‘On the Table’ will build connections in the region

Beyond the thousands of people breaking bread together on the same day, the true scope of “On the Table,” an initiative of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, will be felt in the individual and collective action that rises from this unprecedented community conversation.

Building on what we love about this community, our discussions will explore how we each have a role in making the region as strong and as vibrant as possible.

With more than 5,000 people and counting expected to gather for mealtime conversations on Oct. 17, vast engagement — across age, race, neighborhoods, counties, professional and civic sectors — will bridge conventional divides to awaken dialogue on topics critical for our future and faithful to the diverse interests in our region.

It is not too late to join the movement. Registration to be a table host continues at onthetableMKE.org, where you can find an open table for individual participation.

Many in our community are seizing this opportunity to inject new perspectives into the public discourse on issues that have long affected quality of life in greater Milwaukee and have led to people being left out or left behind — issues of segregation and racism; of poverty and health disparities; of access to quality housing, education and employment.

“On the Table” inspires a readiness to act on these issues because the community is choosing its priorities, and the opportunity to contribute extends to everyone. The creative and ambitious tables being formed hold the potential to spark new ideas for the benefit of our region and people.

Among those capturing the spirit of innovation:

■ The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is forming multiple, diverse tables for conversations around multiple topics, ranging from “fostering racial relationships to strengthen communities and schools” to “digital red-lining.”

■ The Milwaukee Bucks are teaming up with America SCORES Milwaukee to discuss leveraging sports to help children in Milwaukee’s most impoverished communities.

■ Calvary Presbyterian Church is hosting a conversation centered on housing and inviting organizations serving the homeless as well as those in the community who have received public housing, all to inform public policy.

■ Corporations such as GE Healthcare and Rockwell Automation are bringing together employees and a range of community leaders to discuss building a more diverse talent pipeline and fostering greater community and economic vitality.

■ Aurora Health Care is collaborating with One MKE to unite the community around a variety of issues including health care, education and employment.

■ The Oconomowoc Area Foundation will lead tables in the morning and evening welcoming residents across the community to help shape the future of Lake Country.

■ Hispanic Collaborative Network will facilitate discussions on immigration, undocumented family issues, education and healthcare.

Urban Ecology Center and Interfaith Earth Network are partnering to explore the moral and spiritual case for countering the planetary harm of modern lifestyles of convenience.

These are among many leading organizations getting involved, and that’s before considering the caring people far and wide who are inviting others into their homes or local establishments to host conversations of their own. In addition, hundreds of individuals will have the opportunity to meet new people, form relationships and discuss their ideas through largescale “On the Table” events spearheaded by NEWaukee, Marcus Corp. and others.

For some, “On the Table” will be an entry point for becoming more involved in the community. For others, it will be a catalyst to accelerate action on the most pressing issues of our generation. Its beauty is that it can be both. It’s accessible and adaptable. It is vast, yet intimate. Most importantly, it belongs to you. Your voice. Your bold ideas. They matter, and on Oct. 17, they will make all the difference.