Columbus, OH (August 13, 2024)—The Big Table® is back on Wednesday, September 25 and registration is now open for individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to take part in this dynamic event. Launched in 2016, The Big Table is an annual day of conversation designed to inspire social connection and civic engagement. Through intentional dialogue, participants are encouraged to envision the next steps toward building a kinder, more connected community where everyone has a seat at the table.
The Big Table® is free and open to all. Anyone can participate by signing up to host a Big Table conversation on a topic that is important to them, or by joining a public conversation. Dozens of public conversations will be taking place throughout the day on September 25, including at all 23 Columbus Metropolitan Library locations and several YMCA of Central Ohio locations. Virtual conversations will also be available to the public.
“In an ever-changing and challenging world, it is more important than ever to prioritize conversation and social connection,” said Kate Oliphint, Director of the Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation. “The Big Table is an invitation for community members to talk, listen, and learn from one another. By actively listening to and engaging with others, we can acknowledge and address community challenges and opportunities, together.”
In 2023, thousands of participants representing 84 unique ZIP codes took part in The Big Table. The most common topics discussed during Big Table conversation were housing, community engagement, education, childcare, the environment, food access, systemic inequities, and violence prevention, among other themes. Of those who joined The Big Table in 2023, 93 percent said they met at least one person with a different background or perspective from their own. Ninety-seven percent said they were likely to participate in The Big Table again.
To learn more about The Big Table, visit columbusfoundation.org/thebigtable.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation, one of the top 10 community foundations in the United States, serves thousands of individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible.