Everyone has a seat at The Big Table on Tuesday, October 21
Columbus, OH (September 9, 2025)—The Big Table®, an annual community-wide day of conversations designed to inspire civic engagement and connection, will take place on Tuesday, October 21. The Big Table is open to all central Ohio residents and organizations and there is no cost to participate. Launched by The Columbus Foundation in 2016, The Big Table is an opportunity for individuals of all ages, interests, and backgrounds to gather with fellow residents and take part in meaningful discussions about community issues.
On October 21, thousands of people are expected to participate in Big Table events throughout the region, including at Columbus Metropolitan Library branches, local community centers, neighborhood YMCAs, and more. The time and location of each Big Table conversation varies, and these convenings are free and open to the public.
Community members and organizations are also encouraged to host their own Big Table conversations by inviting a small group of people to meet at a local coffee shop, public park, house of worship, or other location to discuss community or neighborhood topics. Hosts that register on The Columbus Foundation’s website will receive a free Big Table supply kit with materials to help them facilitate their conversation.
“Whether someone has participated in The Big Table before or is getting involved for the very first time, there are many opportunities to get involved,” said Kate Oliphint, Director of the Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation. “The Big Table is all about bringing people together to make new connections, hear different perspectives, and discuss how we can work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.”
THE BIG TABLE IN 2024: BY THE NUMBERS
- More than 4,000 people participated in at least one Big Table conversation.
- Participants represented 64 unique ZIP codes.
- 92 percent of participants said they met at least one person with a different background or perspective from their own.
- 93 percent said ideas or issues were discussed that led to deeper understanding of community needs, opportunities, or strengths.
- 99 percent said they are likely to participate in The Big Table again.
- Popular conversation topics included housing, social connection, kindness, volunteerism, youth, arts, mental health, food insecurity, education, transportation, workforce, and more.
To learn more about The Big Table and to register to join or host a Big Table conversation, 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.