Campus Coffees for Change
A simple, powerful way for students to build community and take action to protect and advance democracy. Gather with friends for coffee, a meal, or a fun activity—connect, learn from each other, and decide how you want to make a difference together.
Get Free Toolkit →
About This Activity
The harmful and unlawful actions of far-right policymakers are designed to make us feel overwhelmed, angry, and disconnected. Campus Coffees for Change offers a counter to that—a way for students to build real community and take meaningful action together.
Time Needed
1 hour
Group Size
5-10 people
Setting
Café, dining hall, home
Cost
Free toolkit
The free toolkit includes everything you need: tips for planning your event, conversation starters, practical action items, and even pro-democracy book recommendations!
How to Host a Coffee for Change
Download the Free Toolkit
Get tips for organizing a successful event, conversation starters, practical action items, and pro-democracy book recommendations.
Find Your People
Pick a time and place to gather friends—your kitchen table, a local café, dining hall, or a favorite park. Aim for 5–10 guests to keep the conversation engaging and intimate.
Invite and Prepare
Impromptu get-togethers are great, but sometimes it helps to decide on a date and location ahead of time. Review the toolkit—no need for anything formal, but having a rough plan helps.
Host the Conversation
Use the conversation starters to prompt interesting discussions and build connections. Talk through the suggested action items and decide what makes sense for your group.
Take Action and Keep It Going
Share photos on social media. Volunteer on campus or in your community. Designate someone to schedule another Coffee. Every action counts!
What's in the Toolkit
The free toolkit gives you everything you need to host a successful gathering:
Conversation Starters
Thoughtful prompts to spark meaningful discussions about democracy and community
Action Items
Practical ways your group can advance democracy after your gathering
Reading List
Pro-democracy book recommendations to continue learning together
Planning Tips
Everything you need to organize a successful and engaging event
Ready to Host Your Own?
Download the free toolkit and start building community on your campus.
📥 Get Free ToolkitBecome a Campus Ambassador
Want to take your involvement further? The Campus Ambassador Program is a professional development and community engagement opportunity for students who care deeply about protecting democracy.
What Campus Ambassadors Do
Bring Campus Coffees for Change and Dinners for Democracy to your campus. Share resources, build community, and bolster hope in the face of harmful policies.
Learn More & Sign Up →Benefits Include
- Grassroots organizing and event planning skills
- Private LinkedIn group with ambassadors nationwide
- Invitation-only virtual events and office hours
- Resume-enhancing credentials and awards
- Chance to attend Together for Democracy conference (all expenses paid)
Ambassador Commitments
- Host at least 4 gatherings per academic year
- Use conversation starters from the toolkit
- Take at least one concrete action to advance democracy
- Create social media content tagging @democracyforward
- Share feedback and photos from your events
About Democracy Forward
Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. Founded in 2017, they use the law to build collective power and advance a bold, vibrant democracy for all people.
Their clients and partners reflect the very fabric of our country—voters, workers, veterans, immigrants, educators, medical professionals, scientists, researchers, journalists, parents, students, and community organizations.
