Kitchen Table Conversations (KTC) are informal gatherings where community members discuss important issues in a relaxed setting, fostering the sharing of ideas and concerns for Grey's future. By hosting or joining these conversations, you contribute to a grassroots initiative to identify community needs and priorities, helping select a candidate who authentically represents Grey.
We encourage you to host a Kitchen Table Conversation. It's simple and impactful. Gather a few friends, neighbours, or family members, and have an open discussion about the topics that are important to you. Your insights will help us select a candidate who truly represents Grey.
Step 1: Day & Time
Pick your date & time and location.
Choose a venue that you feel comfortable with, many KTC's are held in peoples homes (hence Kitchen Table) but KTC's can be held anywhere, think, park, cafe, pub, sporting club or community space. Some guests might prefer a little privacy from the general public so just keep that in mind. The front bar of the local pub at 5pm on a Friday might not be the best option.
Think about your guest list and invite away. Remember you will never find a time that suits everyone and a KTC can be just as successful with just a few guests so we recommend, finding a time and sticking with it.
Step 2: Register
Please register your intention to host a KTC by filling in this short form.
We wont promote or share your event with anyone, its just for our records.
Step 3: Prepare
KTC's are not meant to be stressful or highly polished events. They are meant to be fun, informative, casual and thought provoking. In saying that, a little preparation can make your event run a lot smoother and help keep the conversations on track.
We've developed a short Run Sheet which you may find useful. Check it out here
We also have an attendance list which you are welcome to use here, but if printing is too much effort, just make sure to get everyone's details are written down.
Whilst not essential, think about snacks & refreshments.
We recommend nominating someone as a scribe to take some basic notes during the conversations, it can be a good idea to ask someone in advance.
Step 4: Host your event
Remember to have fun!
Set the tone with your guests, make sure everyone is comfortable and knows the ground rules:
- Everyone is entitled to have their say
- We will actively listen to each other
- We respect people’s right to have their opinions, even if we disagree
- We will respond to the question being asked (to keep the conversations on track)
Its important to keep your conversations on track. It can be really easy for the group to get caught on one item or issue and dive into how to resolve the issue. Whilst you dont want to come across as bossy or cut people off, you might need to gently move things along. Use the Run Sheet to help with this!
Make sure the scribe is writing notes, its very easy to get caught up in the amazing conversations but you will defiantly need some notes to report back.
Discuss the opportunity for your guests to hold their own Kitchen Table Conversation and offer to support them through the process and encourage them to reach out to us for more information.
Make sure all of your guests have individually completed our Survey
Step 5: Report
Complete the Kitchen Table Conversation feedback form. Try and do this as soon as possible to make sure all the conversations are fresh in your mind. If you forget something you would like to add, email the team or feel free to complete the form again.
Follow up with your guests, especially those that would like to host their own KTC.
Remember you can host multiple KTC's and even with the same guests. Politics and issues are always changing so hosting another KTC in a few months can be a great way to keep people engaged with what were doing and