Greater Milwaukee Foundation expands options for participating in Oct. 10 mega-event

Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 8, 2019 – For the last two years,On the Table MKEhas given our community a unique platform to transform words into impact. In year three of this large-scale Greater Milwaukee Foundation initiative, it’s never been easier to connect to opportunities for community-driven change.

Thousands of people will gather in groups large and small on Thursday, Oct. 10, to share a meal and have real conversations about improving the quality of life where we live. Everyone in greater Milwaukee is invited to either host or join a table to discuss issues that matter to you and to act on ideas that will move our community forward. Table host feedback informed a variety of new features this year to make engagement more meaningful and enable the mobilization that participants want.

onthetableMKE.org– the Foundation’s enhanced, online registration portal offers powerful tools for supporting intentional experiences that activate community and bring people together for positive outcomes. No matter how you participate in On the Table MKE, registration is free.

Interested in hosting a conversation?Now is the perfect time to establish your table. The options are all up to you:

  • Create a private table for only the guests you invite, or make your event public, allowing individuals in the community to sign up for a seat at your table(s).
  • Set the nature and expectations of your conversation. Is the purpose for meeting new people, inspiring personal or cooperative action, or collaborating for systems change? 
  • Determine your topic(s) of discussion from a range of options or identify something new.

Looking for a compelling conversation to join?You can search for tables with open seats that match your interests and availability.

  • Filter your options by time of day, topic, location and type of conversation.
  • RSVP directly to reserve your seat at the table. 

Are you a teacher or school administrator?

  • We offer a lesson plan you can download for a simple and engaging way to bring an On the Table MKEcivic conversation into your classroom and ensure youth voices are heard.
  • The Foundation has also allocated funding to support schools and teachers who want to participate but are unable to provide food or transportation due to budget limitations.

What should I do first?

Check out the 2019 On the Table MKE Welcome Guide and consider your role in making greater Milwaukee a stronger community. 

Wondering what impact On the Table MKE had last year?

From bridging generational gaps, to creating a support network for entrepreneurs in 53206, to confronting bias, to advocating for early childhood education, to developing a curriculum for serving human trafficking survivors, the impact of On the Table MKEis meaningfully diverse.

  • On the Table MKE continues to provide our community with a forum for important conversations about race, racism and racial equity – topics that arose at 77% of tables last year. Most participants – 86% - felt their table bridged a social divide.

About the Greater Milwaukee Foundation

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin’s largest community foundation and was among the first established in the world. For more than a century, the Foundation has inspired philanthropy by connecting generous people to community needs that align with their interests. The Foundation was founded on the premise that generosity can unlock an individual’s potential and strengthen the community as a whole for everyone who lives here. We work in partnership with those who are committed to ensuring greater Milwaukee is a vibrant, economically thriving region that comprises welcoming and inclusive communities providing opportunity, prosperity and a high quality of life for all. 

For media inquiries

Please contact: 
Jeremy PodolskiMarketing and Communications Manager