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Together We DineTM

Network with a diverse group of community members at our Together We Dine events. Share a lunch or dinner meal with total strangers or with co-workers as you engage in authentic and safe conversations on a variety of topics that help you tell your lived experiences, while you listen to the stories of your fellow diners.

About the Program

Together We Dine was created in 2017 in partnership with the Dallas Bar Association after the ambush of 5 police officers from the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Department. The program helped bring community voices together to discuss race relations and relations with law enforcement to begin efforts of community healing and unity. What started with one founding partner organization and five community conversations events has grown to over 50 partnering organizations hosting over 90 Together We Dine events in 2024. 

Through our Together We Dine program, Project Unity creates space for people of different backgrounds to convene over a meal and have authentic and safe conversations on varying topics. These types of gatherings don’t happen every day and can be uncomfortable for us all. Conversations are based on important matters that can easily divide a community or our country. But through the power of conversations we believe that mutual understanding can take place and empathy and appreciation for one another can be achieved. 

About the Program

2024 Participant Survey Says
Together We Dine provides an effective and proven format for individuals to have courageous conversations on a variety of subject matter. We are proud to be in on-going partnerships with several organizations for more than 4 years. This longevity shows the commitment of our partners to fostering cultural awareness and space where employees feel a sense of belonging which contributes to the overall corporate bottom line. An excerpt of data gathered from our 2024 Together We Dine surveys demonstrates our impact:

2024 Participant Survey Insights

  • 98% agree or strongly agree that the conversation format provided a confidential environment to listen to others and share one’s own experiences.

  • 89% agree or strongly agree that they gained a new or different perspective on matters such as race, perceptions, equality, biases, social injustice, and cultural differences.

  • 93% agree or strongly agree that they can better respect and appreciate the experiences of others when reflecting on their own personal journey after participating in the Dine.

  • 91% agree or strongly agree that they would be willing to participate in another Dine event hosted either by Project Unity in a monthly format or by their own organization.


2024 Facts & Figures

  • 93 Dines completed (virtual and in-person)

  • 3,195 people participated in a Dine

  • 811 individual facilitator roles filled

  • 1,653 volunteer hours served

  • 55 facilitator volunteers on roster — located in Waco, Houston, Atlanta, Boston, Skokie, and Omaha

  • Traveled to: Oakland, Austin (2x), San Antonio (2x), Houston (2x), Washington, D.C., Midland, and Waco

About the Program

Conversation topics can be customized to fit your organization’s needs. Example topics include, but are not limited to: 

  • Political Civility 
  • Multi-Generational Workforce  
  • Race Relations 
  • Community and Belonging 

You can join a monthly community Together We Dine event as an individual or schedule a private event for your company or organization. Participants will share their lived experiences, cultural perspectives and personal beliefs. The time will be well spent. The stories shared will soothe the soul.  

Following an introduction of fellowship, Project Unity facilitators lead interactive and structured small group discussions between participants. It is our hope that through Together We Dine participants find that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.  

To learn how your organization can host a community or private event, click here to contact us.

Trusted Program Partners
Program Stats

Why Work With Us

2024 Impact

93

Dines Events Hosted

3425

Together We Dine Participants

1,661

Volunteer Facilitator Hours

7

Countries Represented

Highlights From Previous Dines

A Look Back at Impactful Together We Dine Events

Together We Dine | Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum 1:53

Together We Dine | La Frontera: The Border Exhibit
4:13

Together We Dine | In Partnership with Big D Reads: The Accommodation
1:40

Thank you to our Facilitators

Together We Dine is a special experience because of our dedicated volunteers who serve as facilitators. Thank you to our 50+ facilitators who volunteer their time and energy multiple times a week to help navigate the impactful conversations of those who participate virtually and in-person. You are our “secret sauce”!

What Our Attendees Are Saying

Personal experiences that highlight the impact of meaningful conversations

The most impactful thought that I had from this program and experience is that I am not forced to think about my race on a daily basis, but many other people are.

I was reminded of how valuable it is to hear the perspectives and experiences of others, and that there is value in sharing about my own experience. I really appreciate this opportunity.

I loved the small group dynamic, hearing personal stories from each participant and understanding that we all have more in common than we think if we just take the time to listen.

I learned that we all make internal assumptions about people when we meet them on the surface level. But most of the time, these can be incorrect assumptions. This opportunity allowed me to hear what others had to say and it really helped me get to know them and learn that there is so much more to them.

Answers to Your Most Important Questions

Insight Into Hosting
and Participating

What is Together We Dine, and how does it work?

Together We Dine is a program designed to foster authentic and meaningful conversations about race relations and other community issues. Participants share a meal while engaging in structured, non-confrontational dialogue led by a trained facilitator. The discussion is guided by thought-provoking questions that encourage open sharing and mutual understanding.

How can my organization get involved with Together We Dine?

Organizations can partner with us to host internal dines for their teams or sponsor community-wide events. We provide trained facilitators, discussion materials, and logistical support to ensure a seamless and impactful experience. Contact us to explore hosting or partnership opportunities tailored to your organization’s needs.

What are the benefits of participating in Together We Dine?

Together We Dine creates a safe space for open dialogue, helping to build stronger relationships, improve cultural understanding, and foster unity within organizations and communities. It’s an opportunity to engage your team in meaningful conversations, enhance employee connections, and inspire collective action for positive change.

Who facilitates Together We Dine discussions?

Together We Dine discussions are led by trained facilitators from Project Unity. These facilitators are experienced in guiding non-confrontational, structured dialogue, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for participants. Their role is to ask thought-provoking questions, encourage open sharing, and help participants navigate complex topics with empathy and understanding.