Macon Magazine

A er the enormous challenges of 2020, you could forgive Central Georgia residents for looking forward with trepidation. Instead, they are moving forward with courage and hope. In fact, findings from the 2020 On The Table Macon study indicate that many Central Georgia residents still embrace the region they call home. The Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCG) recently released a report detailing key findings from a survey of participants in the 2020 On The Table Macon conversations — an initiative funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and CFCG aimed at bringing together people of different backgrounds to have meaningful discussions about important topics related to our community. The report, prepared by Dr. David Biek, dean of Middle Georgia State University's School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, LOCAL BUZZ 2020 On The Table Macon results indicate a hopeful community compiled data from On The Table Macon participants who completed the post- conversation survey. The findings included an overview of the key issues discussed and how participants plan to take action moving forward. It revealed a rather optimistic populace: 80 percent of participants felt hopeful about the future of their community, and 79 percent of respondents felt their community is the "perfect place" for people like them. Even more encouraging, 92 percent of respondents indicated they are likely to act regarding a new idea, concern or issue discussed in their conversation. "People are interested in learning about the pressing needs of the community," said Kathryn Dennis, CFCG president. "But most importantly, they want to be involved with making the community a better place for us all." The report also revealed the priority issues that residents feel need addressing across the region, with "poverty, economic security and upward economic mobility" topping the list. "Good-paying jobs and economic development" came in second, while "crime, violence and public safety" was third. The remaining highest-needs issues were race relations and racial discrimination, housing issues, and hunger and food insecurity. Residents also lauded areas of the community that have improved during the past year, citing "public parks, trails and green spaces" as most improved. Second on the list was K-12 education, followed by private sector leadership. "In times like these, conversations have the power to build bridges and connections in community," said Lynn Murphey, Macon program director for the Knight Foundation. "On The Table brings people together for timely discussions about how to move our city forward, catalyze change and build new relationships — something we need now, more than ever." To view the complete report and explore an interactive dashboard of 2020 On The Table Macon survey responses, visit onthetablemacon.com/impact. — MORGAN LEE 'IN TIMES LIKE THESE, CONVERSATIONS HAVE THE POWER TO BUILD BRIDGES AND CONNECTIONS IN COMMUNITY.' - LYNN MURPHEY 26 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2021

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