Red Bench Dialogue Event

October 27, 2026 | ACC Rio Grande Campus, Center for Government and Civic Service (Building 3000, Room 3340) | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

ACC's Service-Learning Program and Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, in collaboration with Interfaith Action of Central Texas, invite you to an on-campus conversation event on the topic, "Integrity." Austin Community College (ACC) employees, students, employers, and the community are invited to attend this free in-person event. Thank you to the Center for Government and Civic Service and School of Humanities and Communications for helping sponsor the event! Registration is required.

Join Us In-Person

RSVP Here!

Coming soon for fall!

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 partner and topic:

Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) cultivates peace and respect through interfaith dialogue, service and celebration. ACC's Service-Learning Program integrates community engagement opportunities into course curricula in ways that serve the partner's mission and students' academic and career objectives. The Center for Peace & Conflict Studies at ACC is dedicated to advancing the understanding of peace, justice, and conflict within both the college and Austin communities. And the Center for Government and Civic Service trains students to be impactful civic leaders and partners with civic organizations. For this special evening, they will join together to host community table conversations on the topic of "Integrity."

How do we develop integrity and show it in our relationships with others? In what areas do we have personal responsibility and accountability, to our selves and in our community? When should we adhere to inner principles, and when should we be flexible and adaptable in our beliefs and actions? Having integrity requires us to be honest and consistent, and we will explore this while listening to one another with empathy, patience, and understanding.

After a light meal at small tables, iACT experts and trained ACC 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 with the help of the Office of Energy and Sustainability. If you have any questions, there will be Green Team members in attendance who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Participating ACC Departments and Programs

American Sign Language Interpreter Training Department
Center for Government and Civic Service
Composition & Literacy Studies Department
Center for Peace and Conflict Studies
School of Humanities and Communications

Music Department
Office of Energy and Sustainability

Philosophy, Religion, and Humanities Department
Psychology Department
Division of Professional and Technical Communication

Photos From Past Events

Page updated

Report abuse