, it goes deeper than that – The Tea Stand values openness, connection, and authenticity, all of which lead to spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, whatever that may look like.
How does your club/org address the unique needs and challenges of members who may be at risk of social isolation and loneliness?
The Tea Stand exists in response to social isolation and loneliness – it is precisely the scarcity of community spaces which motivates us to be consistent, considerate, and compassionate in our programming. As traditional community institutions continue to disappear, the opportunities for people – especially young people – to naturally meet others have grown fewer and farther between. Especially in larger cities like New York, nightlife can feel like the only way to meet others and make new friends. Those who can't and/or don't drink alcohol, can't afford to attend these events, or experience social discomfort and/or anxiety in crowded venues are left feeling without any alternative. All of The Tea Stand's programming is free and open to the public, encourages conversation as a means for connection, and offers unlimited cups of free tea to attendees.
To start, "Popups" – in which a small table is set up in public parks with signs stating "free tea for all" – offer a space to park visitors which is accessible, approachable, and fosters organic social interactions. In today's digital world, even public parks can feel impersonal and isolating, as many park visitors will be focused on their phones, listening to music, or otherwise disconnected from their external environment. The Tea Stand's presence serves as a reminder and opportunity to engage with one's environment. Passersby can simply approach our table, ask for a cup of tea, chat (or not) while we prepare the cup, and then be on their way. However, we recognize that approaching The Tea Stand can be intimidating for some, and make several subtle yet significant design and operational decisions to combat this. First, the physical setup of The Tea Stand during Popups is humble, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing. The table is just two feet off the ground and adorned with handmade decorations. An inviting picnic setup of blankets and cushions lays just beside it. Second, the Popup "operator" always makes themself available for interaction, which means no phone-use, no books, no distractions. A soft gaze and a half-smile is maintained and eye contact is made when appropriate; we empower passersby to visit on their own terms. Once one decides to visit, we are quick to reward them for following their curiosity and overcoming their anxiety with gentle, authentic conversation and a free, warm cup of delicious tea. Many decide to have a seat on the cushions and blankets next to the table to continue the conversation and enjoy their tea. Often, complete strangers will end up seated alongside each other, immersed in conversation, neither of whom intended for any kind of social interaction, only tea (as recounted in the Popup recaps). Third, the Popup operator practices non-judgement during Popups, meaning visitors will be accepted as they are. There is no agenda to the conversations, just an opportunity for meaningful conversation. Fourth, consistency, a quality not normally associated with the concept of "popups," are important to the success of The Tea Stand. By committing to having a regular presence in a small amount of neighborhoods parks – Maria Hernandez Park and Irving Square Park in Bushwick, and Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy – we become a familiar sight for park visitors, which helps more hesitant individuals feel a sense of trust in coming by for a cup of tea. Some visitors have told us that the made their first visit only after seeing The Tea Stand several times over many months! In this way, The Tea Stand naturally facilitates community connection and interaction, especially those who may have difficulty seeking it out otherwise.
Additionally, our "Steeped in Sound" event series was conceived as an alternative way for younger individuals to come together and connect. Steeped in Sound is a free, bimonthly tea event which features a guided meditation, a lineup of DJs playing jazz, soul, and soft R&B, Brooklyn artists selling handcrafted goods, and unlimited free tea served by The Tea Stand in locally thrifted and handmade mugs. The events take place in the co-host's Greenpoint loft apartment, a beautiful and inviting space. While Steeped in Sound could be referred to as a "party," many preconceived notions about parties do not apply – tea is served in place of alcohol, the event takes place on Sunday afternoons rather than weekend evenings, and the focus is on community building and collaborations. We limit the capacity to 75 attendees (we consistently reach capacity within hours of announcing the event) to allow for more intimate and safe interactions. Attendees can sit and relax on the comfortable couches, move their bodies on the dance floor, and chat with the event's vendors and other attendees.
