Despite Pandemic, On The Table Bringing Macon Community Together Again

Caption

Participants talk about community issues at the Lanford Library during the 2019 On the Table event in Macon.

Credit: Mercer Center for Collaborative Journalism

At a time when people in Macon might feel divided by politics and the pandemic, there is an opportunity to come together, talk and put positive plans into action. 

Returning for the third year is the civic engagement initiative, On The Table. Past events involved community conversations centered around food and face-to-face discussions.  However, this year the conversations will take place virtually and begin next week.

The goal is to get people across the community talking to each other about issues they care about and identifying goals that can lead to meeting community needs.

COVID-19 could not stop this year’s enthusiasm. Nearly 100 On The Table virtual conversations are open for public participation. There are also a number of private On The Table conversations happening as well.

The 2020 On The Table virtual conversations begin Nov. 16 and end Nov 20. Click here to learn more about the various Tables available, the start times and how to participate.

Macon is one of 10 cities across the U.S. selected to replicate the On The Table initiative with funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCG) is leading this effort in Macon.

On the Table was started as an annual civic engagement initiative developed by The Chicago Community Trust in 2014.  

Mercer University’s Center For Collaborative Journalism (CCJ) is among the many hosting Tables in Macon next week. You can join one of Mercer’s public conversations happening on Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. The title is "Cost of Covid – Impact and Control of the Virus." Participants will include Bibb County School officials, scientists and community leaders.