Talk is fun. Talk is happening. And talk is cheap free!

“Our community loves these Conversation Projects. After each one, participants ask me when the next one is scheduled. The topics are pertinent and I think people in our community are always looking for opportunities to connect with each other and discuss important issues.”

—Lane County host organization

Since 2009, more than 290 public conversations have taken place in more than 140 communities across the state. Oregonians have talked about science and democracy, rethinking downtowns, censorship in literature, racial diversity in Oregon, jazz and community building, and friendship, among many other topics.

Now is the time for your Oregon nonprofit to join the conversation! Through September 30, request free Conversation Project programs from Oregon Humanities and get your community talking about ideas that matter.

Conversation Project programs last sixty to ninety minutes, and are designed to improve understanding of diverse perspectives on a given subject. All discussions are lead by humanities experts who have been trained as conversation facilitators, connect the subject to participants’ experiences and to the local community, and model critical thinking without advocating a particular political agenda. Conversation Project programs can be hosted as stand-alone events, parts of a series, or as supplements to a nonprofit’s regular programming. Oregon Humanities funds conversation leaders’ honoraria, mileage, and meals. Nonprofit hosts manage program logistics (i.e. space, A/V, advertising) and cover lodging expenses in cases when conversation leaders travel long distances.

Themed series and programs offered in Spanish are available. To see the full catalog of Conversation Project programs, watch video introductions to programs, and download an application, please visit oregonhumanities.org.

For questions or more information, please contact Program Coordinator Annie Kaffen by phone at (503) 241-0543 or (800) 735-0543, ext. 116 or via email at a.kaffen@oregonhumanities.org.

“The conversation leader was very approachable and made the atmosphere easy to encourage open conversation. She has a good deal of information, but made each aspect relevant to the area and the participants.”

—Malheur County host organization