About and FAQs
About
Honest, personal engagement has always been at the heart of the Wake Forest experience. When we openly share ideas and listen to one another, we see each other as human beings rather than as stances or opinions.
Call to Conversation is a program that facilitates intimate conversation. A C2C usually takes place over dinner and is led by a moderator or conversation leader.
When Wake Forest introduced a Call to Conversation to a national audience in 2018, the response was enthusiastic and overwhelming. So far, thousands of Wake Forest alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff have gathered around the table for this meaningful experience.
Genuine conversation is a gift everyone should enjoy, and we offer a variety of ways to participate.
How it works
Before attending a C2C, you will receive the topic as well as a discussion prompt that will get the conversation started. As the C2C begins, participants break the ice by going around the table and sharing their name and connection to Wake Forest. The moderator or conversation leader then guides participants through the conversation, which follows a three-part model:
1. Reveal: One-by-one, participants share a story in response to the discussion prompt.
2. Connect: The moderator or conversation leader invites the group to connect themes from each other’s examples:
What similarities did you notice?
What are you surprised wasn’t mentioned?
What questions came to mind as you listened?
3. Empower: A real sense of connection develops, and the moderator or conversation leader asks: What will you take away from this conversation and what will you do with it?
The evening closes with a group photo, which will be shared with participants via email. Everyone is encouraged to exchange contact information to continue building the relationships they started.
FAQs
A national movement with one goal – to spark more meaningful conversations. The immediate impact of a Call to Conversation will be new relationships and a stronger community. Long-term, a culture of conversation will be a recognized signature of the Wake Forest experience.
There will be an opening discussion prompt that leads to a free-flowing conversation on a predetermined topic. Expect to listen and participate fully as people share stories and ideas related to the topic.
It is essential that the group be small enough for everyone to sit in the same space, see and hear each other, and participate in a single conversation.
Yes, we would love to have you host or lead your own Call to Conversation!
To help you facilitate a C2C in your community, download our digital Conversation Leader Guide, Discussion Guide and suggested C2C Topics and Prompts.