Rev. Cecil Williams of Glide Church in San Francisco recently posted the following on his Facebook page:

SpeakOUT – Wed, March 12, 2014 – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

When people come together to speak their truths, they know they are not alone. They feel the love and compassion from their brothers and sisters, and experience beloved community. Every Wednesday at 5pm, you are welcomed by me and Janice Mirikitani to come up to a single microphone and share your stories, songs, poetry, music, and whatever moves you. Community dinner prepared by the Daily Free Meals Program is served after SpeakOUT.

Inspired by a North Beach open mike at Coffee and Confusion that I witnessed in 1962 shortly after my arrival in the Bay Area, several years ago I suggested a Truly Open Open Mike:

Purpose: to share heartfelt communication and have fun.

Methods:

• Presenters are selected randomly (after placing a card with their name on it in a container).
• If needed, an amplified public address system is provided.
• Each presenter has five minutes.
• The notice for the event clarifies that presenters may:
• Make a speech, ask a question, or engage in discussion.
• Read a poem (yours or others’).
• Sing a song (yours or others’).
• Tell jokes (yours or others’).
• Play a recording (yours or others’).
• Read an essay (yours or others’).
• Present a dance, scene from a play, or performance art.
• Share a chant, lead a meditation, pray, or ask for silence.
• Or whatever.

So I’m glad to see someone doing something similar!