Past Gatherings
[ OVERVIEW ]Kingston NetworkBuddy gatherings are small experiments, not a monthly program. Each one tried a different setup, space, and mix of people to see what actually helped international students, newcomers, and denizens feel less alone while crossing.
Some gatherings were hosted by KNB in backyards, houses, pubs, or partner venues. These were peer‑led rooms where people paid attention to what is usually not said about permits, work, money, bodies, and belonging—and tried small ways of making that more speakable together.
On this page you can see past experiments, organized by year, to get a feel for what has been possible so far and what kinds of crossings KNB has been practicing around.
[ HIGHLIGHTS ]What KNB gatherings are about
Spaces we use
Backyards, living rooms, pubs, campus rooms, community halls, and partner venues in Kingston, kept as simple and informal as possible so people can relax and talk without feeling like they’re at a conference.
Who is in the room
International students, newcomers, denizens, local partners, volunteers, and sometimes employers or service providers, meeting as peers rather than as “clients” and “experts.”
What these gatherings test
Small circles and low‑stakes experiments in walking with a buddy, naming what is usually unsaid, and trying structures that make life in Kingston less isolating without breaking the people who host.
How often they happen
A few times a year, when there is both need and capacity; there is no monthly schedule, and quiet seasons are part of the model.
Asmall circle after nine months of quiet where long‑time and newer members could name how permits, uncertainty, and health were weighing on them, and feel fully seen in that.
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Three small experiments in walking alongside and making permits, work, and belonging more speakable together.
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The first season of KNB, with small backyard circles, a pub gathering, and early online meetups to see what helped crossings feel less alone.
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