| A Morning of Perspective, Connection & Civil Discourse Hosted by Chasing Cultures | Chasing Community Program |
What Is The Open Table?
The Open Table is a ticketed community brunch event hosted by Chasing Cultures through its Chasing Community Program — an initiative dedicated to bridging divides through genuine human connection. Set in a cozy, community atmosphere, this is not a debate. It is not political. It is a warm, facilitated Saturday morning designed to open minds, build perspective, and create friendships across differences.
No opinions pushed. No arguments. Only curiosity, facts, and real conversation.
About Chasing Cultures
Chasing Cultures is a research-driven platform dedicated to cultural education and community building — bridging the distance between global data and human connection. Through the Chasing Community Program, we create spaces where people from all walks of life can research, live, and learn together.
Event Schedule — Saturday Morning | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Welcome & Open Mingling — coffee, introductions, relaxed conversation |
| 11:00 – 11:15 | Opening Speaker — sets the tone: no debate, no judgment, only learning and connection |
| 11:15 – 11:45 | Icebreaker Game — fun, low-stakes activity to warm up the room |
| 11:45 – 12:15 | Table Rotations — each table receives a conversation question card, 8 minutes per rotation |
| 12:15 – 12:30 | Coffee Break & Refreshments |
| 12:30 – 12:50 | Second Speaker — finding joy and connection in a divided world |
| 12:50 – 1:10 | Personal Reflection — attendees privately evaluate their own listening and openness |
| 1:10 – 1:40 | Full Group Debrief — what surprised you? What shifted for you? |
| 1:40 – 2:00 | Closing & Next Event Announcement |
Proven Concept — Similar Events Worldwide
- Democracy Café (UK) — originated by Peter Emerson; open philosophical discussion events held in cafés across Europe
- Socrates Café (Global) — philosophy-based conversation circles in coffee shops worldwide, founded by Christopher Phillips
- Living Room Conversations (USA) — structured cross-partisan dialogue events, active across the United States
- The People’s Supper (USA) — community dinner-based healing conversations, widely adopted post-2016
- Café Philosophique (Paris, France) — weekly public philosophical discussions held in Parisian cafés since the 1990s
Our Code of Conduct
The Open Table is a space for civil discourse only. By attending, you agree to the following:
• Speak from your own experience; not assumptions about others.
• Listen to understand, not to respond; response is encouraged, but empathetic.
• No judgment. No bias. No personal attacks.
• Make space for every voice at the table.
• What is shared here, stays here; unless a speaker consents to recording.
What to Expect
Breakfast and mingling, followed by a short opening talk on the power of perspective. Then small group discussions using real-world scenarios; your group will work through a situation together, drawing on your different backgrounds to find solutions. You’ll share your group’s thinking with the room, hear from a second speaker, and close with a collective reflection.
Would You Like to Speak?
We are looking for speakers on the following topic:
Why we need to come together and see each other eye to eye; and what gets in the way.
If you are interested in speaking or have a speaker idea, please let us know in the RSVP form below. With your consent, talks may be recorded and shared on the Chasing Cultures YouTube channel.
Please reach out if you are interested in attending an event! We look forward to hearing your voice!