"Your Voice Matters" - For the last 3 years, the Chicago Community Trust has hosted an annual forum designed to elevate civic conversation, foster new relationships and inspire action, called On The Table. Individuals and organizations sign up to host a conversation and a meal, and invite their friends and neighbors to participate in the dialogue. #OnTheTable2017

Shawn Casselberry, noted author & speaker, talks about white identity, white privilege, white supremacy and how it impacts us all. He is a passionate advocate for racial justice and is committed to creating inclusive community. His passion is mobilizing the church around issues of racial and economic justice. Shawn speaks and writes on topics of faith, race, justice and beloved community.

Nate talks with Paco Amador - a long-time resident and pastor in Chicago's Little Village community, and Mexican immigrant - about how the current conversation on immigration and new surge in deportations are affecting him and his community, and how we should humanize and build relationship with the 'other'.

Pastor Ira Acree joins Nate and Steve to speak about his recent letter to Donald Trump, the history of race relations in the US, and the challenges and opportunities he sees in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago's West side.

Jamie and Vale visit the office of MommyCon on the North Side to talk to Xza Higgins about how she defines feminism, women (not girls) in the workplace, and the very limited difference between "mom" and "dad".

Links:

MommyCon

Feminist, Inc. Etsy Shop

Reading recommendations:

Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel

Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso

Hillary Clinton’s Website

Carpe Ventus is a Chicago nonprofit that partners with local mentoring organizations to take at-risk youth off the grid onto the water. Kids take part in sailing, kiteboarding and windsurfing. Hear from board member Dr. Sunitha Chandy talk about the character building elements of risk taking, building bridges and adventure. And hear why she's so excited to be a part of Carpe Ventus.

Nate sits down with 'Doc' John Fuder to learn more about his training organization, Heart for the City, becoming students of our context, forming postures and practices of engaging our communities, and the ongoing Pray Chicago united prayer movement.

Joel Hamernick, the Executive Director of Sunshine Gospel Ministries, shares on the opportunities and challenges presented by operating a for-profit business as an extension of the community development which his team focuses on.

Jamie talks with Mel Gyimah about her experience as a Ghanaian-British transplant to the United States to learn more about how we can ask good questions, make fewer assumptions and seek to understand others. Check out Mel's recommended reading list

Love is Messy. It's a phrase that's often repeated...but how many of us actually live it? It's not an easy road to walk on.

It takes sacrifice, compromise and sometimes, discomfort. Listen today as we speak with Delia Ramirez, Deputy Director of the Community Renewal Society, about this messy love.