Community involvement has been a long-held tenet of The Central Exchange. Through a variety of programs, committees and task force groups, you have the opportunity to learn about and act upon issues inside and outside our community.

Afraid of the Dark Reading Circles

The Central Exchange is participating in an important Kansas City initiative to engage the community in authentic dialogue across color and ethnic lines.  Afraid of the Dark reading circles are based on Jim Myers’ book Afraid of the Dark.  Participants may join at any time.  Two groups are offered — one at each location. Contact Noreen Bridgham for more information.

Arts & Issues

Discover Kansas City's vibrant culture by hearing first-hand from representatives of a variety of arts and cultural organizations at luncheon networking events. The series is presented in partnership with Kansas City Business Committee for the Arts, a program of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City.

Meets: 11:45 a.m., first Friday of month / CX Downtown

Community Service Group

Through this group, CX members may participate in and support a variety of community service projects. Participants learn about different community organizations at luncheon programs where representatives of numerous organizations are invited to share information.

Meets: 11:45 a.m., second Monday of the month / CX Downtown
Facilitated by: Judy Maynard

Cultural Diversity Committee

This group serves as a catalyst and resource to bring diverse groups together. The committee seeks to provide balanced and diverse perspectives and programs to increase minority participation in The CX.

Meets: 11:45 a.m., second Friday of month / CX Downtown.
Facilitated by: Kim Logan

Great Decisions Discussion Group

Participants meet to discuss important global issues of our time. The issues come from the Great Decisions briefing book, which each year covers eight timely global and thematic topics related to U.S. foreign policy.

Meets: 10:45 a.m., third Monday of month / CX Downtown
Facilitated by: Kathy Pierce
Meets: Noon, 11:45 a.m. fourth Monday of month / CX South
Facilitated by: Nora Ellen Richard

Political Talk Series

This series presents monthly programs geared to the discussion of local and national political issues. We’ll look at the issues from all viewpoints and include the perspectives from political parties on both sides of the state line. This is your chance to get an insider’s perspective as you hear from elected officials and political experts.

Meets: 11:45 a.m., fourth Thursday of the month / alternating locations
Facilitated by: Karen Finstad, Monica Curls, Julia Lynn and Julie Warm

Revitalization of Kansas City Series

Hear from community leaders and visionaries as they share the latest news about what the public, private and government sectors are doing to support our city's revitalization efforts.

Meets: at various times at The CX Downtown