ABU DHABI: If you want to make yourself heard among a bunch of strangers, #EndSmallTalk is your platform. It conducts free monthly events where new ideas, social topics, and hobbies are discussed in an interactive and engaging forum.
The brainchild of two friends - Farah Bushnaq and Lyne Ismail - the unique community initiative was born in May 2015 with the intention of allowing people to share experiences and find solutions to their problems.
Informal and engaging
For the uninitiated, #EndSmallTalk is based on the premise that everyone can open up and talk freely on a topic. “We try to pick different themes. They are either abstract ones about love or happiness, or more specific ones like ow technology impacts human connections,” said Ismail. “This helps keep our sessions more engaging.”
Bushnaq said she is overwhelmed by the response their events have elicited. “Our events have helped residents meet new people and create lasting friendships. Someone even found their significant other at one of our sessions. People who had been labelled shy or introvert have learned to voice their thoughts and opinions through this platform,” she said.
Operating solely via social media, the initiative has been represented in Amman (Jordan) and Seattle (USA) as well. Bushaq said they are hoping to turn the home-grown initiative into a global brand by introducing the concept to corporations and leading workshops.
Their last event titled ‘What The Health is Going On?’ was held at the New York University in Abu Dhabi on July 29. The discussions centred around overall personal health and nutrition with wellness advocate Matthew MacDonald as guest speaker. “With so much information coming from different health professionals and food fads, we thought this theme could not come at a better time,” said Bushnaq.
“This was our 22nd event. We are a non-profit at the moment, but are looking to invite sponsorship to help us grow our initiative in the UAE and abroad.” said Ismail.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/endsmalltalk/
The writer is an Abu Dhabi-based freelancer
