Kitchen Table Conversations

Central to our work together as a community on this Comprehensive Plan is that we need to hear the voices of all people who have a stake in our village. In order to achieve that level of listening, we need to create as many and as many types of ways to listen to each other as possible, and these Kitchen Table Conversations are just another way to talk about our future together in a structured way that is useful to the Committee’s learning.

What is a Kitchen Table Conversation? How will the information be used?

Kitchen Table Conversations (KTCs) are one option in a series of tools designed by the Civic Engagement Subcommittee to provide opportunities for the community participation. The aim of kitchen table conversations is to hold dialogues across Village and Town neighborhoods in an informal setting. Information collected from these conversations will be summarized across all KTCs and shared with the Comprehensive Plan committee. Results will also guide selection of topics for Community Meetings with subcommittees, slated for October.

How does a Kitchen Table Conversation work?

A Kitchen Table Conversation can take place in someone’s home, a local cafe, or in a business setting. About 20 KTCs will be held in the coming weeks to provide friends and neighbors, whether homeowners, renters, business owners or workers, with an opportunity to participate in the comprehensive plan. Neighborhood hosts will guide 8 to 10 participants in a discussion of topics related to the Village future during a 60 to 90 minute gathering. Hosts will be given a KTC Kit that has everything needed to conduct the conversation, including the questions for discussion and guidance on facilitating and recording responses.

What is the timetable for conducting KTCs?

KTCs may be completed anytime between now and Mid-October. Training and KTC Kits for hosting will be available for hosts.

If you’re interested in HOSTING or ATTENDING a Kitchen Table Conversation, email us at ourthrivingfuture@villageofrhinebeckny.gov with KTC in the subject line and someone from the team will reach out to support you getting involved.

Questions?

Comprehensive Plan Committee Members

Matt Johnston, Chair

Elijah Bender

Deirdre Burns

Rachel Cavell

John Clarke

Jeff Cotter

Shea Dean

Tim Decker

Lisa Fountain

Ernesto Martynek

Eleanor Pupko

Steve Rosenberg

Louis Turpin