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A new civic-conversation project aims to gather more than 1,000 people for a day of wide-ranging, grassroots discussions in homes, offices, libraries, places of worship and community centers across central Ohio.
The effort is called the Big Table and is set for Aug. 30.
"Even before the developments we’ve seen over the past several weeks, with people being driven significantly apart, we were inspired to bring people together," said Kelley Griesmer of the Columbus Foundation, which is leading the initiative with support from the Columbus Metropolitan Library, United Way of Central Ohio and other nonprofit organizations and businesses.
Organizers expect at least 125 conversations to take place at various sites across the metro area. Each discussion group is to have a host, eight to 12 participants and will revolve around a snack or meal. The hour-long sessions are to be group led, not directed.