Registration and Host Guidebooks will be available beginning Thursday, August 13.
Individuals and organizations, including schools, are encouraged to host or join Big Table conversations on a community topic that is important to them. Whatever you discuss, the goal of The Big Table is to build momentum toward a bright future for all.
Save the date! Click the button below to add The Big Table to your calendar. Registration and the Host Guidebook will be available Thursday, August 13.
FAQs
Launched in 2016, The Big Table is a community-wide day of conversation. Through intentional dialogue, participants are encouraged to meet new people, share their lived experiences, and actively listen to build a kinder, more connected community where everyone has a seat at the table.
Download The Big Table Fact Sheet for more information.
At a time when many people feel lonely or disconnected, creating space for genuine human connection matters more than ever. The Big Table is an invitation for community members to gather, listen, and learn from one another. We don’t come knowing all the answers, but through curiosity and conversation, we can better understand the challenges we face together and the opportunities ahead. When we show up with kindness and stay engaged, we can improve our well-being, opening doors for stronger social bonds and a more connected, resilient community.
Anyone can participate in The Big Table, and everyone has a seat at the table! The more voices, experiences, and perspectives, the better.
Big Table discussions are facilitated by volunteer hosts equipped with a guidebook and materials. Most discussions will include 4-10 people and, ideally, some or all participants will be meeting each other for the first time.
The Big Table Educator Toolkit equips K-12 educators to engage our region’s youth in this day of community-wide conversation. By participating with their students, educators are helping to build a kinder, more connected community where everyone has a seat at the table.
Registration for the Educator Toolkit begins on Thursday, August 13. The toolkit includes everything educators need for a 45-minute lesson, such as a discussion and activity guide, conversation prompts, participation stickers, and more.
All throughout central Ohio! Conversations can take place anywhere—at a coffee shop, school, community center, library, place of worship, office building, parks, and even virtual spaces.
Registration to host and/or join a Big Table conversation will open on Thursday, August 13.
As a Big Table host, you are committing to bring together a group of people to collectively explore issues important to our community. Hosts believe in each person’s power to make a difference. Your conversation can happen any time on Tuesday, September 29, and in any place where guests feel comfortable.
The Columbus Foundation provides a Host Guidebook and materials for the conversation, but each host is encouraged to choose the conversation topic(s) and format, making the discussion their own. The Host Guidebook, which will include more information about hosting your own Big Table conversation, will be available beginning on Thursday, August 13.
Email your questions to bigtable@columbusfoundation.org or call 614/545-3232.
2025 BIG TABLE HIGHLIGHTS
Through a survey, Big Table participants shared their ideas, stories, and feedback. Here is a snapshot of what they said!