COFFEE & SMALL TALKS

Small groups.
Big connection.

A cup of coffee. A shared story. A chance to understand someone a little better. Our small talks make community conversation feel personal and approachable.

Joan VonDras and a guest sitting at a table with microphones for a Town Talks Live conversation.

A CONVERSATION THAT FITS YOUR COMMUNITY

Your place. Your people. Your talk.

The original Small Talks idea is simple: help groups meet regularly, ask thoughtful questions, find common ground, and learn to disagree with respect.

Coffee talks

Gather in an independent café or meet online. Bring your favorite drink and a question worth sharing.

Neighbor & family talks

Start at the dinner table, on the patio, or with neighbors on your street. Connection begins close to home.

Community & campus talks

Bring a small-talk group to a library, campus, club, or community space. Shape it around the people you serve.

ROOM FOR EVERY PERSPECTIVE

A few shared agreements.

Listen to understand.

Give someone the space to finish. Ask about the experience behind a view.

Speak from experience.

Share your own story. Make room for stories that are different from yours.

Make room for each other.

Share the speaking time, ask curious questions, and disagree with care.

YOU CAN HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN

Host a conversation
where you belong.

Each group can choose its name, meeting place, and rhythm. Coffee Talks, Campus Talks, Neighbor Talks, Happy Hour Talks—make it your own. Joan can help you get started.

“Civil discourse
begins with me.”

A small commitment. A meaningful place to begin.

LET’S GATHER. LET’S TALK. LET’S ACT.

The next conversation starts with you.

Bring a question, a story, or simply your curiosity. There’s a place for you here.

St. Louis roots. Room for every perspective.