More recently, we've hosted "to-go" editions of Steeped in Sound, in which the venue is a local nightclub rather than an apartment. These events provide an even more direct alternative to the alcohol-centric nightlife experience – free tea is the drink of choice and conversation flows easily. Several visitors have commented that they've never felt more comfortable being sober in a nightclub. All together, Steeped in Sound is a fan-favorite event series during which meaningful connections are made, creative collaborations are born, and a sense community can be felt.Lastly, "Tea Talks" are free, monthly events in which a small-group conversation focused on a certain topic (e.g. childhood, loneliness, etc.) takes place in my (Miles Kirsch, the founder of The Tea Stand) apartment in Bushwick. Unlimited free tea is served throughout the entire conversation. In order to cultivate an intimate environment, Tea Talks are limited to five participants, including one facilitator. Before beginning the conversation, all must agree to three principles of the conversation: authenticity, mindfulness, and safety – one must be honest, one must listen with care, and one must respect all other participants and their identities. The facilitator ensures these principles are adhered to throughout the conversation, creating a safe space for participants to be vulnerable and open. Without fail, the conversations which take place during Tea Talks, which typically last about two hours, are full of compassion, connection, and storytelling. For individuals who have difficulty finding spaces for authentic, organic conversation – something difficult to experience in crowded, impersonal venues in large cities – Tea Talks offer a space where loneliness can be discussed openly and hopefully alleviated.
All of these events – Popups, Steeped in Sound, and Tea Talks are based on the same principles and values: connection via conversation, collaborating with community organizations and artists, and free tea for all!
Describe specific tactics or strategies your club/org uses to foster connections that go beyond just your primary activity/events?
In the previous responses, the four primary types of programming are explained – Popups, Steeped in Sound, Tea Talks, and Distros. Beyond these four primary activities, The Tea Stand actively seeks out collaborating with community organizations and strengthening connections with members via myriad mediums.
With a spirit of curiosity and openness, casual conversations often lead to collaborations with The Tea Stand. In February 2024, a community organization and creative agency named Santulan Creative hosted a BIPOC-led night market with mutual aid vendors, local artists, and DJ performances. We connected with the co-founder of Santulan Creative and after an hour of conversation, decided to collaborate on a sound healing event during which The Tea Stand will serve free tea. The free event will be hosted in a local community space in May 2024. There will be 3-4 mutual aid vendors, multiple sound bath sessions, and free tea will be served to all attendees. The focus of the "Tea Bath," as we plan to call it, will be community healing and rest.
In a similar fashion, an ordinary Popup back in October 2023 gradually led to the conception of one of the most exciting upcoming events hosted by The Tea Stand in 2024. At the Popup, a park passerby stopped for a cup of tea and sat on the blanket to continue our conversation. His name is Jayshawn, and he's a typewriter poet; he writes personalized, impromptu poems on his typewriter at events and in public parks. Immediately, we planned a collaboration in which we'd set up alongside one another, offering free tea and free poetry to all. During this collaboration, we noticed a few other tables were set up offering free goods and services: free ironing, free books, and free advice. Thus, the idea for "The Free Market" was born – an outdoor market in which every vendor offers a good and/or service free of charge. The Tea Stand is currently organizing this event; it will take place in Maria Hernandez Park on April 28th. As of writing this, we have 8 confirmed vendors, including free clothing, free Polaroid portraits, free baked goods, and free discs (for disc golf).
In addition to fostering connections via collaborations, many community members stay connected to The Tea Stand via our free monthly newsletter. In the newsletter, we share the stories behind the hundreds of free cups of tea we serve each month. Typically, the newsletter consists of sharing event recaps and announcements, media coverage, or bigger-picture philosophies of The Tea Stand. In this way, members are given a more holistic perspective of The Tea Stand and its operation, leading to a more cooperative feel and a greater understanding of its mission. With a 90% open rate, those who sign up for the newsletter deeply care about and feel connected to our vision of a world with free tea for all.Building on the success of the newsletter, the membership program for The Tea Stand will be launched in July 2024 with the intention of increasing the sense of belongingness for members and helping The Tea Stand become financially sustainable. Members who make recurring donations ($3-10 per month) will have the ability to vote on which public parks we host Popups at, will regularly receive some of our favorite teas in the mail, and will be encouraged to offer their input to shape the future of The Tea Stand.
