Fri, Oct 24
|Portland
What is home?
"On Going Home" by Joan Didion "Letter to My Daughter" by Maya Angelou (essay on home) "A Native Hill" by Wendell Berry
Oct 24, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Portland, Portland, OR, USA
We send the readings after you register for the session.
Conversation Catalysts for the Session:
"On Going Home" by Joan Didion
"Letter to My Daughter" by Maya Angelou (essay on home)
"A Native Hill" by Wendell Berry
Reading takes <1.5 hours
About the Session: What is Home?
Home seems simple to define until we try to do it. Is it the place we grew up, the place we choose, or something we carry inside us? Through reflections on returning home, creating home, and belonging to place, we'll explore the gap between the homes we remember, the homes we have, and the homes we dream of.
What makes a house into a home? How do we create belonging when we can't return to where we came from?
Co-Sponsored by Living Room Realty Realtors Aryne Blumklotz and Dulcinea Myers-Newcomb
We’re excited to co-sponsor this Premise session with Portland realtors Aryne Blumklotz and Dulcinea Myers-Newcomb from Living Room Realty. Together, we’ll explore the enduring question: What is home?
Home can mean a physical place, a feeling of belonging, or even a state of mind. In this guided conversation, we’ll gather with neighbors to reflect, share, and listen. With the support of Living Room Realty—an organization deeply rooted in helping people find spaces that reflect their lives and values—this session invites participants to think more broadly about what home means in our personal lives and communities.
🎟️ Use the code livingroom at checkout to attend this session at no cost.
What should I expect at a Premise session?
What are the expectations for preparation?
At Premise, we understand that your time is valuable, so we keep preparation light—typically under 2 hours. Each session revolves around a core text, whether it’s a short story, film, or essay, providing a shared foundation for meaningful conversation. This approach ensures everyone is ready to dive into thoughtful dialogue, creating a richer and more engaging experience. Your preparation means we all have a common starting point for exploring big ideas together.
Do I need to have previous experience with the text or question?
No, not at all! At Premise, we value both beginner eyes and deep experience—each brings something unique to the conversation. Whether you’ve been in many intellectual discussions or this is your first, our sessions are designed to make everyone feel comfortable and engaged. You don’t need to be an expert; our structure and guidelines help ensure that both the novice and the seasoned thinker feel welcome and supported. Premise is for anyone curious about life’s big questions.
What is a Premise session like?
A Premise session is a thoughtfully crafted, expertly facilitated conversation using the Premise discussion model. Together, we explore life’s enduring questions through short works of literature, film, or art. With just 1-2 hours of preparation, you’ll join a vibrant, meaningful discussion where the following values are embraced:
Active Participation: Everyone comes prepared to engage thoughtfully.
Listening & Reflection: We prioritize listening and reflection over debate.
Shared Inquiry: Our conversations are driven by curiosity and mutual exploration.
Premise creates a welcoming space for both beginners and experienced thinkers, ensuring every voice is heard in a dialogue that inspires deep learning and connection. Learn more about the participant experience.
Wait! These enduring questions are a bit weighty. Will this actually be enjoyable?
Absolutely! While we tackle life’s big questions, the atmosphere is engaging and enjoyable. At Premise, we believe learning should be joyful, not intimidating. Our expert facilitators guide the conversation in a way that makes deep topics approachable, encouraging curiosity and connection rather than pressure or competition. You’ll leave feeling inspired, connected, and enriched by the experience—plus, it’s fun to dive into meaningful discussions with fellow curious minds!
I signed up for an in-person Premise session. What should I expect?