Red Bench Dialogue Event

October 28, 2025 | ACC rio grande campus, BUILDING 3000, RM 3340 Center for Government and Civic Service | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Teaching and Learning Excellence Division’s Service-Learning Program, in collaboration with Interfaith Action of Central Texas and the ACC Office of Belonging and Purpose, invites you to an on-campus conversation event on the topic, "Joy." Austin Community College (ACC) employees, students, employers, and the community are invited to attend this free in-person event. Registration is required.

join us IN-PERSON

RSVP HERE!

RSVP Form Coming Soon!

All ACC students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend. RSVP required.

directions:

About the Rio Grande Campus

Rio Grande Campus Map

1212 Rio Grande Street
Austin, Texas 78701
512-223-3000

VOLUNTEER!

We need volunteers to help set up and take down the event--are you available?

Volunteer Form Coming Soon!

LEARN more about our Partner:

"Experiencing a discussion and listening event that allows everyone to grow was such a great time." - Anonymous spring 2023 student participant

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER AND TOPIC:

ACC's Teaching and Learning Excellence Division (TLED) and Office of Belonging and Purpose work to transform the College and community for greater inclusion, belonging and success for all persons. For this special evening, they will join with Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) to host community table conversations on the topic of "joy."

After a light meal at small tables, iACT experts and our Social Psychology student hosts will guide us to practice listening and speaking in ways that encourage mutual understanding. Our conversations are genuinely respectful, safe, and courageous. Individual participants are invited to share their personal experiences and listen with their hearts!

Community and civic dialogue events and workshops invite a variety of perspectives and opinions while encouraging a respectful interchange of ideas. Participation in community engagement opportunities is voluntary, and students who participate may opt not to share religious, political, or other affiliations with organizers or other participants. The views, opinions, and causes expressed and supported by event participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of ACC or its related affiliates.

about THE RED BENCH...

What is the Red Bench?

Interfaith Action of Central Texas describes the Red Bench as "an ongoing dialogue program designed to address one of the most pressing needs of our time: improving interfaith understanding and civil discourse in our society. Each conversation is centered on moderated small group discussions that are genuinely respectful and safe. No one has to be an expert. Individual participants are invited to share from their personal experiences and listen with their hearts. The format is structured and allows each individual to be heard. Each table is 'hosted' by one or two table hosts," which will be our very own ACC Social Psychology students!

What should I expect at the Red Bench event?

The Red Bench is a table conversation, not a debate. You can expect to share your own experiences and listen to the experiences of others. Upon arrival, you may join a table of 6-10 people for a light buffet-style dinner from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m., with music from our ACC Student String Quartet. Vegetarian and gluten-free meal options are provided. We encourage you to sit with people you don't know! Then, our speaker will briefly frame the topic of conversation for the evening. Our partner, Interfaith Action of Central Texas, will provide instructions for the structured conversation, and trained ACC students will host the conversation at each table. The conversation will last one hour, from around 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., and then each table will have the opportunity to share highlights with the larger group. We will adjourn at 8:30 p.m.

Why should I participate?

In past years, 100% of respondents felt highly or extremely welcomed at the event and would recommend it to a friend or colleague. Here's what students were saying:

"I absolutely loved how kind everyone was, even when a conversation took a difficult turn. People still tried their best to give other people their attention and empathy; something I wish we had a lot more of in everyday conversations and interactions."

"The structure, collaborative nature, and encouragement to engage at your own comfort level. Also the food and string quartet!"

"I loved being able to connect with strangers in a way that I would never have done outside of the event."

A Zero-Waste Event

We are proud to announce that the Red Bench is a zero-waste event, which means that more than 90% of the waste is kept out of the landfill. We need your help to achieve this goal and ensure that all waste is sorted correctly. If you have any questions, there will be Green Team members in attendance who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.