Community Connection
Creating opportunities for strangers to engage in meaningful face-to-face conversations that build understanding and relationships
Hello Bench Project
Facilitates face-to-face conversations between strangers using question mark-shaped benches in public spaces
Primary audience
General public
Work area
Community building
Topic
Civic engagement
About Organization
Hello Bench Project brings communities together through conversation by placing turquoise question mark-shaped benches in public spaces like libraries, museums, parks, and corporate campuses. Based in Denver, CO, the benches feature conversation-starting questions such as "What makes you feel most alive?" to encourage meaningful interactions between strangers. Each bench comes with a launch kit and is part of a national challenge to promote community engagement.
What They Focus On
Public Space Activation
Transforming libraries, museums, parks, and other community spaces into interactive venues for social engagement
Cross-Difference Dialogue
Encouraging people from different backgrounds to discover commonalities and learn from each other through conversation