The Community Foundation of Central Georgia in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is spearheading the 3rd annual On the Table, which will take place over the course of the week of Nov. 16-20, 2020.

This year’s event will be virtual with people across central Georgia gathering together through the Hopin.to platform to have meaningful conversations about topics important to them and the community.  

“In today’s world for us to be able to connect at a real personal level is what’s going to make a difference,” said Kathryn Dennis, president of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. “Although we may not be able to gather in person this year, we must still have these important conversations about what will make our communities stronger.”

According to Dennis, the Community Foundation is hopeful the virtual platform will allow for even more people than usual to participate in the conversations. In years past the tables have been limited to Macon and Milledgeville but with the help of technology, anyone in central Georgia can host a table this year. More than 100 tables with topics ranging from arts and culture to economic development to race relations to mental health and COVID-19 are available for community members to join.   

“On the Table offers a platform for people to be heard,” said Dennis. “We need every voice across central Georgia to speak up about what is important to them, and even more importantly, understand that as individuals they have the power to make a difference. All it takes is an idea and sometimes a little money to get started.” 

In an effort to encourage people to move from conversation to action, the Knight Foundation and the Community Foundation are offering $70,000 in mini grants averaging about $1,000 each to help launch some of the ideas that emerge from conversations. Anyone who participates in an On the Table conversation is encouraged to apply for a mini grant. 

“The real excitement comes after the conversations when we start to see collaborative action and on-going efforts to work toward common goals and enhance the quality of life for the people of central Georgia,” shared Dennis. 

To sign-up for On the Table, visit www.onthetablemacon.com/attend, create an account and register for as many tables as you would like to attend. Applications for the Conversation to Action mini grants will be available at the conclusion of the week-long event at www.onthetablemacon.com.