Deliberate Discourse is a dinner series that brings friends, neighbors, and colleagues together around the table for an intentional conversation about things that matter.
From race and identity, to economic disparity and gender dynamics in the workplace – we invite guests into a guided experience that allows for deeper exploration of topics that are often challenging. We believe that face-to-face dialog is a simple and powerful way to increase understanding, grow empathy, tackle unconscious bias and discover new possibilities of how we engage together.
We welcome you to the table.
What people are saying about the experience…
Profound. Where Change Happens.
I had an amazing time last night. Energizing. The biggest take away for me was to never underestimate the power of small exchanges. It’s often in those simple moments when we’re being our most authentic human selves that are bias are shown, and if we're open and willing in that moment to be uncomfortable and explore those biases this is when profound change can happen. That moment is the sweet spot.
- Amy. San Francisco, CA
Eye-Opening.
I attended a dinner on the topic of gender. I learned a lot of things I don’t usually see in the workplace and in my everyday life... what was shared helped opened my eyes to gender inequality and perceptions. Lots to keep thinking about – thank you.
- Martin. Chicago, IL.
Remains With You
I attended my first dinner in 2015, Years later, I am struck by how often I think back to the conversations that were shared around my table. Today, I find myself being more intentional about the diversity and representation in the films and advertisements that I produce.
– David. Los Angeles, CA.
Surprisingly Powerful
When I arrived at the venue I was feeling a variety of mixed emotions (sadness, frustration, hope, a bit of anger, desiring to be engaged). As the evening and conversation unfolded, the depth of the discourse impressed me. I left the gathering feeling truly inspired (as I had hoped)… This experience is surprisingly powerful.
- Michael. Oakland, CA.
A Reminder to Speak Up
Tonight was a reminder that I can speak up for yourself and others. It’s not perfect, but it helps!
Shifted My Perspective
I don’t think I had fully internalized the fact that we are still living in a Jim Crow era until this dinner. Hearing the experiences of people who don’t share my white privilege motivated me to step off the sidelines, and stop serving as a bystander (or unwitting participant) to racist behavior and attitudes. It’s not comfortable to interrupt or challenge my white peers - there’s a heavy social penalty for challenging the words spoken in closed company. But I was challenged to get over my discomfort - there is more at stake here than my feelings.
- Monique. Los Angeles, CA.
One of A Kind.
In a world where we too often ask ‘How are you?’ and then move on before hearing the answer, this experience stops you in your tracks and invites you to engage with your fellow guests as humans. It shouldn’t be a one of a kind experience, but it is, I hope you get to experience the magic yourself.
- Erin. San Diego, CA.
Amazingly Well Curated. Impactful.
This dinner impressed upon me the need to invest in people who don’t look or act like me, and then staff them for success! I can use my position and privilege for good. I will wear my identity proudly; I don’t know everything about everyone – this was the nudge I needed to get to know people better! Thank you.
- Andrew, Boston, MA.
Space to Speak, Listen.
I’m so glad that I decided to push through being uncomfortable and challenge myself. Thank you all for creating a safe environment where I felt like I could speak my truth and not feel like a whining victim. I left that space feeling a little less overwhelmed by the everyday harsh realities that come with living in black skin.
- Lynette. Oakland, CA
More Than I Expected.
I found myself particularly struck by the level of authenticity and vulnerability exhibited by everyone at the table.
It’s as if Fay put truth serum in the water! Disarming. Enjoyable. More than I expected.
- Patti. Newark, NJ.
What Society Needs
The Deliberate Discourse event that my partner and I attended allowed us space to discuss our perspectives on a critical but often contentious issues with a broader group. Our group had a variety of opinions, but still made a real effort to listen to one another. It’s what society needs more of –
- Nate. Washington, DC.
Left with New Tools
It can be awkward with someone is showing bias or racism, but tonight I watched people ask questions. Be curious. See if you can draw out why they feel this way. It was disarming and powerful. Grateful to have been reminded of the powerful tool of curiosity.
- Johann. Dallas, TX
Deeply Moving.
That was one of the most meaningful, deep and connected experiences I have had since starting at Facebook. Thank you.
- Mana. Menlo Park, CA.
Our Offering
Deliberate Discourse is an anti-bias and depolarization experience, rooted in the cognitive science of behavior change, that guides participants through conversations about race, gender, identity and being an active participate in systems change. Designed to foster connection, encourage vulnerability, deepen understanding and promote personal transformation–this professionally facilitated experience lays the groundwork for a deeper conversation about organizational change and creating environments of belonging.
Companies including Google, Facebook, and Boston Consulting Group have leveraged Deliberate Discourse as part of their diversity, inclusion, and team building initiatives.
Since 2014, we have facilitated events in 20 cities across the United States for over 5,000 participants:
100% of participants would recommend the experience to a colleague
97% of surveyed attendees found the dinner meaningful
97% said the experience exceeded their expectations.
Historically held as large, family-style dinners, our team has adapted this in-person experience into a digital offering for companies and organizations looking to foster dialogue around race/racism in this important moment in history.
Digital Deliberate Discourse
Gather your community online for a guided, two-hour conversation about race and identity. This professionally facilitated group experience builds understanding and empathy by leading participants through a set of reflections on race/racism.
Modified from our popular in-person experience, this offering is capped at 60 participants per gathering.
Expert Panel with Q&A
Invite your community to a panel discussion with two Black-identifying people and our lead facilitator who identifies as white. Discuss belonging in the workplace, being an engaged ally, and how to respectfully engage people of color on your teams as you work to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Have your team submit questions in advance and engage in an active conversation.
Contact us to discuss engaging your team.
Previous Dinners
Oakland, CA – January 2015
San Francisco, CA – January 2015
San Jose, CA – February 2015
Portland, OR – February 2015
Washington, DC – March 2015
Los Angeles, CA – April 2015
New York, NY – April 2015
Seattle, WA – April 2015
Chicago, IL – May 2015
Baltimore, MD – March 2016
Oakland, CA – April 2016
Washington, DC – May 2016
San Francisco, CA – June 2017
Oakland, CA – July 2017
San Francisco, CA – January 2018
San Francisco, CA – May 2018
New York, NY – October 2018
Los Angeles, CA – November 2018
San Francisco, CA – November 2018
Dallas, TX – January 2019
Newark, NJ – February 2019
Miami, FL – February 2019
Atlanta, GA – March 2019
Seattle, WA – May 2019
San Francisco - May 2019
San Francisco, CA - June 2019
Mountain View, CA - June 2019
Boston, MA – July 2019
Boston, MA – July 2019
Los Altos, CA – July 2019
Menlo Park, CA - August 2019
Chicago, IL – October 2019
Washington, DC – October 2019
Philidelphia, PA – October 2019
San Carlos, CA – January 2020
Online - june 2020
