Table Talk to Gather Central Florida Residents to Discuss Community Changes
Central Florida Foundation asks individuals and organizations to sign-up to host or join small group conversations on October 14, 2021.
ORLANDO – OCTOBER 8, 2021 – Central Florida Foundation, the region’s community foundation, will host Table Talk, a grassroots, community-wide conversation to take place on October 14, 2021 where residents of Central Florida will gather in small groups, either in-person or virtually, to build community and talk about the different ways – big and small – individuals can make Central Florida a better place.
During the small group conversations, participants are asked to discuss these three questions and then complete an anonymous survey: 1. What do you like best about your community? 2. What could you change for the better? 3. How could you personally contribute to that change?
Participants can also apply for a micro-grant to bring an idea to life. Since 2019, Table Talk has supported 19 community projects with $25,000 in micro-grants. Participants have started podcasts, launched cooking classes demonstrating healthy meals on a budget, created support services for trauma survivors, provided supplies for pop-up concerts, supported composting efforts, highlighted cultural heritages and much more.
“We believe that great ideas and solutions come from having dynamic, transparent discussions,” said Tony Jenkins, Florida Blue market president. “Table Talk has repeatedly drawn Florida Blue’s support because it fosters unity and community, and we value the input and experiences of our neighbors as we work together to advance Central Florida forward, while we continue to make it a great place to live and work.”
Every person in Central Florida can sign-up as a host or participant at cffound.org/tabletalk. Host responsibilities include inviting up to 10 guests including friends, neighbors, coworkers, or any other member of the community and choosing an in-person or virtual location to gather. 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.
Both virtual and in-person Community Tables are open to anyone not wanting to host a conversation, without an existing table to join or looking for a new place to connect. A complete list can be found here.
“Year over year Central Florida ranks as one of the lowest in the nation in terms of social capital, meaning people who know their elected officials, give to nonprofits, volunteer or engage in discussions around community problems,” said Mark Brewer, president/CEO of Central Florida Foundation. “Table Talk is a way to change that through encouraging each other and building community, especially after the challenges faced over the last 18+ months.”
*Central Florida Foundation encourages all participants to come together safely. If you choose to meet in person, we urge you to follow current local and CDC guidelines. Central Florida Foundation cannot guarantee that participants who choose to gather will not become infected with COVID-19.
Resources: Table Talk Host Toolkit English Spanish & Info Sheet English Spanish
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About Central Florida Foundation
Central Florida Foundation stewards philanthropic dollars on behalf of individuals, families and nonprofits. We partner with people who are determined to make a difference in their community. Knowing that true change demands more than dollars and cents, we foster collaboration, fuel ideas, and spearhead the innovation that will transform our region for good. Learn more at www.cffound.org.
