A Call to Conversation

Call to Conversation is a signature Wake Forest program created to spark more meaningful conversation. This coast-to-coast movement to promote genuine dialogue garnered national attention for its focus on building relationships and stronger community.

From Call to Conversation’s introduction in 2017 until the program concluded its nationwide efforts in 2021, C2C facilitated 826 authentic and thought-provoking conversations among 5,092 participants in 190 cities.

Face-to-face engagement remains a cornerstone of the Wake Forest experience. It defines the culture of our campus, the path to knowledge in our classrooms, the teacher-student exchange during faculty office hours and the Pro Humanitate mission of our University.

We invite you to embrace the spirit of Call to Conversation and discover the value of meaningful, face-to-face engagement.

Classic

The traditional version of a Call to Conversation is a seated dinner in a private home, club or other venue chosen by the host. The hosting individual or couple agree to cover the cost of food, beverages and other event-related expenses. Wake Forest sends a moderator to staff the dinner, and manages the guest list and registration.

Campus

Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in C2Cs on and near campus. Campus Call to Conversation dinners are hosted and moderated by faculty, staff and administrators, and take place in venues around campus and in private homes located nearby. The campus C2C team manages the guest list and registration.

Casual

This less formal version of a Call to Conversation takes place in a restaurant, neighborhood bar, park or other public place, and attendees purchase their own food and beverages. In lieu of a host or moderator, a Wake Forester who lives in the area agrees to serve as the Conversation Leader. That individual chooses and reserves the venue and guides the conversation, and Wake Forest covers the cost of his or her food and drink. Wake Forest manages the guest list and registration and partners with the Conversation Leader on event logistics.

Virtual

This online version of a Call to Conversation facilitates “virtual” face-to-face engagement through remote video conferencing. Developed in response to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, a Virtual C2C employs free, user-friendly Zoom technology to bring Wake Foresters together from their computers or mobile devices anywhere in the world. An alumnus or parent volunteers to serve as Conversation Leader, and Wake Forest manages the guest list and registration. Digital resources are available for the Virtual C2C Conversation Leader.

Community

Call to Conversation is a great way to build relationships in your neighborhood, family, club, school group, business or spiritual organization. To help you facilitate a C2C in your community, download our digital Conversation Leader Guide, Discussion Guide and suggested C2C Topics and Prompts.