As simple as sitting down.
Real people. Real tables.
Every guy who shows up has a different reason. Here's what a few of them have said about why they kept coming back.
From one dinner to a movement.
A few years back, a couple in Gunnison, Colorado figured something out: men are suffering from the social isolation epidemic, and most of them don't do anything about it. Therapy isn't for everyone. The bar wasn't cutting it. But a free meal and honest company? That's different.
One dinner turned into a network of communities. What started as neighbors sharing food has grown into a network of volunteer-led tables built on one idea: the simplest way to be less alone is to sit down together over a good meal and honest conversation. Dude Talk Dinners does exactly that, with no barriers to entry, so that all men are included.
Asked & Answered.
About the Dude Talk Dinners ExperienceClick to expandClick to collapse
Who shows up? Is it for guys like me?
Ranchers, teachers, retirees, executives, contractors, college students, veterans, fathers, grandfathers. Everyone from "I'm dragged here by my brother-in-law" to "I haven't missed one in two years." All ages 18+, all backgrounds, all welcome.
Do I need to register or RSVP?
No. Just show up.
Do I have to talk? I'm not really a talker.
Nope. Plenty of dudes come and mostly listen. The only ask is that you let other guys say what they need to say without interrupting or trying to fix them. Listening is contributing.
Is this religious? A support group? Therapy?
None of the above. We intentionally do not talk about religion and politics. It's a free meal and an honest conversation among neighbors, facilitated by a trained volunteer who keeps things moving. That's it.
Is it really free? What's the catch?
Really free, no catch. Restaurants donate food, volunteers donate time, and donors chip in for what's left. If you want to support it after a dinner or two, great. If you don't, also great.
What if I'm in crisis right now?
We're a peer community and not a substitute for professional help. If your life or someone else's is in immediate danger, please call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or 911. Our aim is to put a seat at the table within reach of every dude possible. We are here for the long haul and will be at the next Dinner to welcome you!
About the Dude Talk Dinners OrganizationClick to expandClick to collapse
Is my donation tax deductible?
Dude Talk Dinners, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We email you a receipt for every donation you make. Consult with your tax advisor regarding your individual situation.
Where does my donation actually go?
Donations keep every dinner free: food when a restaurant can't donate it or when a facility cannot donate it, facilitator training and materials, and the costs of opening new Communities. As a rough guide, about $20 puts a meal in front of one more dude.
Who runs Dude Talk Dinners?
Dude Talk Dinners began with one table in Gunnison, Colorado and has quickly grown to serve men across the country. We strive to keep our administrative staff as lean as practicable, and every dinner is run by local volunteer facilitators with support from our Dude Central team.
How are facilitators trained?
Every Dude Talk Dinners facilitator has access to a variety of training, from best-practices guides for keeping dinners welcoming, honest, and open to guidance on helping to attract donors of food and space. We hold monthly Leadership Meetings which all can access, sharing success and challenges, garnering advice on how to improve all aspects of the experience. Dude Central is building an online resource library covering everything from a how-to guide down to a repository of dinner topics to introduce.
How do you know it's working?
We track more than attendance. Attendees can take short, optional surveys built on recognized research tools like the UCLA Loneliness Scale, so we can honestly report what changes for the men who keep coming back, not just how many show up.
How can my restaurant or business get involved?
We would love to talk! Restaurants can donate meals and space. Hotels and event centers often donate space. Local businesses and organizations donate meals directly and through cash donations. Please do reach out to us and find out how you can help sponsor communities or events. Email admin@dudetalkdinners.org or use the contact form on the website.
Press & media.
We've been lucky to have great storytellers help us tell the story. Here's where you've heard us lately.
“In rural Colorado, some men are taking their troubles and putting them on the table.”
Read the full story