Lastly, The Tea Stand celebrates experimentation and continues to explore alternative mediums for cultivating connection within our community. Examples include monthly video recaps (showing behind-the-scenes footage), a quarterly zine (currently in development), and recurring video calls with live Q&A portions.
The Tea Stand's care for its community members is evident in all that we do. At its simplest, The Tea Stand is a mobile operation devoted to serving free tea around Brooklyn. We are (literally) serving the community with every event we host or participate in. By virtue of this, everybody who comes across The Tea Stand is introduced to the organization with a free cup of tea: a global symbol of hospitality, the first thing that you're offered in most places around the world. When visitors realize there is no "catch" – no ulterior motive, no transaction involved – their guard is dropped and an opportunity for meaningful connection and collaboration is created. This reliably leads to heartfelt, sincere interactions and a deep sense of mutual care for one another.
Based on the definition of social connection below, how does your club/org foster meaningful IRL social connection in today’s tech-driven world? Provide details on how it addresses the components of social connection: structure, function, and quality.
The Tea Stand laments the disappearance of community spaces, the increasing amount of digitally-focused social interaction, and the resultant mental health crises we find ourselves within, especially younger individuals who are affected disproportionately. Many in our community struggle with social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression, and other conditions which are to some degree caused and/or negatively affected by a lack of social connection. The Tea Stand was created in response to this epidemic of loneliness, and from its inception has focused on bringing people together for connection, conversation, and free tea.
Even in a city as diverse and active as New York City, it can be difficult to engage in conversations with people outside of one's immediate community, posing a challenge to having a healthy structure in one's social network. Many refer to New York City as impersonal; a city in which everybody is in a rush and has no time to chat. The Tea Stand challenges this narrative and seeks to counter it by creating consistent spaces of calm curiosity. During Popups in public parks, visitors often find themselves in conversation with people they wouldn't otherwise, whether due to their interests, ages, identity groups, etc. These conversations have few opportunities to take place in today's world. At Steeped in Sound events, all are welcomed into an environment with a medley of new faces, repeat visitors, and friendly hosts. People from all over New York City, many of which recently moved here following college graduation, come together to enjoy the tea, the music, and each other's company. Tea Talks provide a space for more in-depth conversation amongst friends and strangers – with just five participants present, it's all but guaranteed that all will leave feeling connected to the diverse personalities and identities they shared a couple hours with.
The function of the relationships developed by The Tea Stand can best be summarized by familiarity. New York City can feel like a sea of endless strangers, but after a few visits to The Tea Stand, this changes. Strangers become acquaintances, neighbors become friends. Due to the quarantine periods of the ongoing COVID pandemic, acquaintances quickly became strangers – organic social interaction became almost impossible to come by. The Tea Stand, like other community institutions, seeks to revive the role of acquaintanceship as a part of a healthy social network. Seeing a familiar face in a public park, on the subway, or in a neighborhood café can turn feelings of isolation and loneliness into feelings of connection and safety. These serendipitous interactions are characteristic of The Tea Stand. For example, Laura, a member of The Tea Stand, was telling a friend about how much fun they had at the previous day's Steeped in Sound while out for lunch. They were interrupted by a fellow patron who had also been attended the event, creating a moment full of surprise and joy. On a higher level, The Tea Stand's regular presence in public parks during Popups signifies a comfort and safety. Even passersby who don't visit The Tea Stand often share their support with a smile and a wave, an acknowledgement of our work and our consistency. As one Popup visitor put it, "Every time I see you here in the park, I feel safe and grounded. It's such a joy to see you here." At Steeped in Sound events, conversation flows naturally; it'd be difficult to attend a Steeped in Sound without chatting with someone new. Due to the high amount of recurring attendees, there's a good chance one would see them again at the next event! It's interactions like these which make New York feel smaller, more personal, and closer to a future full of vital communities.
