ORLANDO – SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 – Central Florida Foundation, the region’s community foundation, today announced Table Talk, a community-wide conversation to take place on October 24, 2019. For one day, residents of Central Florida will gather to discuss issues and opportunities that matter most to them. Table Talk is intended to capture insights and ideas from residents across Central Florida, with an initial focus on Orange County for year one. The initiative provides a way for residents to be more civically engaged and involved in the community.
“It’s important for Central Floridians to take an active role in the life of our communities. Table Talk brings neighbors together to raise awareness and encourage discussion and analysis of the issues our community is confronting,” said Tony Jenkins, Florida Blue’s Central Florida market president. “Florida Blue’s mission is to help people and communities achieve better health, and the health of our Central Florida community is dependent on collaboration and empathy as we address the challenges we’re facing.”
To execute Table Talk, Central Florida Foundation is asking at least 500 individuals and organizations to lead small-group conversations. All are invited to host, and host responsibilities include: inviting 6-10 guests such as family, friends, coworkers or neighbors; choosing a location, possibly the host’s home, a local coffee shop, office break room, park, library, etc.; and arranging for modest food and beverage. No financial commitment is required from a host or an attendee to participate. The small-group structure and intimate setting are designed to foster honest, respectful conversation.
Each registered host will receive a Host Toolkit which includes a step-by-step guide, tips for organizing a successful conversation, and resources to use the day of Table Talk. Conversation prompts include: what individuals like about their community, what they would change and why that is important, and what everyone at the table can do to help or contribute. For those interested in hosting a table, register here: http://cffound.org/tabletalk
"This is a great opportunity for our community to come together to talk about not only our favorite things but also issues that matter,” said Kay Rawlins, founder & senior vice president, Orlando City Soccer Club and president of Orlando City Foundation. “Our hope is that Table Talk will inspire projects, highlight issues to be solved and encourage more civic engagement."
After each Table Talk event, participants will complete a survey. Feedback will be analyzed to identify key ideas, information and goals that emerge from conversations. Central Florida Foundation will then release a report to highlight priorities and thoughts gathered from participants. If individuals or groups have an idea or plan to create change or improve the lives of Central Floridians during their Table Talk conversation, they can apply for a micro-grant to bring the idea to fruition.
“At Central Florida Foundation, we believe that honest and engaged conversation is the beginning of creating positive social change,” said Mark Brewer, president/CEO of Central Florida Foundation. “Table Talk is an effort to promote that very belief.”
Table Talk is inspired by On The Table, an initiative launched by the Chicago Community Trust in 2014. Today, events like Table Talk are taking place across the country and have helped numerous communities connect and initiative positive change.
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About Central Florida Foundation
Central Florida Foundation believes in the power of philanthropy and that thoughtful strategies, combined with a generous community, make Central Florida a place where everyone feels at home. The Foundation works with families focused on giving back, nonprofits and across public and private sectors to bring philanthropy to life. It all began in 1994 as a dream around a table of local, passionate people, and has grown to be one of the community’s most trusted resources. Learn more at www.cffound.org.