Commonwealth Club: Dinner and Dialogue Series: What Happened to the American Dream?

Join us for an intimate evening of dinner and conversation as we explore what has happened to the American Dream.  For generations, the American Dream represented a promise of opportunity: work hard, and you can achieve economic stability and upward mobility. Yet for many today, that promise feels uncertain—or fundamentally changed. What has shifted, and how do different generations understand opportunity, success and security today?  As part of the Creating Citizens Intergenerational Dialogue Program, this gathering brings together people across generations and backgrounds to share stories, perspectives and lived experiences through thoughtful, semi-structured conversation.  Dinner is fully provided. To cover program operating costs, and keep the experience intentional, there will be a small participation fee. If cost is a barrier, please don’t hesitate to reach out to nezzeddine@commonwealthclub.org. What to Expect • Complimentary dinner in a welcoming setting • Small intergenerational discussion groups • Guided question cards to spark conversation • Space to listen, reflect, and share your perspective • Opportunities to connect with new people and leave with fresh insights About Dinner and Dialogue Dinner and Dialogue is an intergenerational community dinner series exploring the social and political issues shaping our lives. The series is hosted by Creating Citizens, the civic education initiative of Commonwealth Club World Affairs. We believe the dinners are valuable experiences in and of themselves—opportunities to meet new people, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections. Participants are encouraged to continue the conversations and relationships beyond the dinner table. Throughout the series, we will also gather reflections and insights from participants through post-event feedback forms. These ideas will help shape an “Unfiltered Conversation,” a culminating public event hosted by Commonwealth Club World Affairs that brings together leading experts on the topic for a nuanced and honest discussion informed by perspectives shared across the series. FAQ Is dinner really free? Yes. Dinner is fully provided for all attendees, so you will not need to pay anything at the restaurant. Who is this event for? Anyone interested in thoughtful conversation across generations and perspectives. What does the conversation format look like? Participants will be placed in small dinner groups and guided through semi-structured discussion using curated question cards. Do I need any background knowledge or expertise? No. This event is centered on lived experience, curiosity and respectful conversation. Will I be expected to speak? Participation is encouraged, but there is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with. Listening is equally valuable. Does the theme change each month? Dinner and Dialogue follows a seasonal theme format. From June through November, events explore a shared central topic through different conversations and perspectives. A new theme is introduced from January through May. How large is the event? Space is intentionally limited to create a more intimate and meaningful experience. Each dinner will have around 20 guests.