The Conversation Tree:  Community-Based Language Partnerships is a program created by Rutgers Graduate School of Education and The Collaborative Center for Community-Based Research and Service. Through partnerships with community-based organizations, The Conversation Tree provides opportunities for adult learners to practice conversation in an informal setting.  Watch a brief video about this award winning program here!

Since The Conversation Tree’s launch in Spring 2012, more than 120 Rutgers student facilitators and 68 community facilitators have served over 7,120 hours interacting with just under 1000 community members at a total of twelve different Community Partner sites.  Additionally, The Conversation Tree has developed three academic service-learning courses.  Currently, The Conversation Tree is providing Professional Development in partnership with community-based organizations interested in training their own volunteers in implementing the Conversation Café model.

The Conversation Café is an informal conversation group for adult language learners of all levels of proficiency.  Participants from the community engage in one-on-one or small-group conversations with Conversation Facilitators discussing a variety of topics.  Free-flowing conversation includes topics and features of the target language which are of interest to community members.  In this safe setting, adult learners experience the spontaneity of real-world conversation while polishing their skills.  Conversation Facilitators are prepared to facilitate intercultural conversations through academic courses and professional development offered by the Graduate School of Education.