On Thursday, October 19, 2023, people across Central Florida will host or take part in small group conversations (the sweet spot is normally 6-10 people) to get ideas flowing about all the different ways — big and small — each of us can make Central Florida an even better place to live, work and play.
But...it doesn’t stop with TableTalk; rather, it begins.
If you're an individual who would like to join a table, this is for you!
Tables are hosted by Table Hosts, who have selected a topic to discuss in an open, honest, and respectful manner. On June 15th, you'll be able to sign up as an interested participant, which means you'll be the first to know when available tables open up, receive tips and tricks on how to make the most of your TableTalk experience, and monthly challenges that will prep yourself for this experience.
Click below to get on our email list and show your interest in participating.
Interested in learning about being a Table Host?
First, read more about what it means to be a Table Host. Then, if you're interested, fill out the Table Host Interest Form.
Do you have a location that could host at least 10 tables? Sign up to be a Super Host!
Super Hosts are table hosts...multiplied. Large organizations, such as Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, The Center, and Second Harvest have all signed on to host at least 10 tables at their locations. We can help to fill those seats or your organization can fill them - or a combination of the two. Interested? Fill out this form and we'll be in contact soon!
TableTalk is a community-wide experience that includes a survey given to thousands of Central Floridians and microgrants that help water seeds of progress. Consider making a one-time donation to TableTalk and support civic engagement in our region.
Central Florida Foundation invites you to get involved by step up to drive this effort. Help ensure that we can engage more voices, especially those who are not typically invited to the table. Your support will ensure that we expand the visibility of TableTalk and to directly support the innovative ideas that come from community conversations. There has never been a more important time than now to come together around the table. We hope that you join us as Table Hosts or Super Hosts, too!
TableTalk is a candid conversation taking place in small groups all across Central Florida on October 19th. We get ideas flowing about all the different ways – big and small – each of us can make Central Florida a better place. We’ll encourage each other, create connections and build community. It doesn’t stop with TableTalk, but rather begins.
Central Florida Foundation launched TableTalk in Central Florida to give everyone in the region a voice in how our community operates today, and how it could evolve tomorrow. This idea for a community-wide conversation began with the Chicago Community Trust in 2014 as On the Table. Since then, the concept has been replicated in more than 30 communities nationally and internationally.
Central Florida Foundation is the region’s community foundation. The 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.
Anyone living and working in Central Florida can take part in TableTalk, either by hosting a table or joining a table. Business owners. Parents. Students. Educators. Voters. Taxpayers. Employers. Employees. Neighbors. Young, old and everyone in between. We mean EVERYONE. Everyone has a seat. Everyone has a voice. Everyone has a chance to make a difference. Everyone is welcome.
This community-wide conversation takes place on a single day, Thursday, October 19, 2023. If October 19th doesn’t work for you, pick a neighboring date to host your conversation.
It will happen in-person and virtually across our community, hosted by different individuals and organizations. Each TableTalk host chooses their in-person (park, library, coffee shop, your home or anywhere else) or virtual location (Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangout, Microsoft Teams, House party app, or any other virtual tool) and decides what time the conversation takes place
TableTalks usually last anywhere between 60 and 90 minutes.
Hosts choose an in-person or virtual location and invite up to 10 guests for a conversation. Hosts will guide the talks based on suggest TableTalk questions and encourage their guests to complete the online survey afterward with their feedback and apply for a microgrant if the conversation sparks any ideas. Each host receives tips for organizing a successful conversation and everyone will receive the link to complete the survey.
Table Hosts are not compensated for TableTalk, and there is no cost to be a host or participant.
Joining a table allows you to take part in one of the many conversations taking place on Thursday, October 19th. Some guests will receive a personal invitation from a Table Host. If you do not know a Table Host and would like to be part of TableTalk, sign up to join a community table at a date and time that fits your schedule.
TableTalk participants complete a survey to share what was discussed during their conversation and their personal feedback. Once the surveys are completed and processed to identify the ideas, information and priorities that emerged from the conversations, we will share a report with all TableTalk participants, as well as our entire community. Central Florida Foundation will also make microgrants available to neighborhoods, or communities that are ready to act on their ideas and propose a plan.
Central Floridians participated in Table Talk conversations on October 14, 2021. See who they are and what they had to say.
Click on the link below to explore the survey questions asked of Table Talk participants.
Central Florida Foundation awarded a microgrant to Mesa de Cocina/The Kitchen Table, an online collaborative health and nutrition program between The Bros in Convo Initiative and QLatinx, that teaches the community how to prepare healthy and delicious meals on a budget. This project has attracted further investments allowing it to reach more individuals.
The fine print: By registering on this website, TableTalk participants agree to receive email communications from Central Florida Foundation regarding TableTalk and may be included in photographs, video and social media posts. We will not provide your personal information to any third parties for the purpose of direct marketing. By registering as a host, host agrees to accept and assume full responsibility and liability for any injury, theft, or loss to host or host’s property, guests, agents and/or employees at any time and from any cause while at the event location, or in transit to or from said event. Host registrant agrees to release Central Florida Foundation and/or any of its agents and/or employees from any and all liability for any injury, theft or loss and agrees to provide and pay for host’s own insurance.
800 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite 1700
Orlando, FL 32803
p. 407.872.3050
© 2023 Central Florida Foundation
