The Big Walk and Talk

1101 River Road,Louisville KY 40202

24 October, 2021

Description

Share your story and find the threads that weave the fabric of our community! Every year The Big Table hosts an event in Iroquois Park. This year, like everyone else, we’re pivoting the way we think about bringing together people in our community by offering a new way to interact with each other. One that feels safe for these times, gets people moving and keeps people connected. We are calling it The Big Walk and Talk. Join us at the first annual Big Walk and Talk. Bring your favorite walking shoes, a friend and share your story with some new people to help make our community a better place. Experience the magic that happens when we take a walk with neighbors whose stories may be different. See how your story can expand our collective understanding. Sunday, October 24 The Big Four Bridge Staggered arrival between 2:00 - 5:00 pm on the hour and half hour The Big Table creates engaging spaces for Louisville to connect through meaningful conversation across difference. From our annual giant potluck with 1800 participants to smaller conversations around more sensitive topics, we aim to help our community become more interconnected, develop our collective capacity to discuss important issues, and empower action to create a better Louisville. On the surface, it’s a simple potluck. The intention, however, is much deeper – hoping to create a space for Louisvillians of all beliefs and backgrounds to come together in order to connect, especially in a time when our society holds so many opposing points of view. How it works: Intentionally, there is no central stage nor entertainment schedule – the magic of this event is in what happens at the table. To foster more intimate conversation and depth of connection, participants are organized into tables of eight. Table Host volunteers help seat participants and work to ensure tables are made up of familiar and unfamiliar faces. Table Hosts facilitate conversation and storytelling during the event. A deck of conversation cards invite participants to share their stories such as “Tell about a time when you made your parents proud?” or “What is your most treasured memory?” Each participant is asked to bring a dish, fruit, dessert or non-alcoholic drink to share with at least eight people that reflects something about them, has a family story or personal significance, along with a recipe card. Tables, chairs, eating utensils and plates are provided. What happens: In just two hours people turn from strangers to friends. Additionally, after the table conversations close, the feeling of connection then transfers to the crowd at-large, and people are more open, generous and talkative than usual. When asked about the most meaningful part of the event, participants said, “Exchanging personal stories,” “Seeing the huge turnout,” “Enjoying diverse foods,” “A warm sense of community,” and “Talking with a gay man ready to adopt a child.” Some tables have continued to meet afterward, and we even learned of one couple who met at the first Big Table! We set the table for everyone to come. We each bring something unique. We all belong at The Big Table.