WHAT IT IS
Conversations on a Bench is a storytelling initiative designed to rehumanize the homeless by inviting everyday people to sit down and hear stories that often go unheard. Each bench placed across North America acts as a platform for raw, authentic conversation, a symbol of empathy, dignity, and the power of being seen. This movement partners with rescue missions and ministries, churches, and community organizations to spark change through shared humanity and international awareness. Together, we are shifting the narrative around homelessness one conversation at a time.
WHY IT MATTERS
Too often, people experiencing homelessness feel ignored, misunderstood, or blamed. Join 100 missions and ministries: sit on a bench, listen, and break cycles of brokenness. Each conversation plants seeds of hope and sparks lasting change. These benches offer a safe space to witness transformation, push for systemic change, and show Christ’s love to those on the margins.
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If no, please specify the event coordinator's info below.
EVENT TYPE
Conversations on a Bench is yours to make your own! Host it as an awareness and community-engagement event, a fundraising opportunity, or both.
If you choose to fundraise, we ask for a 2% give-back to Citygate Network to help support the technology, resources, national visibility, and coordination that make this shared initiative possible.
We’re also tracking fundraising participation so we can celebrate our collective impact, learn what’s working, and continue growing Conversations on a Bench together.
PARTICIPATION COMMITMENTWe’re excited to have you join Conversations on a Bench! By registering, you agree to the following commitments that help us create a strong, unified experience across participating ministries:
National Feed AlignmentWe’ll make every effort to join key moments in the national broadcast:
> October 8 | 2:45 p.m. ET – National Launch & Prayer> October 8 | 11:00 p.m. ET – CEO-to-CEO Conversation> October 9 | 1:30 p.m. ET – CEO-to-CEO Conversation> October 9 | 2:45 p.m. ET – National Closing & Prayer
Brand & MessagingI agree to follow the Conversations on a Bench style guide, use the official logo and provided resources, and communicate a hope-filled, dignity-centered message. I will also use provided talking points when engaging with media.
Technical ReadinessI agree to participate in the required tech check and livestream coordination call prior to the event, share our livestream links, and confirm our technical readiness with the Citygate Network team.
FundraisingIf our ministry chooses to fundraise through Conversations on a Bench, I agree to contribute 2% of funds raised to Citygate Network to help support and grow the initiative.
By registering, I confirm that our ministry understands and agrees to these participation commitments.
Have questions about registration? Contact us at [email protected] or (719) 266-8300.
Cancellation Policy: We understand that plans can change. Cancellations made up to four weeks before the event will incur a 30% fee. After that, no refunds will be issued, except in cases of family emergencies. If you need to change or cancel your registration, or if you have questions about the event, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call (719) 266-8300.
