We've never been more connected, yet more isolated.
We want to change that.
Building connections, one cup at a time
The 100 Coffee Movement exists to help people, organisations and communities build healthy connections. Inspired from Chris Hope’s 100 Coffee Project, we’re here to make a genuine impact and create real outcomes.
100 weeks. 100 coffees. 100 strangers.
Our Story
In late 2016, I had a floundering relationship, a job that didn’t align with my values and a sporting dream that wasn’t even mine. It wasn’t my best year. I want to be really honest with you about that. It’s okay to not always be perfect.
Connection had always mattered to me. At primary school, I was the kid who wanted to know everyone’s name. (My teacher, Mr Miller, used to say I’d be a great student if I concentrated on my work as much as I talked.) But in my comfortable lifestyle, I’d slipped. I had everything, but I had nothing.
So I sat down with my best friend, Tom, and we talked and talked and talked. By the end of that conversation, I’d set a goal: meet 100 new people. That’s right, 100.
“I had everything, but I had nothing.”
Chris Hope
The 100 Coffee Movement
- One coffee a week, with one stranger, for 100 weeks
- Monday to Friday only
- Always at the other person’s choice of location
- Always early, because people’s time matters
The Rules
I started with ten companies I was interested in and reached out to people who worked there. They suggested others, and the snowball effect began. Sometimes people said no, or didn’t reply. But more often than not, they were happy to meet me for a coffee.
I sat across from some amazing people, who told me stories of overcoming their greatest fears, achieving their goals and reinventing themselves. The project took me from Dublin to Taipei, and my empty notebook filled up with wonderful, inspiring ideas. Many of my friends thought I was crazy. But I wasn’t going to stop.
Three Coffees I’ll Never Forget
The man who talked for 17 and a half minutes
He talked about himself for 17 and a half minutes. The coffee lasted 18. As I walked out of the cafe, I thought: how important is listening? I promised that for the rest of my coffees, I’d ask more questions and listen more.
Listen more than you talk.
James,
Coffee Number 80
A corporate executive made me wait 45 minutes, then cancelled our coffee at 3:30 on a Friday. I had until 5pm to find another one. So I looked around, and there he was: James, the receptionist. I read his name badge and said, “Hello, James. I’d really like to have a coffee with you.” He looked at me rather strangely. “Yeah, sure. What’s this about?”
James became coffee number 80, and told me about his children, his family and his goals.
Everyone has a story.
Steph,
Coffee Number Four
I was drinking a latte on Collins Street in Melbourne when Steph asked me the most wonderful question I’ve ever been asked: “What are your personal values, and how do they align with your actions in life?”
Wow. Has anyone ever asked you that? Would you even have an answer? I went home and began to write. My values went on one side: kindness, fun, learning, friends and family, having an impact in the world. The things I was actually doing went on the other. There weren’t too many ticks. But Steph’s question had given me a roadmap to get my life back on track.
A life-changing question.
It Was Never About the Coffee
By the end of the project, I felt amazing. (Meeting new people will do that.) No longer was I lost. I was inspired, I was achieving my goals and I had passion. The impact on my mental health was profound. And I’m still in touch with 30 to 40 of the people I met.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t about cappuccinos and lattes, sugar or sweetener. It isn’t about coffee at all. (I do love coffee, don’t get me wrong, as you can probably tell.) It’s about something much, much more powerful: face-to-face human connection.
Think about a typical day. Headphones in on the way to the train. Self-serve at the supermarket, so you don’t have to talk to anyone. Or you skip the supermarket altogether and order your food online. You could get through an entire day without speaking to another human being. And whilst that convenience gives us flexibility, at what cost?
THE 100 COFFEE MOVEMENT
Our Mission
At the heart of the 100 Coffee Movement is a simple but powerful mission: to bring people together and help them build meaningful connections, however they do it. In a world that often feels disconnected, we believe that taking the time to sit down, share stories and have a genuine conversation can have a profound impact on individuals and communities alike.
Our Approach
We firmly believe in the extraordinary power of something as simple as a cup of coffee. So we create events and experiences where people can have authentic conversations.
We organise gatherings where people share their thoughts, experiences and aspirations, and connections form naturally. Those connections don’t stop when the event does. They help fight loneliness and create a sense of belonging.
Creating Meaningful Gatherings
Our events are safe spaces where people from all kinds of backgrounds come together, share their stories and have meaningful conversations.
We create an environment where it’s okay to be open and a little vulnerable, because that’s where genuine relationships begin. And they last well beyond the event.
Fostering Dialogue and Exchange
We believe every voice deserves to be heard. That starts with active listening and respectful conversation. At our events, people are encouraged to get into thought-provoking discussions, swap perspectives and explore the experiences they share.
When there’s mutual respect and understanding, people grow, and connections last.
Cultivating Empathy and Connection
Empathy is at the core of what we do. How can we possibly empathise with someone, or even begin to understand their story, if we never meet face to face? When you step into someone else’s shoes and really understand how they feel, you build bonds that go well beyond small talk.
We use guided activities and thoughtfully designed icebreakers to help people connect on a deeper level. They plant the seeds of compassion, and connections built on shared emotions and genuine care.
Extending the Ripple Effect
The conversation doesn’t end when the event does. We want to create a ripple effect of connection and compassion that reaches far beyond the coffee table.
So we encourage everyone who comes along to carry the spirit of the 100 Coffee Movement into their daily lives: start conversations, reach out to others, form new bonds. When we all take responsibility for nurturing our connections, the impact spreads into communities and around the world.
Some of our amazing partners
CONTACT
Get Involved
For me, it was coffee. For you, it might be different. The six degrees of separation theory says we’re all just six connections from everyone else on the planet. It’s a small world, and I encourage you to discover it through someone new. Think about all the good things that happen when you meet someone new. You might find a business partner, a life partner, or your very own Steph.
Our door is always open, so send us a message and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
Get in touch
Chris@100CoffeeMovement.com
