Here’s a (small) look at what everyone talked about at On The Table Philly

This past Tuesday was the first On The Table Philly event for the city, with 107 local organizations hosting their own tables for conversations around various issues affecting Philadelphian life.

But table-hosting wasn’t just limited to orgs — individuals could host their own chats, too. All in all, more than 300 table discussions took place all over Philly.

TY to the @OnTheTablePHL partners who hosted over 300 tables all over #Philly! Excited to share insights w/ #KnightCities. #LetsTalkPhilly pic.twitter.com/wBo1RN5Lix

— Patrick Morgan (@PMorganPHL) May 24, 2017

There were a good number of mission-minded orgs that got in on the conversations, such as Fairmount Ventures which hosted a table to talk about how nonprofits could do better to gain and retain talent.

Thanks to all who joined us for #onthetablephl tonight. Great ideas for strengthening nonprofit workplace culture. #LetsTalkPhilly pic.twitter.com/FWO9P8Fm5V

— Fairmount Ventures (@FairmountV) May 23, 2017

Even the Philly-based coffee company Saxbys got people together to talk about ways to get involved in social impact.

We're hosting an @OnTheTablePHL event at our HQ today to discuss social impact in the city. #onthetablephl #letstalkphilly pic.twitter.com/DBU8KAUk69

— Saxbys (@Saxbys) May 23, 2017

Local economy — and ways to improve it — was also a prevalent topic throughout, as with the tables hosted by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

#LetsTalkPhilly about the future: shared economy, millennials' choices, transportation + technology @OnTheTablePHL @knightfdn @PhilaFound pic.twitter.com/lmqgQDfLZO

— DVRPC (@DVRPC) May 23, 2017

This reporter thought it was cool to see some big names in local news media stepping up to talk about what we can all do better as storytellers.

NBC10 is hosting an @OnTheTablePHL convo and different opinions are being voiced about the Philadelphia Sugary Drink Tax #LetsTalkPhilly pic.twitter.com/q6thZZfxHR

— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) May 23, 2017

https://twitter.com/kimfox/status/867003259973775361

As a part of #LetsTalkPhilly, Philadelphia residents are in the newsroom today sharing their thoughts on the state of news and the city. pic.twitter.com/BeaP0RyIt6

— Philadelphia Inquirer Politics (@PoliticsINQ) May 23, 2017

But if there was a common thread to these 300-some discussions, it was the shared goal of helping Philadelphians achieve equity — and how that goal can be addressed by shining a light on the more systemic issues our city faces.

"If we don't accept that not everyone starts at the same point, we can't help these vulnerable populations." #letstalkphilly #phillyroadmap pic.twitter.com/Mjs1hLWfvW

— The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (@ChamberPHL) May 23, 2017

Preparing our youth for self sustaining wages requires self sustaining skills. #LetsTalkPhilly about starting the career pipeline earlier. pic.twitter.com/79JWpjquFG

— The Philadelphia Youth Network (@PYNinc) May 23, 2017

"They expect Black girls to lash out, so I feel pressured to be resilient, to not fit the stereotype." #LetsTalkPhilly pic.twitter.com/Md3xLncXBa

— The Evoluer House (@EvoluerHouse) May 24, 2017

We're talking citizenship and civic engagement as part of @OnTheTablePHL #letstalkphilly pic.twitter.com/Ytn3tutUcV

— The Welcoming Center (@welcomingcenter) May 23, 2017

Two On the @OnTheTablePHL focused on improving economics. Topics: own our own business, need for worker advocates, and a universal income. pic.twitter.com/d4rEK6IJk7

— Arlene Edmonds (@AEWriter) May 24, 2017

On the Table Philly offered the realization that, yes, days like these can really spur necessary conversations, but they can’t stop here — hopefully, these talks on how to better our communities will continue.

#LetsTalkPhilly takeaway: It's not what we can do more of but rather what are barriers w/i the systems that anchor disparities & inequities

— Michelle Huttenhoff (@MHuttenhoff) May 23, 2017