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Leading on Opportunity conversation on immigration, migration and home

Leading on Opportunity will host this year’s On the Table CLT, a community-wide civic engagement initiative that convenes thousands of Charlotte residents in conversations on important community issues.
The initiative, supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, will bring Mecklenburg County residents together for mealtime conversations throughout the day on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, to discuss ways to make our community more connected, dynamic and opportunity-rich.
Leading on Opportunity’s On the Table CLT conversations are part of a national initiative funded by Knight Foundation.
Knight Foundation believes that successful communities are equitable, inclusive and participatory. On the Table CLT puts this belief into action, said Charles Thomas, Knight Foundation program director in Charlotte. 
We are excited to partner with Leading on Opportunity to bring this important initiative to life for the third year. On the Table CLT continues to provide a simple and accessible opportunity for citizens to engage in discussions and action that propels Charlotte forward.
The theme encourages discussions around immigration and migration and what it means to feel at home in Charlotte.  On the Table is designed to expand community engagement, encourage participants to share their perspectives and inspire local action.
“We are very excited to host and facilitate this year’s On the Table CLT. It is extremely important for residents of varied backgrounds to convene and build community, sharing their perspectives and recognizing commonalities,” said Leading on Opportunity Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Cooper-Lewter
As charged in the Leading on Opportunity Charlotte-Mecklenburg Task Force Report, Leading on Opportunity takes a systemic approach to support the community in implementing the report recommendations and strategies creating pathways of opportunity so every child, youth and family in Charlotte-Mecklenburg can rise, regardless of ethnicity, gender, economic or educational background. 
With an estimated metropolitan population of 2.5 million people, Charlotte-Mecklenburg is home to more than 14% foreign-born residents. 
The series enables Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents to connect more intentionally with friends, neighbors and networks through in-depth discussions that help make our community stronger. 
“On The Table CLT brings our opportunity movement directly to our diverse community to capture immediate feedback that can be used to inform systems change that increases opportunity for all,” Cooper-Lewter said.
If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV, WAXN-TV, Telemundo Charlotte, public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.