The Big Table® is an annual community-wide day of conversation designed to inspire civic engagement and connection. In an ever-changing and challenging world, prioritizing conversation and social connection are more important than ever. By meeting new people, sharing our lived experiences, and actively listening to one another, we can help build a kinder community where everyone has a seat at the table.
Sign up below to host* your own conversation, join a public conversation near you, or request a K-12 educator toolkit.
The Big Table is free and open to all!
*Hosts are not required to register. However, registered hosts will receive additional resources and supplies for their Big Table, while supplies last.
Conversation
Bringing together your own Big Table conversation is easy and rewarding! Check out the Host Guidebook for everything you need to know about hosting your conversation.
Still have questions? Watch highlights from previous Host Information Sessions here.
Public Conversation
The Big Table is about bringing the community together and giving everyone an opportunity to share their voice. Help us build a kind, connected community by signing up to participate in a public Big Table conversation near you.
Educator Toolkit
Designed for students grades K-12, The Big Table Educator Toolkit aims to equip educators with everything they need for a 45-minute lesson, including a discussion and activity guide and supplies mailed to your school.
There is no cost to participate.
Interested in more guidance or inspiration for hosting your own Big Table? Sign up to attend an optional Host Information Session at The Columbus Foundation (1234 East Broad Street). You’ll have the opportunity to meet other Big Table hosts, ask questions about guiding your conversation, and hear from others about their Big Table experiences. This session is open to anyone, so invite your friends and colleagues to join you!
Can’t make it? Watch highlights from previous Host Information Sessions here.
UPCOMING HOST INFORMATION SESSIONS
FAQs
Launched in 2016, The Big Table is an annual community-wide day of conversation. Through intentional dialogue and connection, participants are encouraged to imagine the next steps toward a thriving future for the central Ohio region. Meeting new people, sharing our lived experiences, and actively listening to understand are crucial steps toward building a kind, connected community where everyone has a seat at the table.
Download The Big Table Fact Sheet for more information.
Amid an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation in our society, it is essential to prioritize opportunities for meaningful connection. The Big Table is an invitation for community members to connect, knowing that we may not have all the answers but by actively listening and engaging, we can acknowledge and address challenges and opportunities. By fostering a culture of curiosity and kindness, we can enhance our individual and collective well-being, opening doors for stronger social bonds and a more connected, resilient community.
Anyone can participate in The Big Table! The more voices, experiences, and perspectives, the better. There is no cost to participate.
Big Table discussions are facilitated by volunteer hosts equipped with a guidebook and materials. Most discussions will include 4-10 people; ideally, some or all participants will be meeting each other for the first time.
Everyone has a seat at the table! Hosts are encouraged to use the Host Guidebook (available in Arabic, English, Nepali, Somali, and Spanish) to prepare for their Big Table conversation!
All throughout central Ohio! Conversations can take place anywhere—at a coffee shop, school, community center, library, house, place of worship, office building, parks, or even virtual spaces.
Big Table conversations open to all are happening throughout central Ohio, including at Columbus Metropolitan Library branches, YMCA of Central Ohio locations, local community centers, and on Zoom. Click here to find a conversation happening near you!
There are several ways you can take part in this community-wide effort. See below for more information on how you can host your own Big Table conversation and register to participate in a Big Table event. Be sure to promote your involvement on social media using the hashtag, #TheBigTable!
Participate in a Public Conversation
If you have additional questions, please contact us at bigtable@columbusfoundation.org or 614/545-3232.
As a Big Table host, you’ll:
- Identify and secure a location and time for your conversation to take place on Tuesday, October 21.
- Select a community topic (housing, volunteering, education, climate, etc.) for your Big Table conversation, or you can choose to have an open-ended discussion using the suggested conversation prompts and/or encouraging participants to shape the direction of the conversation.
- Recruit 4 to 10 people and coordinate RSVPs for your Big Table conversation.
- Serve as the facilitator of your Big Table conversation and ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate in the discussion.
- Complete a brief survey after your conversation and encourage your guests to do the same.
View the Host Guidebook (available in Arabic, English, Nepali, Somali, and Spanish) for more information on how to prepare to be a host!
Email your questions to bigtable@columbusfoundation.org or call 614/545-3232.
The Big Table is designed to bring neighbors together as a service to the community through listening, sharing, and discussion, not as a platform for the promotion or advertisement of any product, service, or point of view. The views expressed by hosts and participants are shared for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement, approval, or recommendation by The Columbus Foundation.
2024 BIG TABLE HIGHLIGHTS
Through a survey, Big Table participants shared their ideas, stories, and feedback. Here is a snapshot of what they said!
