At The Table

A Coffee Chat with Change Leaders

Thursday, September 10th, 2025

When was the last time you had a meaningful dialogue with others in your community about personal experiences related to poverty?

Poverty in our communities is linked to barriers like incarceration, addiction, mental illness, lack of education, and racial inequity. Beyond these barriers are human beings.

At the Table is an event designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and foster connections. Think Tank’s Change Leader Alliance is hosting its third annual At the Table, encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to converse and learn from each other in a supportive environment. This year, Think Tank is partnering with several organizations across the country to host At The Table. 

Attendees can engage in 20-minute one-on-one or small group conversations with local Change Leaders who share their personal experiences related to poverty. These speakers are local Change Leaders that draw upon their  personal experiences to help inform and improve their community. 

This event aims to create a positive space for dialogue on challenging topics, break down stereotypes, and celebrate the strength and gifts of so many who have lived experience in poverty.

How the Event Works

Three conversations. Three topics. Three connections.

During each session, you will sit down with a Change Leader for 20 minutes to have an open dialogue on their lived experience. Then, you will relocate to the next table to have a discussion with a second Change Leader. This process repeats a third time to conclude your three, 20-minute conversation with Change Leaders.

Conversation Topics

Lived experiences shared will explore the connection between poverty and:

Addiction

Child of Addict

Domestic Violence

Ex-Offender/Reentry

First Generation College Student

Foster/Kinship Care

Gun Violence

Health Equity

Housing

Mental Health + Illness/Wellness

Racial Equity

Safety Net/Government Assistance

Veteran

*Topics are subject to change.