Nearly 100 percent of registered hosts completed the Big Table Survey; 97 percent of respondents reported they were likely to participate in the next Big Table
Columbus, OH (November 15, 2016)—The Columbus Foundation has released The Big Table Report, which assesses the reach and impact of nearly 500 community-building conversations held in homes, offices, restaurants, libraries, churches, and community centers on August 30. The Big Table initiative far surpassed expectations in its inaugural year, engaging more than 5,000 residents from all walks of life in at least hour-long conversations to discuss how collaboratively we can all build and improve our community. The report details who participated and key discussion themes.
“The Big Table conversations brought people together to share ideas, and make connections for future collaborations,” said Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation.
Good ideas can come from anywhere and on August 30 they came in abundance from everywhere in our community. Most importantly, The Big Table was an opportunity to listen and learn from one another, even when viewpoints differ.
— Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO, The Columbus Foundation
The focus of the day-long effort was not to find immediate solutions, but to create authentic civic energy and engagement through the conversations that occurred and the ideas that were shared.
To assess the reach and impact of the community’s first Big Table, a survey was sent to registered Big Table hosts and recipients on August 31. A total of 403 of the 478 Big Table hosts, who organized their respective conversations, along with 1,095 of the roughly 5,000 participants completed the survey.
The Big Table tapped into the community’s desire to connect around civic issues. Ninety-seven percent of respondents reported they were likely to participate again; 97 percent were satisfied with their experience; and 97 percent reported they were likely to recommend participation to others.
Other survey highlights include:
- Nearly 100 percent of the 478 registered hosts completed the survey along with one-fifth of the 5,000 participants. The survey was available in both English and Spanish.
- Almost all the Big Table conversations took place within 20 miles of downtown Columbus, though some were held as far away as Mansfield. Almost half of the respondents came from ten zip codes in and around the city of Columbus (46%), but 71 zip codes in total were represented.
- Of the respondents who participated:
- 50 percent of Big Table conversations were attended by 6 to 10 participants, while 40 percent were attended by 11 or more participants. 50 percent of respondents were invited to join conversations by word-of-mouth.
- 70 percent of respondents knew some but not all of the other people at their conversations.
- The five most discussed topics were: community engagement (65%), education (64%), poverty (57%), children (55%), and community development (54%). Respondents were able to note more than one topic when completing the survey.
- Many respondents shared inspiring ideas from their Big Table conversations. The ideas focused on four primary themes: economic opportunity for all, the need for a living wage, concerns about people who are homeless, and the importance of having more opportunities for community dialogue.
- A great majority of respondents (85%) said they learned something new at their Big Table conversations.
According to Kelley Griesmer, Vice President, Special Projects, the Foundation is committed to continuing The Big Table in 2017. “The kindness and thoughtfulness displayed by Big Table participants has inspired and energized us to continue creating a platform for people to connect and learn from each other. We look forward to including more voices in new and innovative ways at the next Big Table.”
Initial supporting partners for The Big Table included: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus State Community College, United Way of Central Ohio, YMCA of Central Ohio, The Harmony Project, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Ohio, BESA, and other community nonprofits, as well as businesses such as Donatos Pizza, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and others.
In gratitude and honor of each person who participated, The Columbus Foundation made a contribution to the Gifts of Kindness Fund. This fund provides one-time emergency grants through partner nonprofits to help lift up individuals and families who experience an unexpected setback.
To find out more about The Big Table, to receive updates about Big Table activities, or to access the full report, please visit: columbusfoundation.org/thebigtable.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to 2,500 individuals, families, and businesses who have created charitable funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for more than 70 years, The Columbus Foundation is the seventh largest community foundation in the United States. The Foundation’s online marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy,® makes giving mobile, easy, and smart. For more information, visit columbusfoundation.org or call 614/251- 4000.