Make Your Voice Heard.

As year two of On The Table approaches rapidly (October 23rd) and word continues to spread, members of the Chattahoochee Valley community may be interested in becoming a part of this initiative.

Luckily, it is by no means too late to join and have more voices at the table. There are many ways to participate, whether that be hosting a table of your own, joining a private table when invited or joining a public table!

The Columbus Police Department (pictured above) shared meaningful conversation among police officials and Chattahoochee residents over a great meal at last year's On the Table.

Public tables are conversations where hosts have opened their doors to any members of the community who would like to share a meal and some thoughts on ways to improve our community. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for those interested in hopping into On The Table.

For those who participated last year and may already be hosting a table of their own, joining a public table may allow for a new perspective with a different group of people than their own table. For those seeking a way to join in, there are a variety of public tables open.

While hosting a table may be intimidating for some, public tables are an awesome chance for exposure to how On the Table works and is a good way to be involved this year. In fact, 71% of survey respondents from last year’s On The Table survey shared that they connected with others at the table by speaking to fellow attendees they did not already know.

Public tables offer a powerful opportunity to meet new people and hear what others have to say.

The Columbus Public Library (pictured above) was a well-attended public table last year with diverse viewpoints from all over the community sharing perspectives over tea.

These public tables offer a diverse array of viewpoints and backgrounds, while sharing a meal together and discussing the important issues and growth opportunities for our community.

Whether the public table offers a specific discussion theme or is a completely open floor, there is a table for everyone in our community to meet new people and hear new ideas and thoughts they may have never heard otherwise.

With over 100 public tables currently registered and more added daily, there's a spot for everyone.

Some of our exciting public tables this year are already filling up rapidly. For example, if you are interested in alternative forms of transportation and the potential of bicycling in Columbus, there is a Bicycle Columbus table designated to discuss bicycle safety and advocacy in the Columbus area meeting at the River Valley Regional Commission for pizza.

Alternatively, the Columbus Food Oasis public table is meeting at Bare Roots Farmacy for breakfast to discuss healthier eating and how it relates to our community. This discussion will focus on food waste, community gardens, urban framing, and how we can make changes in our lifestyle and community to eat healthier. Another amazing public table, the Women Helping Women: Hope is Not a One-Woman-Band table, is meeting at the United Way for lunch to discuss taking action on the issues and needs facing women in our local area. These tables and many more are available to join at the links below.

Please share your voice and join a Public Table!

To search public tables and to join, click here or visit EventBrite.com and search "On The Table Chatt". Be sure to check often, as conversations are added daily up until Oct. 23! Additionally, visit our website OnTheTableChatt.com for more information.