From Community Foundation of Central Georgia – Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCG) recently announced the return of On The Table. The community-wide week of conversations will be held in-person from March 27-31, 2023, across 21 counties in Central Georgia.
On The Table is an event that brings people of diverse backgrounds together to have meaningful conversations about important topics across central Georgia. These conversations are designed to generate new ideas, inspire bold solutions, cultivate relationships and collaborations, and inspire action to improve communities.
Inspired by The Chicago Community Trust, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation took On The Table nationwide in 2017 with 10 community foundations initially serving as partners to implement the community initiative in their regions. The Community Foundation of Central Georgia partnered with Knight Foundation to implement On The Table in Macon and Milledgeville in 2018, 2019 and virtually in 2020. On The Table will resume this year with technology powered by Knight Foundation and the program and Conversation to Action Grants funded by CFCG.
“On The Table is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring people together to connect and explore what each of us can do to make our community better,” said Kathryn Dennis, president of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. “On The Table is successful because of the great support we receive each year from individuals and organizations who step up to host these important conversations.”
Individuals and organizations across the region are invited to host one or more tables of 8-12 guests, bringing people together over mealtime conversations to gather, share a meal, discuss issues and opportunities, and make connections to support future collaborative action. The topic of each On The Table conversation is selected by the host.
CFCG is also seeking Super Hosts who will commit to hosting at least 10 tables of 8-12 guests. Many organizations have already agreed to be a Super Hosts including Atrium Health Navicent, Bibb County School District, Centenary Community Ministries, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, Historic Macon Foundation, Macon- Bibb County Government, Macon Mental Health Matters, Middle Georgia Regional Library, Middle Georgia State University, Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce, NewTown Macon, OneMacon, River Edge, United Way of Central Georgia, Wesleyan College, and the Downtown and Macon Rotary Clubs.
Hosting a conversation is simple. Prospective hosts are encouraged to register their interest on the On The Table website (www.onthetablecentralga.com). Hosts select their conversation topic, date, time, and format during the week of March 27-31, 2023, and the Community Foundation provides host training and ideas for conversation starters.
Following their registration, hosts will be asked to complete an in-person or virtual training session. Once the training is complete, the host, with the help of CFCG, will publicize their upcoming conversation as a public table, or invite specific guests to attend as a private table.
Dennis hopes to have 600 tables available to attend this year with topics ranging from arts and culture to economic development to race relations to mental health and more. Individuals and organizations interested in hosting a table must register by February 24.
“On The Table conversations are needed now more than ever,” said Dennis. “It is our hope this 5-day format will allow for even more conversations because when we find common ground on community issues and challenges, powerful change happens.” On The Table provides everyday citizens with an opportunity to have their voices heard and to understand they have the power to create change in their community. Participant registration to attend will begin in March once all host tables are finalized.”
For more information about hosting or attending an On The Table conversation, please visit www.OnTheTableCentralGA.com or call 478-750-9338
About Community Foundation of Central Georgia
The Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCG) was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities. The Foundation provides donors with a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. Through their funds, CFCG donors support the causes and organizations that they care about, which enhances the quality of life for the people of Central Georgia. Our vision is a Central Georgia where philanthropy thrives, communities are strong, and citizens work toward common goals. For more information, visit cfcga.org.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a social investor who supports a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and in the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers. For more, visit KF.org.