Austin Community College District (ACC), in collaboration with Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), invites you to an on-campus conversation event on the topic Weaving and Building Relationships. The event will take place at the ACC Rio Grande Campus on Tuesday, March 31.

All ACC employees, students, and the community are invited to attend this free in-person event. Dinner will be provided. Registration is required.

The Red Bench: Weaving and Building Relationships

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: ACC Rio Grande Campus, Center for Government and Civic Service (Building 3000, Room 3340)
RSVP Here

For this special evening, ACC will join with iACT to host community table conversations on the topic of weaving and building relationships.

What to Expect

  • A light meal will be provided at the start of the program.
  • iACT experts and ACC Social Psychology student hosts will guide participants through structured dialogue designed to strengthen listening and speaking skills that foster mutual understanding.
  • The theme of weaving and building relationships will be explored through personal narratives and shared experiences.
  • Participants will be encouraged to engage with each other and listen with empathy, patience, and intentional understanding.
  • Conversations are designed to be respectful, safe, and courageous spaces for dialogue.
  • Attendees are invited to share their stories and listen with open hearts.

Participation is voluntary, and individuals are welcome to engage at their own comfort level. Views and opinions expressed by participants do not necessarily reflect those of ACC or its affiliates. 

About the Red Bench

The Red Bench is an ongoing dialogue program designed to improve interfaith understanding and civil discourse in our society. Each conversation brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds for structured small-group discussions in a welcoming and respectful space. The conversations encourage participants to share personal experiences, listen actively, and engage with differing perspectives in a meaningful way. The format ensures that every voice is heard, with one or two table hosts, including ACC Social Psychology students, guiding the discussions to create an atmosphere of connection and learning.

Why Should You Participate?

In past years, 100% of respondents felt highly or extremely welcomed at the event and would recommend it to a friend or colleague. Here’s what previous attendees said:

“I absolutely loved how kind everyone was, even when a conversation took a difficult turn. People still tried their best to give other people their attention and empathy; something I wish we had a lot more of in everyday conversations and interactions.”

“The structure, collaborative nature, and encouragement to engage at your own comfort level. Also, the food and string quartet!”

“I loved being able to connect with strangers in a way that I would never have done outside of the event.”

The Red Bench is a zero-waste event, meaning more than 90% of waste is kept out of the landfill.

This event is brought to you by ACC’s Office of Experiential Learning and Peace and Conflict Studies Center, with support from the Center for Government and Civic Service and the Department of Language Arts, Humanities, and Communication, in collaboration with iACT.

For the full details, visit the Red Bench Dialogue Event website or contact Dr. Linda Cox, Service-Learning Program Coordinator, at [email protected].