Some folks like to spend their time with people who look and think the same way they do. Those people need not apply.

For those who want to talk over community challenges with a diverse crowd, here’s your chance.

The Colorado Springs Diversity Forum is reviving its Food for Thought program that brings together diverse groups of people for fellowship and discussion.

People clamored for the dialogue after the Diversity Forum assembled community roundtables several months ago to discuss problems facing particular minority groups.

“The goal of that was to discuss the unique issues facing each community, but the result was that the people wanted to dialogue with other communities,” said Forum board member Jeanne Cotter. “Which is great.”

The original Food for Thought series ran from 1992 until 2002.

This go-round will begin as a pilot program, as the Forum seeks to form three discussion groups of 10 people, and then convene each group four times during the course of two months for dinner and conversation. After that, leaders will assess the ground rules and the demand for the program.

The Forum is asking people to apply for spots at the table so they can create a lively mix of backgrounds and political views in each group, Cotter said. Facilitators who worked on the Dream City: Vision 2020 project will help moderate the conversations.

Applications are due by April 5. Apply at cospdiversityforum.org, or call Jeanne Cotter, who also works as spokeswoman for the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, at 667-3730.

Read about the national award that recently went to the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum, here.

Michelle Dosdall Photo by