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Café Society

Café Society is a series of conversations where families, friends, neighbors, and citizens come together to discuss current events and other important political and social issues. By engaging in the meaningful exchange of ideas and perspectives, these conversations enliven the core of democracy and empower the public.


Through discussion, we seek to foster a robust civil society, cohesiveCafé Society discussion at Ron's Barber ShopCafé Society discussion at Ron's Barber Shop interactive communities, and a critical examination of our media. We invite people to engage one another in discussion from all points of view, dig deeper into a given subject, and help create a stronger democratic society.

People are talking...

Talking about Media & Democracy at the DIY Café Society launch partyTalking about Media & Democracy at the DIY Café Society launch party"Café Society provides the space for issues to be hammered out, debated, and discussed. It helps people to develop their critical thinking skills and encourages them to delve deeper." – Elce Redmond, community organizer

"The topic engendered interest and a lot of discussion. It was inevitably punctuated by much laughter." Nillofur Zobairi, Café Society facilitator in Carbondale, Illinois on the topic: "What a Hoot: The Politics of Making Them Laugh."

"It’s critically important that not only friends but strangers talk to each other about social issues. A cornerstone of any kind of deliberative democracy is talking to strangers and doing a lot of it." Barbara Ransby, historian and author of Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement.


How can you be a part of Café Society?

Join the Conversation!

Attend one of the regularly-hosted Café Society discussions held every week at the following locations and times:

 1st Thursdays

  • 7-8 p.m., Valois, 1518 E 53rd St, Chicago
  • 7:30-8:30 p.m., Panera Bread, 1126 E Walnut St, Carbondale

2nd Fridays

  • 5-6 p.m., Ron's Barber Shop, 6058 W North Ave, Chicago  

3rd Wednesdays

  • 1-2 p.m., Chicago Cultural Center's Randolph Street Café, 77 E Randolph St, Chicago

4th Mondays

  • 7:30-8:30 p.m., Intelligentsia Coffee, 3123 N Broadway St, Chicago

Do It Yourself!

Are you looking to become more involved in your community? Do you want to share this style of discussion with your friends? Are there no current Café Society conversations near you? Then create your own Café Society! It’s free. Anyone can host their own discussion. Just follow these simple steps:

You can also:

  • View photos from the DIY Café Society toolkit launch party!
  • Check out this featured DIY site here in Chicago:

Odyssey Project Café Society
Every month on the 2nd Wednesday
6 PM - 7 PM at International House (1414 E. 59th St., Tiffin Room, Chicago).
For topic information, please email Amy Thomas Elder, Director of The Odyssey Project at amy@prairie.org or check out their blog.

Call us at 312.422.5580, visit us on Facebook, or drop us a line with any questions, comments, or to just let us know how you're bringing discussion and democracy to your 'hood.