Kitchen table conversations
Kitchen Table Conversations are simple and powerful – helping people discuss what really matters in a comfortable environment. Hosts (who are self-selecting) invite small groups to have conversations based on focused themes. Participants might be friends, neighbours, family, workmates or people known from community networks. The conversations are usually shaped around starter questions.
Everyone is welcome to participate. But the key to this happening is a number of people stepping forward and agreeing to host a ‘kitchen table conversation’. These people then bring together small groups of up to 12 others, but can be fewer. These might be friends, neighbours, family, workmates, or people they know from community networks. They meet around the kitchen table, their workplace, or wherever is easiest for them. The only proviso is the place needs to be quiet enough for everyone to be heard easily.
Participants’ ideas and thoughts will be collated by the hosts and forwarded to our team for processing and integrating with all the other conversations throughout the electorate.
Some ideas to discuss:
The Steps to Hosting a Kitchen Table Conversation
Create a positive ripple – suggest that participants talk about their discussions and the ideas that emerged with other people at work or home or in their community.
Everyone is welcome to participate. But the key to this happening is a number of people stepping forward and agreeing to host a ‘kitchen table conversation’. These people then bring together small groups of up to 12 others, but can be fewer. These might be friends, neighbours, family, workmates, or people they know from community networks. They meet around the kitchen table, their workplace, or wherever is easiest for them. The only proviso is the place needs to be quiet enough for everyone to be heard easily.
Participants’ ideas and thoughts will be collated by the hosts and forwarded to our team for processing and integrating with all the other conversations throughout the electorate.
Some ideas to discuss:
- What are the most urgent issues that need to be addressed?
- What are your ideas/solutions about how to address these issues?
- Describe your ideal elected representative.
- Is there anything else you would like to comment on?
The Steps to Hosting a Kitchen Table Conversation
- Set a meeting date
- Invite up to twelve friends/family/colleagues/neighbours/community members to you home or other suitable venue.
- Collect contact details for the group
- Facilitate the discussion
- Ensure there is a summary of the opinions and ideas of your group and that it is forwarded to contact@debleonard4monash.com.au
Create a positive ripple – suggest that participants talk about their discussions and the ideas that emerged with other people at work or home or in their community.