Being surrounded by familiar faces is a reliable way to improve one's quality of life. When one sees friendly faces on their daily walks, they feel more invested in the happiness of those around them and feel more connected to their local community. By regularly hosting events – an average of eight in-person events each month – members of The Tea Stand have plenty of chances to engage with a wide array of individuals, whether complete strangers, recent acquaintances, or new friends. This is to say nothing about the depth of the relationships which have been born via The Tea Stand. Here are some examples: [omitted to protect privacy].
Through diverse, accessible programming, we provide the foundation for New Yorkers to expand their social network, feel a stronger sense of place, and care more about their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. It's impossible to quantify and difficult to understate the positive social impact of The Tea Stand; we estimate we've positively affected the lives of hundreds of New Yorkers. All we have is an abundance of anecdotes, hundreds of memories, and an ever-increasing count of how many free cups of tea we've served: 1,834, 668 of which were served in 2024.
What are the top 1-3 goals for your group for the next year? How will they help to foster more connection? How will they create value for one of the One More Hour communities (Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City)?
The top three goals for The Tea Stand in 2024 are characterized by community building, equity and connection, and celebrating local community organizations and members.
First is "The Free Market," a market in which all vendors will offer a good and/or service completely free of charge. The market will take place in Maria Hernandez Park on April 28th. As described in a response above, The Tea Stand is the lead organizer of this event. As of writing this, we have 8 confirmed vendors, including free clothing, free Polaroid portraits, free baked goods, and free discs (for disc golf). The motivation behind The Free Market is to encourage park visitors to accept the kindness which surrounds them; we live in a society in which many are afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. By spotlighting local organizations and caring individuals, we seek to cultivate an environment which begets further collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie. Additionally, we strive to serve the needs of our community members by offering free food, free tea, free clothing, free clothing repairs, free ironing, and more.
Second, in July 2024, The Tea Stand will be launching its membership program, in which supporters can donate $3-10 per month in exchange for perks which are focused on increasing the sense of belongingness and inclusion. As outlined in a previous response, members will have the ability to vote on which public parks we host Popups at, will regularly receive some of our favorite teas in the mail, and will be encouraged to offer their input to shape the future of The Tea Stand. Members will also have the opportunity to volunteer with The Tea Stand, directly connecting them to their communities via acts of service and compassion.
Lastly, The Tea Stand will be celebrating it's two-year anniversary in December 2024 with a "Teapotluck." This Teapotluck is a special type of Popup in which visitors are encouraged to bring their own tea to donate and other picnic supplies: blankets, games, etc. Toward the end of the Teapotluck, ten different teas are selected and one giant pot of tea is brewed, of which all are offered a cup. This "communal tea" serves as a liquid manifestation of our community. Despite the cold weather, over 30 community members partook in 2023's Teapotluck, and the "communal tea" actually tasted pretty great!
Share your plans for making the goals in the previous question a reality. What progress have you made already?
Of the above three goals, all are being actively planned and prepared for.
For The Free Market, we are continuing to accept additional vendors, coordinating equipment requirements, reaching out to local publications for press coverage, and designing a flyer for the event. All of these efforts are well ahead of schedule and we have clearly communicated with all the vendors to ensure alignment as far as the event's operations and its values of mutual aid and community care.
In regards to the membership program, a full roadmap has been detailed including the website improvements, organizational philosophies, and outreach which must be enacted / thought through prior to its launch. A code of ethics is currently being written, as is a privilege statement and a document about The Tea Stand's current financial situation. A survey for potential paying members was shared earlier this week as a way to gather input and ensure we are aligned with our community's needs and desires. A soft launch is planned for mid-May prior to the official launch in July 2024.
Finally, the Teapotluck is already a well-defined event, having hosted one in 2023, but we've begun brainstorming potential improvements for this year's edition. This includes clearer communication about the day's activities, more games and opportunities for movement to combat the cold, and collaborations with local tea shops to provide high-quality tea for the event.