A Community Table

Registration for DUGC's third A Community Table is now open!

Register here!

Healthcare. Climate change. Education access. We all have issues that we care deeply about and ideas about how to solve them. What we often don't have is the time and space to have productive conversations about those issues with our friends and neighbors. And in a time of unprecedented political polarization, we need to talk with each other now more than ever. 

That's why DUGC created A Community Table.

We provide the tools (sample invitations, conversation guides, facilitation training, swag for your guests, and more!) that you need to host a meaningful, solution-oriented conversation. You choose when, where, and with whom to have that conversation. It's that simple. 

When you sign up to host A Community Table, you'll join hundreds of other people who know that problems are solved by communities, not by individuals, that communities thrive when we work together, and that community begins with conversation.

But what about action, you might be asking. DUGC is a community-engaged initiative that fosters collaborative action for the public good. The ideas and insights you and your guests share back with DUGC directly inform the goals that we set, the programs we develop, and the work we do to tackle grand challenges. Click here to check out some of the projects that have emerged from past A Community Table events.

What are you waiting for? Host a table. Start the conversation. Together, we can build a better future for us all.

A Community Table is modeled after The Chicago Community Trust's On The Table event. We offer our sincere thanks to the Trust for their encouragement and support for replicating their model. 

Find the registration form here.

Host A Community Table Conversation

Registration for the 2020 A Community Table is now open. Register here.

Table hosts organize a conversation for 6-10 people at a time and location of their choosing between April 20-25. 

Hosts are responsible for:

  • Picking a time and location for folks to meet.
  • Inviting guests (whoever you want!)
  • Reviewing the Table Host Guide and participating in facilitation training either in person or via webinar.
  • Communicating with your guests about where/when you'll meet
  • Facilitating your conversation during the week of April 20th.
  • Encouraging participants to share photos, videos, and ideas through social media

2019 Table Map (stay tuned for 2020's!)

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I host A Community Table conversation?

    DU Grand Challenges (DUGC) brings university and community change-makers together to address the most difficult and far-reaching issues facing our society today. 

    We are building aspirations for DUGC programming around deliberation and action for the public good. A Community Table brings small groups together across the globe to engage in conversation about how we work together for the good of our communities. Conversations can take place over breakfast, lunch, dinner or any time in-between.The invite list and conversation location are up to the host. 

    After the conversation, hosts share their ideas with DUGC.  Those ideas will inform the collective actions DU Grand Challenges will select to advance the public good.

     

  • How do I register to become a host?

    Click HERE to register for A Community Table 2020.

  • What does a conversation host do?

    Hosts are responsible for:

    • Securing a location and determining a time for folks to meet between April 20-25, 2020. 
    • Reviewing the Table Host Guide and participating in a host training. You can either watch a short webinar or participate in one of our in-person trainings. Stay tuned for dates!
    • Inviting people to participate (make sure to tell them when and where you'll meet!)
    • Facilitating the conversation and distributing provided materials.
    • Encouraging participants to share photos, videos, and ideas through social media

    Check out photos from past A Community Table events here. 

  • What materials will be provided to hosts?

    Hosts receive:

    You'll also receive a host kit that contains swag to share with participants, a tote bag, a copy of the guidebook, and more!

  • Where will I host my conversation, and who should I invite?

    You can host your conversation.wherever and whenever you like. Your home, a restaurant, a park--it's up to you. OpenTable can help locate venues that will accommodate a variety of needs. You also have the option to reserve space at the University of Denver.

    We encourage hosts to invite friends, family, colleagues and neighbors. Consider asking your guests to bring a partner or friend. Six to ten guests per table is ideal. A Community Table is about giving everyone a chance to speak and be heard.

  • What if I want to host more than one conversation?

    No problem! You can host as many tables as you want throughout the day. Just complete one registration form per table.

  • What happens with the ideas that come from our Table conversation?

    Hosts will be provided with a list of question prompts to help guide their conversations toward a specific aspirations for the public good. DUGC collects conversation notes, surveys, and social media posts to determine what actions we will take to increase economic opportunity.

    The ideas generated in last years A Community Table are on their way to implementation. With grants from the University and the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, four Collective Impact Cohorts have united faculty, staff, students and community members to create measurable change and improve daily living in our communities.

    Now is your chance to make an impact with your friends. neighbors, and the University of Denver. Gather your group. Host your table. Start your conversation. Join community and DU thought leaders around the world between April 20-25, 2020, as we strive to address pressing issues with input, insight and community

  • What is expected of participants during and after A Community Table gathering?

    We encourage all participants to share their aspirations, insights, photos and videos from your gathering through social media using #DUGrandChallenges. At the conclusion of A Community Table, we'll ask every host to complete a short survey to learn more about their discussion.

    All A Community Table participants can opt in to receive an electronic copy of the summary report detailing the aspirations that people shared and what actions will be taken. All participants will also be invited to be a part of future events related to DU Grand Challenges.

  • What is the registration deadline?

    Table hosts are asked to register by Monday, April 6th, if they would like their host kits to be mailed to them. Table hosts can still register after April 6th, but will be asked to pick up a host kit from the Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning (CCESL) which is located in Driscoll South, Suite 22. 

  • Who can I contact with questions?

    For questions contact DU Grand Challenges Program Manager, Katie Kleinhesselink at [email protected] or (303) 871-3865