Some 12,000 people are expected to participate in community conversations as part of the “On the Table” program in four different central Kentucky counties. The Blue Grass Community Foundation coordinates the Knight Foundation funded dialogue.
Community Engagement Director Laurie Preston says previous conversations have resulted in policy decisions. “In Clark County, it has affected mostly along the idea of the schools, school violence, bullying. There were then grants made last year that helped with school security and building programs,” said Preston.
This year’s theme, “Fostering Belonging.” In Fayette County, $25,000 in one to $2000 quick start grants will be distributed.
Groups of eight to ten people gathered around tables in Lexington, Wilmore, Frankfort, Winchester, and Woodford County. “It’s not just what you say. Your voice matters, of course. But what you do matters more. How can, we as a community, create ideas and an action list to move forward,” explained Preston.
The central Kentucky program is one of ten nationally modeled after an “On the Table” format in Chicago.
