On The Table 2018 was a great success and the Impact Report can be found here.
On the Table is a community engagement initiative with a simple premise: an opportunity for people to gather in small groups around a table with friends, neighbors, colleagues and maybe even a few people meeting for the first time, to share a meal and have a real conversation about what’s important to us.
On the Table conversations will generate several outcomes:
- Participants will have the opportunity to connect with people they’ve never met before or connect with community members they already know in new ways.
- Conversations will hopefully inspire people to take action to seize opportunities in our community.
- After conversations happen, participants share their outcomes by taking a post-survey. Survey results will be compiled, shared publicly, and used to help make decisions for our community.
WHY ON THE TABLE?
We know that big ideas can spring from small conversations and that people invest in what they help create. At Franklin Tomorrow, we are committed to bringing people together to create a more generous, vibrant and engaged community.
As the eighth fastest growing city in the United States, it is important to plan for the future of Franklin. On the Table provides our community with an opportunity to bring many voices to the table and encourages conversations to share ideas and thoughts for our future.
HOSTING A TABLE
Hosting an On the Table conversation is easy, and anyone can do it, no matter their role, background, or experience. Organizing these conversations on one day creates an important, collective pause for civic reflection and dialogue.
Hosting is the first step to doing something great in the city, and it’s made easy with guidance from our Conversation and Action Guide, and other hosting tools.
Click here to sign up to host a table.
AFTER ON THE TABLE
All On the Table participants will be invited to complete a short email survey about their conversations.
From these responses, Franklin Tomorrow will issue a report highlighting ideas, conversations, themes and outcomes to help inform efforts to improve our community for everyone.
Franklin Tomorrow will continue to share and discuss these findings as we explore ways we can work together to create the most engaged, generous and welcoming community for all. Your voice matters. Your actions do, too. Get involved. Volunteer for a cause. Be a mentor. Attend neighborhood association meetings. Learn about city government. Support a nonprofit. And join us for On the Table on November 5, 2019.
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Thank you to Chicago Community Trust who created this program and have been a partner in replicating this program in various cities throughout the country.
Questions? Email admin@franklintomorrow.org.
What is On The Table and why should I participate?
On The Table is a one-day opportunity to gather around a table with friends, neighbors, colleagues and maybe even a few people we’re meeting for the first time, to share a meal and have a real conversation about what’s important to us.
We know that big ideas can spring from small conversations and that people invest in what they can help create. At Franklin Tomorrow, we are committed to bringing people together to create a more generous vibrant and engaged community.
By hosting or joining a mealtime conversation as part of On the Table on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, you’ll be part of an exciting, community-wide initiative to explore the ways in which we have the power to collaborate to make our communities stronger, safer and more dynamic.
Our community-wide conversations will generate new ideas and opportunities for investment. As Franklin continues to grow, it is important to plan for the future of this city. A recent report showed that Franklin was ranked the eighth fastest growing city in the United States. On The Table provides our community with an opportunity at the right time to bring many voices to the table and encourages conversations to share ideas and thoughts for our future.
On The Table conversations are meant to encourage everyone to think about the issues they care about while adding a diversity of voices to the discussion of who we are, where we’re going and what we can do, together, to get there.
When we come together as a community to learn from and with each other, we have the power to impact neighborhoods and lives. That’s what On the Table is all about.
What is the goal of On The Table?
Our goal is to bring together local residents to discuss how we can build and sustain our community. By deciding to participate, you’ve already taken an important step in this movement.
How can I get involved?
There are two ways to join the table: register as a host or attend a conversation. To register as a host, simply fill out the Host Registration Form and check out the Table Resources tab. If you would like to be a participant – and you do not know someone who is hosting – keep an eye on our Join the Conversation page and let us know you plan to attend by filling out the participant form.
Where can I find more information about On The Table?
New and updated information will be posted regularly on our website. You can also sign up for On the Table Updates to receive more information. You may also contact us via email at admin@franklintomorrow.org or call us at 615.794.0998.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP AS A HOST!
Attend a host training! Click the date to RSVP!
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 | 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | City Hall Training Room
Monday, Oct. 28, 2019 | 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. | City Hall Training Room
Thanks for your interest in hosting a mealtime conversation as part of On the Table on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019.
You will be part of an exciting, community-wide initiative that will bring diverse residents together at family dinner tables, local restaurants, church fellowship halls, community centers, classrooms, and more.
What does a host need to do? What’s involved?
As a host, you determine a location for 8-12 of your friends, family members, neighbors or colleagues to meet on a night that works best for your schedule during the week of Nov. 5, 2019, for a mealtime conversation to discuss the ways in which we can collaborate to make our communities stronger, safer and more dynamic – communities where opportunities grow, quality of life is enhanced, and families thrive.
The options are as varied as the participants. You can host your conversation at any time of day, for a full meal or just a snack.
Hosts can cook, purchase a meal, or ask their guests to bring a dish to share, potluck-style. These are just a few options; there is no right or wrong way.
What if I can’t host on Nov. 5th?
That’s ok! While we’d like to have most people convene on the same day, if you can’t, we’d still love to have you participate. If you can host your friends and family a few days before or after Nov. 5, we’ll still be able to gather your surveys.
How do I get started?
The first step is to fill out the Host Registration Form. If you do not have all the details now, fill in what you know and you can send us an update when you have the details. The second step is to check out the Table Resources page. Finally, sign up to receive On the Table Updates so you can stay informed about all things On the Table.
Who do I invite?
The guest list is up to you. If you’re unsure, start with people you know – friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. You may consider reaching out to a larger community by co-hosting your event with a local church or nonprofit. Consider asking your guests to bring a friend or invite people from your network who don’t already know one another.
