Community Conversations

Click on the image above to view the 2024 Community Conversations Catalogue.

Community Conversations

Exploring ideas through conversation with others is an important way for people to think about the relationship between what they believe and how they act in the world. 

A Community Conversation encourages people to listen respectfully to different viewpoints and engage with issues that affect our communities. Unlike a lecture-style program (see our Speakers program), a Community Conversation involves the active participation of all audience members throughout the program. Guided by a trained conversation leader, participants explore why they think what they do, share stories with one another, build trust, and find common ground.  

How it Works

Delaware Humanities trains conversation leaders to facilitate 90-minute conversations on specific topics. Organizations then request to host these conversations with support from Delaware Humanities. 

The host organization pays a fee (discounted for non-profits) to Delaware Humanities. Delaware Humanities covers the conversation leader’s honorarium and mileage to the host site (if applicable). 

How to Apply to Host a Conversation

First, an interested host organization should contact the conversation leader for their chosen conversation topic directly to arrange a time and format that works for the conversation leader’s schedule. Then, after contacting the conversation leader, the host organization should apply for the conversation through Delaware Humanities.  

Follow the detailed steps below to apply: 

How to Make a Request

After Your Event 

Log in to your Foundant account and complete your Program Coordinator evaluation online. 

Return audience evaluations within one week to the Delaware Humanities office. 

After Your Request & Before Your Event
After Your Event

Log in to your Foundant account and complete your Program Coordinator evaluation online. 

Return audience evaluations within one week to the Delaware Humanities office. 

Current Conversation Leaders

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of organizations can apply? 

How many people can participate in these community conversations? 

Who can participate in these conversations?  

Can I record this conversation?  

What if my organization would like to host a Community Conversation virtually, but doesn’t have a virtual platform to host?  

Can I charge a fee for attendees? 

Additional Resources

Creating an Account on Foundant – PDF and Video Instructions

Follow-up Forms on Foundant – PDF and Video Instructions (Note: the video shows Grant follow up forms, however the process for accessing and submitting your follow forms is the same)