What is it?

Open to Conversation is a social movement inviting people to break the ice and talk to strangers again. People want to connect – many just need an invitation. This project is that invitation. Using one shared symbol and three simple ways to connect, Open to Conversation makes it easy to shift the narrative around talking to strangers.

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• 10,000 buttons will be handed out for free to anyone in Victoria who wants to show others that they’re open to conversation. It’s a simple, low-pressure way to say, “You can talk to me.”

• The monthly ‘Meet a Stranger’ events offer a one-off, one-hour platonic conversation between two strangers in a safe, welcoming space.

• Select cafes in Victoria will be outfitted with tabletop signs. When a customer places one at their table, it signals to others that they’re open to company – sharing both a table, and a conversation. This concept has not yet been implemented, check back for more information as to when this will be available in cafés around Victoria!

 

This community-driven project is funded by the City of Victoria’s My Great Neighbourhood Community Resiliency Grant, and is supported by the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association.

 

Why is it important?

Loneliness isn’t just a feeling – it’s a growing public health concern, with 13% of Canadians experiencing chronic loneliness. Open to Conversation was created as a simple, approachable tool to help turn everyday moments into opportunities for connection. By making it fun, low- pressure, and easy to start a conversation, this project helps break down the social barriers that keep us isolated. Whether it’s finding a button left on a park bench, joining someone at a café table, or sharing a one-hour chat with a stranger, these small, meaningful moments can brighten a day, build a sense of belonging, and improve our collective social health. Because sometimes, one simple conversation can change everything.

 

How can you get involved?

This grassroots movement relies on community involvement. Here’s how you can get involved:

• We are happy to announce that Open To Conversation has officially launched in Victoria! You can now visit participating cafes and use a table sign to invite a conversation.

• You can also request packages if you are a coffee-shop owner yourself, or if you have a place in mind you'd like to see OTC implemented in!

• Our buttons are available at the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association and at the Fernwood Community Centre.

• If you'd like to request a bulk order of buttons please email us at info@westcoastspeaks.ca.

• Spread the word to friends and family, and feel free to tag us @westcoastspeaks. We’d love to hear how this project has impacted the community.

 

Stay tuned for volunteer sign-up info and event dates in the coming months, and don't forget our Meet a Stranger events are still taking place once a month.