Conversation Café 
Because when you put strangers, caffeine and ideas in the same room, brilliant things can happen. For that very reason, the British Parliament banned coffeehouses in the 1700s as hotbeds of sedition. Might we brew up a similar social liveliness now? With democracy, critical thinking and "the ties that bind" all under siege, this may be the most radical cup of coffee you ever drink.
At Conversation Cafés, we will learn together how to create a culture of conversation-which is a culture of intelligence, peace, and political awareness. We are the media. We are the talk shows. We are America, waking up and tuning in.
| What's Happens at a Café? I'm sitting next to Jerry Garcia at the Grateful Bread. Okay, I'm actually sitting next to a life-size painting of Jerry nailed to a chair back-so, like everyone else in the café, I am technically alone. Typical, isn't it, in our disconnected world? Ten tables seating four to six. Ten people. And just one person per table. But tonight is different. It's Thursday evening, Conversation Café time. I'm ready for some BIG talk. More... |
How a Café Works... In neighborhoods all over Seattle, throughout the country and throughout the world, conversation among strangers is catching on. The conversations are all about big issues and deep questions. What it means to be an American. where can I make a difference in the world. how can we come together in peace. what am I learning in the post-September 11th world. I am strangely and strongly attracted to Conversation Cafés. Why? What is it that holds my attention and calls others to participate on rainy, dark Seattle nights? What makes this confab so different from the conversations at work, at parties and with family members? More... |
| Hosts...helping Folks Talk and Listen Hosts welcome and orient people to the Conversation Café process. A good host is a cross between a flight attendant, a coach, a mother, an old philosopher and an innocent child. Hosting is as simple as following instructions on a cake mix and as complex as making all guests comfortable at a dinner party. Hosts are NOT therapists, NOT shining examples, and NOT impartial facilitators. They are simply the steady, welcoming presence that allows a great conversation to happen. More... |
A Café Owner's Experience with CCs... In Pegasus Coffee House, on the first floor of a small two-story ivy-covered historical brick building a short block from the marina on Bainbridge Island, Hazel Van Evera and her staff have created a cozy and intimate setting, and everyone gets a warm reception when they walk through the door. Pegasus is home for a number of groups who have met regularly for years in early morning, lunch or afternoon klatches, and serves an eclectic and loyal group of local patrons. They serve espresso and coffee drinks (shade grown, organic and fairly traded); an impressive variety of aromatic teas; heavenly baked goods and desserts; and unbelievable soups, sandwiches, salads and specials for lunch. More... |
| Talk to Strangers? Yes, it's easy at Conversation Cafés. You don't have to be 'in the know.' You don't have to read a book. You don't have to join an organization. You don't even have to think up a good opening line. Skilled hosts lead you through a simple process that helps you shift from small talk to BIG talk and discover the magic of great conversation. No committees will be formed. More... |
Tips for Talking to Strangers... You don't want to just dive into talking to strangers. You're out of practice. You need to build up those curiosity and bravery muscles. You need to thicken your skin in case they snub you. You need to plan a few exit strategies in case of social suffocation. Sure, when you were a kid you talked to strangers all the time. But you were trained out of it. So here's a five-step 'Talking to Strangers' training program. Tailor it to your needs. More... |