OUR STORY
Community begins
with conversation.
Town Talks Live! is a welcoming St. Louis forum for people who want to listen, learn, and connect across differences.
Our mission is connecting community and conversation. Through civil discourse, we aim to reduce contempt and misinformation and strengthen the relationships at the heart of a healthy democracy.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Joan VonDras
Joan is a 30-year veteran of education in the St. Louis area. She taught elementary and gifted education in Parkway and Clayton, and literature and writing at UMSL and Webster University. She also taught in a master’s program in education at National Louis University in South County.
Her professional focus has been the power of talk in transforming communities. Town Talks Live! brings her classroom and staff-development experience into the community, creating opportunities for people to hear one another and practice civil discourse.
“Civil discourse begins with me.” — Joan VonDras
30 years
in education.
A lifetime of listening, learning, and helping people find their voice.
HOW WE SHOW UP
Curiosity. Kindness. Connection.
People first.
Every person brings a story. We begin by making room for it.
Across differences.
We welcome political viewpoints and backgrounds across the community.
Conversation with care.
We listen fully, ask thoughtful questions, and treat one another with respect.
Finding Common Ground
Coming together in Common Cause
For policy of the Common Good
ABC’s of Ballot Initiatives
- Agency — Does this ballot measure strengthen or weaken my agency or representation?
- Benefit — Who does this ballot measure benefit?
- Common Good — Does this ballot measure help the common good?
Norms for Civil Discourse
A Return to Civil Discourse: Community Norms for Conversation
- Come with an open mind and an open heart.
- Listen fully to understand.
- Ask curious questions to fill your gap in knowledge.
- Look for common ground.
- Participate in the group dynamic.
- Be kind.
LET’S GATHER. LET’S TALK. LET’S ACT.
The next conversation starts with you.
Bring a question, a story, or simply your curiosity. There’s a place for you here.
St. Louis roots. Room for every perspective.