Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s ‘On the Table’ promotes a connected community

GMF On the Table - 2 — (Left to Right) - Ellen Gilligan (President, Greater Milwaukee Foundation), Janan Najeeb (President, Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition; Director, Islamic Resource Center), Marcus White (Vice President of Civic Engagement, Greater Milwaukee Foundation), Griselda Aldrete (President & CEO, Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee), Cecelia Gore (Executive Director, Brewers Community Foundation)

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation invites people in the region to host or join a discussion on Oct. 17 as part of “On the Table Greater Milwaukee”— a unique opportunity to build relationships, generate ideas and ignite action for the benefit of the community and its future.

“'On the Table’ offers a welcoming, accessible way for any and all people in our community to contribute their ideas and energy toward advancing a more vibrant and connected region,” said Ellen Gilligan, president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “Strong relationships strengthen community, and this effort will build the types of relationships that lead to collaborative action and positive change.”

The initiative works by individual hosts inviting a small group of people to a mealtime conversation taking place any time on Oct. 17 to discuss community issues that matter most to them. Anyone can register to host, and who they invite to their table of 8-12 is entirely up to them.

While conversation starters will be available, each table has complete discretion over the topics they choose to discuss. These conversations — over breakfast, lunch, dinner or anything in between — can take place nearly anywhere, including homes, restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, places of worship, places of business, community centers or parks. Hosts will determine the location and nature of the meal so that it works best for their small group. Participants will be encouraged to document their conversation, identify next steps and contribute feedback that may further communitywide goals.

GMF On the Table - 1 — (Left to Right) - Donald Masse (Trinity Fellow for Civic Engagement, Greater Milwaukee Foundation), JoAnne Anton (Board President, Rotary Club of Milwaukee; also with Herb Kohl Philanthropies), Mary McCormick (Executive Director, Rotary Club of Milwaukee), Ellen Gilligan (President, Greater Milwaukee Foundation), Janan Najeeb (President, Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition; Director, Islamic Resource Center), Marcus White (Vice President of Civic Engagement, Greater Milwaukee Foundation), Griselda Aldrete (President & CEO, Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee), Cecelia Gore (Executive Director, Brewers Community Foundation), Fred Royal (President, NAACP Milwaukee)

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation will help share knowledge, ideas and outcomes that surface through “On the Table.” In addition, social media users will be able to engage in the ongoing discussion by interacting with the #onthetableMKE hashtag.

Registration is now open for hosts at onthetableMKE.org, and a variety of host resources are available. Organizations can also learn how they may serve as “super hosts” by committing to convene three or more tables.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is already collaborating with partner foundations in Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties — the Greater Cedarburg Foundation, the West Bend Community Foundation and the Oconomowoc Area Foundation — to maximize the initiative’s reach.

For more information, email , Call 414-376-8253, or visit onthetableMKE.org.