8 to 12 guests per table are ideal. On the Table is about giving everyone a chance to speak and be heard. If you want to host a larger gathering, consider breaking into smaller groups and allowing time for each group to discuss and report out to the larger group.
Conversations can either be private or open to the public.
What’s the difference between a private and public conversation?
A private conversation is simply that – private. You invite guests you know (or possibly ask guests to bring a friend). The guest list is controlled by you. This is ideal if you are hosting in your own home or a place like an employee break room.
If you’d like to open your event to the general public, we’d be happy to list your location, time, and RSVP information on our website. You will be responsible for managing your own event and registrations, but we’ll be happy to help you promote through our website and an email that will go out closer to the event date. Community members who do not have a conversation to attend will be able to search for an event that meets their needs. This is a great way to meet new people, get different perspectives and hear from people you might not normally talk to. This would be ideal if you are meeting at a park, library, church, local restaurant or any other public space.
If you plan to host both types of conversations, you will need to fill out the host registration form for each type of conversation.
If I host a public conversation, how will I know if guests are coming and how many to expect?
If you plan to host a public conversation, we would suggest setting up an event on a registration site like Facebook or Eventbrite. This will help you keep track of all of the RSVPs and provides us with a simple link to direct people to when we list your conversation on our Join the Conversation page. If you register as a public host, we will reach out to you for more information that we can share your conversation.
What should an On The Table gathering look like?
Hosts are encouraged to be creative. The priority is to create an atmosphere conducive to meaningful conversation – a potluck in your dining room, a picnic in a nearby park, a gathering at a neighborhood restaurant, or a backyard barbecue are just some of the many possibilities.
Plan on a 45- to 60-minute conversation and leave 15 minutes at the end so you and your guests can fill out a survey.
What is expected of a host?
- Fill out the Host Registration Form.
- Attend a host training or view one online.
- Host a 60- to 90-minute mealtime conversation on Nov. 5, 2019. Invite 8 to 12 friends, family members, neighbors, and colleagues; expand your circle to other networks. The food doesn’t need to be elaborate; it can be a potluck, a brown bag or a simple snack. Gather at home, work, church, a coffee shop or restaurant. You can host multiple conversations.
- Complete a post-event survey and ask your guests to do so, as well. This is a crucial part of On the Table. The survey allows us to collect the creative ideas and actionable plans discussed during the event.
Why should I host an On The Table conversation?
By hosting or joining a mealtime conversation as part of On the Table on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, you’ll be part of an exciting, community-wide initiative to explore the ways in which we have the power to collaborate to make our communities stronger, safer and more dynamic.
Our community-wide conversations will generate new ideas, bold solutions, and opportunities for investment. When we come together as a community to learn from and with each other, we have the power to impact neighborhoods and lives. That’s what On the Table is all about.
What is a Super Host?
Organizations, institutions, churches, and businesses are invited to participate as Super Hosts. These groups will host 5 or more conversations of 8 to 12 people on Nov. 5, 2019.
What do I need to provide as a host?
If you are hosting at a restaurant or other business, please make sure they can accommodate your group and let guests know if they are responsible for paying for their own meal.
If you are hosting your conversation at a public place such as a park, please check with the location on where and what is acceptable and follow all necessary rules for the facility.
What happens after the event?
- As participants arrive at your event, they will be asked to “check-in” by texting a code word to a specified number- this will all be shared in your host resources. Forty-five minutes after participants check-in, they will receive a text message containing a link to a short survey to complete. The survey will take approximately 7-8 minutes to complete.
- Share your stories: Stories will be shared to inform and inspire new solutions that address our priorities and aspirations. These stories will ultimately build a deeper and broader civic voice in our region. We encourage all participants to share insights, photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #OnTheTableTN.
- Complete a short survey: Share your experiences, thoughts, and ideas that arose from these conversations. Be part of the community report.
- Franklin Tomorrow will share a community report highlighting the ideas, conversations, themes, and outcomes that emerge from On the Table. This data will inform the community foundation’s proactive community investment strategies.
If you’re hosting your conversation at a community center or hall, please make sure to reserve the location in advance.
Wherever you plan to host, make sure you let your guests know if you will provide food or if they will be purchasing their own food, providing a dish to share, or bringing their own individual meal.
Costs of food, travel, supplies and other items purchased for the event is the responsibility of the hosts and guests unless otherwise agreed upon with Franklin Tomorrow prior to the event.
Expenses associated with On the Table are not tax deductible for hosts or guests.
Where can I find more information about On The Table?
New and updated information will be posted regularly on our website. You can also sign up for On the Table Updates to receive more information. Or, contact us via email at admin@franklintomorrow.org or call us at 615.794.0998.
Executive Director, Mindy Tate, and On The Table Co-Chair, Mary Lee Bennett, answer questions about On The Table 2018 during a Facebook Live event.
Currently Franklin Tomorrow is focusing on recruiting table hosts. You can let us know you are interested in attending an event by completing our Participant Form.
Events will be added to the calendar below as they are planned. If you see an event of interest, you can click on the event for more details and registration links.
Thank you for agreeing to host a table for this year’s On The Table event. Below you can access downloadable resources to help you host a great event.
Prep Resources
Host Guide (PDF download)
School Youth Guide (PDF download)
Customizable Invite for Host (word document download)
Customizable Invite for Host Letter Flyer (word document download)
Sample Church Bulletin Posts (word document download)
Table Resources
notes sheet
On The Table events happen all over the community, inviting everyone to join the conversation. Your voice matters and we want to hear from YOU! The map below shows how this initiative is spread across Franklin and the surrounding areas. We hope that you can find an event near your home or place of work. Don’t see an event in your area? Contact Franklin Tomorrow to see how you can get an event near you!
