Frequently Asked Questions What Does Common Tables Do?
Common Tables brings people with different religious, spiritual, cultural or philosophical beliefs together in a relaxed social setting to learn about each other and get to know one another. How Does a “Table” Work?
When you join Common Tables, the Common Tables team will assign you to a diverse group of other members in your general geographic location. This group, which we call a “Table”, will consist of four to eight individuals. The exact number will depend on the ratio of paired members to individual members at your specific Table.
Over a six-month period, your Table will meet at least four times – usually for dinner and usually in a Table member’s home. (Each member is provided with a detailed manual containing time-tested suggestions covering the details of running your Table.)
What Happens After Six Months?
After your initial Table has met four times over a six month-period, the Common Tables team will, at your option, assign you to a new Table.
What types of memberships do you offer?
Common Tables offers two types of memberships – an individual membership, where one person participates in a Table, or membership as a “pair”, where two people (best friends, partners, spouses, etc), participate in a Table. What are The Membership Fees?
The cost of membership is $35 per membership (paired or individual) per year. If you wish to continue to a new Table after your first six months, your membership fee includes that second Table.
How Does Common Tables Support its Members?
Once you have signed up as a Member, the Common Tables team will assign you to the first available table in your geographic area. We will let you know who your fellow Table members are, where they live, and how you can contact each other.
To help you to get the most out of your Common Tables experience, we will provide you with:
• The “Prohibitions and Preferences Form”. This form is used by Table members to share any relevant dietary restrictions and/or preferences.
• “Common Tables Fast Start: A New Member’s Guide”. A four page guide filled with organizational tips, hints and ideas to insure that your new Table gets off to the best possible start
• “Preparing to Meet “The Others”. Contains some basic guidelines and suggestions as you prepare for your first Common Tables gathering.
• “Conversation: The Main Course”. A guide for those who are concerned that their Table might not have enough to talk about. Here are all of the ideas you could possibly need to keep the conversation flowing. Includes the article, “Listening: The Language of Peace”.
What Are the Rules for Common Tables Members?
We have only one rule: Respect and honor the beliefs and traditions of others in your group.
Members approach their Tables with open hearts and a spirit of curiosity. They agree to avoid judgment, evangelizing, or attempting to convert others. Common Tables is about learning to appreciate our differences and while we focus on the fundamental similarities which are shared by all people.
Common Tables has been called “the simple grass-roots path to global harmony”. At the foundational level, our members need only remember to relax and have fun together. How Do I Get Started?
If you have additional questions please call us at (303) 690-3900 or email us at: info@commontables.org Common Tables – Honoring differences… celebrating common ground
