What is a LTR?

A Let's Talk Roundtable Overview for Organizers
Mission: To be the platform for impactful community discussions.
Vision: To unite diverse voices for positive change.
Become an Organizer

Purpose: Imagine a day filled with engaging speakers, thought-provoking conversations, and new connections. By organizing a Let’s Talk Roundtable (LTR) event, you can create a unique gathering in your community that will inspire and inform participants through diverse discussions on critical issues.

What is an LTR Event? An LTR event is a local gathering where live discussions, performances, and idea-sharing sessions are held to engage the community. These events are independently planned and coordinated, reflecting the unique characteristics and interests of the community. While each event is unique, all LTR events share common features:

Goals:

 

  1. Facilitate meaningful conversations on voting rights, community leadership, economic development, and social justice.
  2. Empower participants to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas.
  3. Develop actionable insights and strategies to address community concerns.
  4. Build a network of engaged citizens committed to positive change.
  5. Foster continuous dialogue and collaboration among participants, ensuring discussions lead to actionable solutions.
Learn More

Roundtables, Workshops, & Project Collaborations

Common Features of LTR Events

Inclusive Format:

  • Short, Prepared Talks: Events include carefully prepared talks, demonstrations, and performances that are idea-focused and cover a wide range of subjects to foster learning, inspiration, and wonder.
  • Diversity of Topics: Each event presents multiple issues and features a diversity of voices from various disciplines to ensure a rich and varied experience.

Community-Driven:

  • Volunteer Organizers: LTR events are organized by volunteers from the local community and maintain a neutral stance, free from commercial, religious, or political agendas. The goal is to spark conversation, connection, and community engagement.

 

NON STOP AND AROUND EVERY CORNER

What LTR Events Are

  • Platform for Diverse Voices: LTR events provide a platform for individuals who do not typically have one. This includes community members with unique perspectives and experiences, rather than professional or circuit speakers such as motivational speakers or life coaches.
 
  • Focus on Diversity in People and Topics: LTR events emphasize a broad range of subjects, ensuring discussions encompass various fields such as entrepreneurship, business, technology, and more. The diversity of topics and participants is central to the LTR ethos, fostering rich and inclusive dialogue.
 
  • Extended Engagment: LTR events offer an extended engagement process that progresses from local discussions to national advocacy. This includes “Lab Days” for deeper exploration and collaboration, culminating in Advocacy Week in Washington, DC, in September. This natural progression fosters sustained collaboration and impactful outcomes from local to national levels.

What LTR Events Are Not

  • Not Industry Conferences: LTR events are not focused on a single industry or used for marketing purposes.
 
  • Not Limited in Scope: They are not restricted to one topic or field and do not serve as a platform for selling products or services.
 
  • Non-Partisan: Events are not organized by or for special-interest political, religious, or commercial groups.
 
  • No Fundraising: LTR events cannot be used to raise money, even for charity.
Ways You LEVEL UP

Organizer Responsibilities

Planning and Preparation:

 

  • Identify Topics and Objectives: Choose relevant and engaging topics that resonate with the community.
  • Develop Agenda: Create a detailed agenda with clear discussion points and time allocations.
  • Select and Invite Participants: Ensure diverse representation and invite participants who can contribute meaningfully to the discussions.
  • Logistics and Materials: Arrange the venue or set up virtual platforms and prepare any necessary materials.

 

Facilitation:

 

  • Welcome and Introduction: Start by welcoming participants and introducing the topic and objectives of the event.
  • Maintain Inclusivity: Ensure a respectful environment where all participants can contribute.
  • Guide Discussions: Keep the conversation focused and on track, managing any conflicts or disruptions.
  • Summarize and Close: Conclude by summarizing key points and action items.

Follow-Up:

 

  • Share Summaries: Distribute meeting notes or summaries to participants.
  • Assign Responsibilities: Identify actionable items and assign follow-up tasks.
  • Maintain Communication: Keep in touch with participants to track progress and gather feedback.