On Oct. 24, Central Florida Foundation, the region’s community foundation, will host a new event called Table Talk. Central Florida Foundation works with families focused on giving back, nonprofits, and bringing philanthropy to life across public and private sectors. This year, they will focus on Orange County, allowing residents to be more civically engaged in the community.

To execute Table Talk, Central Florida Foundation is asking at least 500 individuals and organizations to host small-group conversations. Everyone is invited to host a Table Talk with friends, family, coworkers or neighbors. Responsibilities of hosting include inviting 6-10 guests, choosing a location, and arranging for modest food and beverage. There are no financial commitments required to host or attend this event. 

All hosts will receive a Host Toolkit complete with a guide, tips for organizing a successful conversation, and resources to use the day of Table Talk. 

“This is a great opportunity for our community to come together to talk about not only our favorite things, but also issues that matter,” said Kay Rawlins, founder and senior vice president of Orlando City Soccer Club and president of Orlando City Foundation. “Our hope is that Table Talk will inspire projects, highlight issues to be solved, and encourage more civic engagement.”

Following each Table Talk event, participants will complete a survey to provide Central Florida Foundation with key ideas, information, and goals that emerge from conversations. Central Florida Foundation will then release a report highlighting priorities and thoughts. If individuals or groups have an idea or plan to create change or improve the lives of Central Floridians during their Table Talk conversation, they can apply for a micro-grant to bring the idea to fruition. 

Those interested in hosting a Table Talk can register at http://cffound.org/tabletalk.