FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The New Café Society

Conversation is the natural way humans think together and learn from each other. Yet these days we rarely have time to sit together and talk. We dash to and fro, multi-task to the max and make hurried decisions instead of thoughtful ones. The TV blares, cell phones ring and meaningful face to face conversation is being crowded out of the center of our lives. By creating conditions that encourage the true spirit of conversations we rediscover the joy of thinking together.

In this spirit comes the Conversation Café. These are hosted drop-in conversations in coffee shops, restaurants, libraries, community centers, and other public gathering places. The purpose is to invite people into open, public conversation that inspires lively discussion. There is no charge and everyone is invited. Celebrating the Conversation Café's one year anniversary is Conversation Week, March 9-15 and is a great time to join the café society.

There are a minimum of rules, so few that they fit on a folding business card. The host creates a shift from the beginning introductions and small talk to a meaningful conversation about the topic du jour. The process invites participation from everyone and welcomes diverse contributions. The host picks the topic which could be anything from a local issue to the situation in Iraq. These conversations inspire connection to others in our community, discovery and democracy.

Sponsored by the New Road Map Foundation, Conversation Cafés started in Seattle as a response to the need for people to talk about personal impact from the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Conversation Cafés have spread from Seattle across the country with over 50 groups in the US and Canada.

Vicki Robin is the founder of the Conversation Cafe and author of "Your Money or Your Life" a best selling guide to living better by spending less. "Conversation with a diverse group of people is as American as apple pie", states Robin. "One of the glories of freedom in America is that anyone who wants to can gather with others and talk about local or national issues. But how many of us use that freedom? Conversation Cafés are designed to make such gatherings easier and richer. You just have to show up and be yourself."

Conversation Week begins March 9th, and participating Conversation Cafés will all be discussing the same three questions:
"Most people struggling with their everyday lives seem to have little time or energy to really participate in democracy. If we find a way to slow down a little, what changes in the world seem possible?"

"Has a conversation ever changed the way you feel about the world?"

"Has a conversation ever changed the way you live or caused you to do something new?"

If you'd like to find a group in your area or would like to start one, go to www.conversationcafe.org for more information. The Conversation Café web site provides a "starter kit" and encouragement to anyone who wishes that such a thing existed in their own home town. Talk may be cheap, but meaningful conversation converts small talk to big pleasure.

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For more information contact:

Kate Kaemerle
EnTech Public Relations
[email protected]
310.594.1722 phone

Leslie Schneider
Coordinator, Conversation Cafés
[email protected]
206.783.1306 phone

Vicki Robin
New Road Map Foundation
[email protected]