Transylvania University faculty, staff and students will join members of the surrounding community on March 27 to share a meal and talk about what is important to the school and Lexington in general.
A partnership with the Bluegrass Community Foundation, On the Table is part of a national civic engagement initiative supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
The public is invited to join the discussion from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Gym.
“For me, On the Table 2019 is an opportunity to be part of a vitally important conversation—one we really should be having every day about how to transform the communities we live or work in so they are truly inclusive,” said Kremena Todorova, a Transylvania English professor and, along with Professor of Art Kurt Gohde, a member of the event’s Engagement Committee. “I see tremendous potential in having this conversation with others who are similarly invested in it.”
This is the third year for these gatherings, which take place throughout the Bluegrass. Last year’s conversations revealed that participants had a positive outlook about their communities. Also, two-thirds of them said nonprofits and other community organizations have the greatest impact on making the region a better place to live—and their priorities included public schools, race relations and youth involvement.
The Bluegrass Community Foundation sees this year’s On the Table as a chance for not just discussing issues, but making an impact. “We’ll come together to share ideas about creating cities that foster belonging. We’ll connect. We’ll talk. Most importantly, we’ll build an action list to create a more welcoming and inclusive community.”
Gohde also looks forward to strengthening community bonds. “On the Table is a great way to include many voices in a conversation that is happening throughout the city of Lexington, a conversation about belonging, equity, and what it means to be part of a community,” he said. “Being involved in conversations like this one, while sharing food, is one easy and important way to participate in making a stronger community.”