On the Table in the DMV (Washington DC, Maryland, & Virginia): Coming Together While Physically Apart
The year 2020 was arguably one of the most unprecedented years in recent history with a global pandemic that killed millions, alongside a long overdue racial reckoning. During this unique moment, The Greater Washington Community Foundation and American University in Washington D.C. were planning a community initiative to bring people together. The initiative, On The Table, is a nationally replicated civic engagement model designed to incite local connections that facilitate community action over mealtime conversations. The case describes how the partnership evolves and has to pivot in the face of COVID-19 and highlights the challenges of implementing a previously planned in-person event into a virtual setting. The case allows discussion of diverse issues related to equity, partnerships, marketing, impact evaluation, approaches to community engagement, and the role of universities in local community development. The case provides an engaging way to apply business concepts so that everyone may have a seat at the table.
After completing this case, students should be able to:
1. Describe the rationale and process underlying the development and implementation of a partnership and social initiative designed to support the local community;
2. Discuss strategies and tactics to include equity considerations in a social initiative; and
3. Identify metrics linked to organizational and program objectives to evaluate social impact to discuss how different stakeholders may measure impact