Muskegon Death Cafe

What is a Death Café?

A Death Café is a group-directed discussion about death with no set agenda, objectives, or themes. It is not a grief support group, therapy session, or counseling service. Instead, it is a welcoming space to talk openly about all aspects of death, dying, and bereavement—helping us reclaim death as a natural part of life.

Conversations flow organically based on what attendees bring to the table. The purpose is not to reach any conclusions but to foster thoughtful, open dialogue in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Our Model & DeathCafe.com

This gathering follows the international Death Café model established by DeathCafe.com, a global movement dedicated to creating safe spaces for open conversations about death. In order to use the Death Café name, we honor their core guidelines, including:

• No set agenda, guest speakers, or themes—discussions are community-driven.
• No conclusions, fixing, or "right" answers—this is a space for exploration, not persuasion.
• Not a grief support group or therapy session—while grief may naturally arise, this is an open discussion rather than structured emotional processing.

To learn more about the Death Café movement, visit www.deathcafe.com.

Guidelines & What to Expect:

• Respectful, open dialogue. Everyone is encouraged to share, but there is no pressure to speak—listening is just as important.
• Silence is okay. There’s no rush to respond, and pauses between speakers are encouraged.
• It’s okay to step out. If a topic becomes too heavy, you are welcome to take a breath, step outside, or leave at any time.
• Community-led discussion. While I facilitate, this is a space for all of us—not just "mine" to lead.

A Note on Conversation Topics:

Death discussions can go in unexpected directions. One recurring theme that often arises is the connection between death and sex—two of the most powerful and transformative forces in human experience. While this is never the focus of discussion, it naturally emerges as part of the dialogue. If this makes you uncomfortable, please be aware before attending.

Additionally, due to the nature of the topics discussed, this is not a space for young children. Older children and teens may attend at their parents' discretion, but please keep in mind the depth and range of conversations that may unfold.

About Your Facilitator:

My name is Amber Rose Therese, and I am honored to help hold space for these discussions. As a Death Doula, Reiki Master Practitioner, ordained minister, and grief and transition guide, my work is deeply rooted in creating sacred spaces where people can explore the profound mysteries of life, death, and transformation.

I have extensive experience facilitating conversations around death, grief, and spiritual transitions, including leading monthly Death Cafés and grief support groups. My role is not to lead in the traditional sense but to hold space, ensure the conversation remains open and respectful, and allow everyone to share in a safe and sacred environment.