COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Shaping Stronger, More Connected Communities

Community Conversations was launched with great success in six communities last year – and we're bringing it back in 2026!

Help us explore the role of community through the humanities to build stronger and more resilient communities.

Our communities are evolving.

What do we mean by “our community”? Is it where we live? The people with whom we spend time?

A lot of us find community at work or through hobbies.

How do we stay connected to where we live and the people who live there?

Community Conversations

COME CURIOUS, LEAVE CONNECTED

The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) and New Hampshire Humanities (NHH) invite all Granite Staters to come together and explore the changing nature of communities and the role of community centers in strengthening New Hampshire’s towns and cities.

Community Conversations

These facilitated conversations are a unique opportunity to voice your ideas, learn about your neighbors, and think about new ways to connect in community.

Your ideas will help develop a community-building project that enables people to come together and to each other and to the place they call home.

Community Conversations

WHAT TO EXPECT

Interactive Conversations

Join facilitated discussions designed to include all voices and explore complex ideas together.

Interesting People

Connect with others who are curious about community and want to get to know you.

Connections & Civic Engagement

Share perspectives, strengthen community ties, and contribute ideas about a community-building experience.

Creative Reflection

Artist Marek Bennett will use his signature style to record the main themes of each conversation.

How do we shape stronger, more connected communities? Come to a "Community Conversation" near you!

Help us explore the role of community through the humanities to build stronger and more resilient communities. Community Conversations was launched with great success in six communities last year – and we are bringing it back in 2026!

NH-based cartoonist, musician, and educator Marek Bennett will live-draw at these six New Hampshire locations as neighbors and strangers gather for wide-ranging conversations about the big ideas that shape our lives. Learn more at www.MarekBennett.com.

BRADFORD

Tuesday, June 23, 6:30 pm
Bradford Center Meetinghouse, 24 Rowe Mountain Road
Facilitator: Simohamed Defaa

KENSINGTON

Saturday, June 27, 10:30 am
Kensington Congregational Church, 108 Amesbury Road
Facilitator: Kiki Berk

KEENE

Saturday, August 22, 10:00 am
Keene Public Library, 60 Winter Street
Facilitator: Courtney Marshall

SWANZEY

Saturday, August 29, 10:00 am
Pilgrim Pines Camp and Retreat Center, 220 West Shore Road
Facilitator: Simohamed Defaa

BRISTOL

September 12, 1:00 pm
Tapply-Thompson Community Center, 30 North Main Street
Facilitators: Maria Sanders & Joshua Tepley

PITTSFIELD

September 16
Graylag Nature Preserve, 320 Clough Road
Facilitator: Joshua Teply

Last year we hosted events in these locations

NH Map

Be part of something bigger!

Share your ideas and collaborate to make positive change.

BE PREPARED: FOOD FOR THOUGHT

FUNDING FOR ACTION: COMMUNITY RESPONSE PROJECTS

Each host community will receive grant funding to bring the ideas and themes from these conversations to life through community-led projects launching later this year. Your attendance helps shape the ideas for a project.

These initiatives will strengthen local connections, foster civic participation, and create meaningful opportunities for engagement.

Projects may include, but not be limited to, shared reading experiences, community storytelling, collaborative performances, welcoming initiatives for newcomers, or facilitated discussions. What do you imagine?

FUNDING FOR ACTION: COMMUNITY RESPONSE PROJECTS

Spread the Word

Share this page with friends, family, and colleagues in your community. We want to make sure that every voice is heard and look forward to seeing you there!