Frequently Asked Questions for Everyone, for Guests, for Facilitators and for Hosts
Who should attend?
Anyone who is interested in exploring ideas about race and participating in thought provoking group discussion.
Where will the dinners be held?
This virtual event, involving 8 to 10 people in each virtual table or room, was held on the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday on January 18, 2021. After registering, participants are assigned a virtual table, balancing diversity at each table. Participants are asked to login to the Zoom link provided by 6:15 p.m. so we can have a prompt start at 6:30.
What are participants responsibilities?
Participants are assigned to a virtual table. The evening includes an icebreaker and discussions centered on questions that the participants select and provide a response. The questions focus on personal experiences, values, beliefs, fears, needs, and goals. Each participant will have several minutes to share thoughts and reactions, with limited inquiry from other participants
What should you bring?
An open mind and willingness to share personal experiences. Trained facilitators will lend structure to the evening and utilize established techniques designed to minimize debate and maximize understanding among people representing different backgrounds and cultures. The program design allows for an hour or more of discussion with a target completion time of 8:30 p.m.
Is there a fee to participate in the Dallas Dinner Table?
No, there is no charge to attend. All costs are covered by donations of hosts and sponsors, and the valuable time given by our all-volunteer Board of Directors, organizers, and trained Facilitators.
You may donate to the work of the Dallas Dinner Table here click here to donate. All donations are greatly appreciated and contribute to the improvement and expansion of our mission.
What time is the Dallas Dinner Table?
The Dallas Dinner Table begins promptly at 6:30 pm, though all Guests and Hosts are requested to login to the Zoom site by 6:15. Facilitators will join earlier. The event is designed to end at 8:30 pm on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, the third Monday of January each year. Please be on time. Remember, we have a limited number of seats. If you know in advance that you will not be able to attend, please contact us at info@dallasdinnertable.com so that we can make that seat available to someone else.
Will everyone who registers be invited to participate?
Participation will be limited by the number of hosts and the number of facilitators. We want to assure that each table has a diverse group of participants. People will generally be assigned to tables in the order that they registered, but subject to the need to balance participants at each table. Everyone will be notified the week before the event.
How do I sign-up?
To sign up, complete the registration information on the Register page of this website once registration has opened. Registration will close two weeks prior to the event or earlier if capacity is met.
For Guests:
Why do I have to provide personal information and what will you do with it?
To assure diversity at each table, we need certain information about each participant. The personal characteristics information is used only for that purpose and is not shared with anyone nor any other organizations. Your contact information is needed to ensure that we can communicate with you.
Since this is a virtual event, on Zoom, which is based on the Internet, how can I be sure my participation will be safe and secure?
The Dallas Dinner Table keeps our event, and your comments, safe and secure by requiring you to take the following steps when you register to participate.
- If you do not already have a Zoom account, with your own login name and password, you must go to Zoom.us and register. You will be required to provide an email account and create a password for yourself.
- You must use the same email address that you gave Zoom to register for the Dallas Dinner Table event. If you are using your Zoom login to your corporate Zoom account, please register using that email address.
The email address is your key to allowing you to participate on January 18th. To ensure your own safety and security, as well as the safety and security of others, no one at Dallas Dinner Table has the authority to override that requirement.
How should I dress?
Most of us have been living in a Zoom environment for almost a year. Always remember your video camera and sound may be on. Please behave, and dress, accordingly.
How will I know where to go?
You will receive an email communication providing you with the Zoom link for your entry to the event. You will also receive periodic reminders. Remember, when you login to Zoom, you may be required to enter your email address that you used to register for Zoom and for Dallas Dinner Table to enter the event.
Can a couple sign up together?
Yes. When registering as a Guest, you will be asked if you want to register a second person. If you select that option, you will be asked to provide details about the second person. Both you and that second person must share the same computer to enter the event. If you and your guest are in separate locations, and use different devices, you must register separately.
For Facilitators:
What does a Facilitator do?
Facilitators guide the conversation using proven techniques. Facilitators will be provided with guidelines and materials to use during the dinner, and they will be required to attend a training session in December or January.
Do Facilitators participate in the conversation?
Yes, but the primary role of the Facilitator is to follow the Dallas Dinner Table process and encourage the guests to share their own experiences, thoughts, and beliefs. They are not experts on the topics under discussion. Their primary focus is to encourage the open sharing of thoughts and feelings among the guests. Remember, this event is both for and about you.
For Hosts:
What is expected of a Host?
For the past 20 years, the Dallas Dinner Table has depended on the generosity of hosts to provide dinner to the guests. In 2021, because of the pandemic, that has changed. You may sponsor a virtual table, or several tables, by your donation to the Dallas Dinner Table. You may go to this link, click here to donate to make your donation to defray the costs of this virtual experience. There are no other expectations, than to attend, listen, and share at your designated virtual table.