The Community Foundation of West Georgia is sponsoring the second year of “On the Table” events, a unique initiative of community engagement. This year’s events are set for Wednesday, February 8, in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties.
On that date, On the Table conversations will take place during breakfast, lunch, dinner or in-between. Conversations can be hosted anywhere: homes, restaurants, places of worship, schools, libraries, offices, parks, and other community locations. Anyone can volunteer to host an event or to participate.
The program’s format features the gathering of community members of all ages, perspectives, and backgrounds for conversations in small groups. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss things that they love about their community, as well as things that they wish could be better.
A total of 435 people participated in last year’s events in the three counties. The top three concerns from those events were economic issues and poverty, education and youth development, and housing and homelessness.
“Based on notes from the “On the Table” hosts and survey responses, our community and nonprofits need better communication for what is available and stronger collaboration and connectivity between resources,” said Kim Jones, president of the Community Foundation.
Other issues from last year’s events were increased awareness of local resources, as well as improved services and infrastructure. These included increased internet access, more affordable housing, public transportation, more support for mental health, homeless shelters, and improvement in literacy rates.
“These conversations are inspiring new ways to work together to make our communities stronger,” Jones said. “On the Table is providing a setting for residents to collaboratively build and maintain strong, safe, and dynamic communities. Events like these have been replicated in more than 30 cities across the country.”
The Foundation again will make available $10,000 for “conversation to action” grants of $500 or $1,000 in support of initiatives that result from the “On the Table” events. For more information about On the Table or the Community Foundation of West Georgia or to sign up to participate, visit the Foundation’s website at cfwg.net or contact Cindy Sanders at (770) 832-1462 or [email protected].
