This page is still evolving—just like our ideas—but we wanted to open the doors early for anyone who’s inspired to support.

Be-In Formed is a free, open fact-finding space where people can ask honest questions, engage with difficult truths, and discover new ways of thinking together. It's a place where we come together to engage wth the topics we usually avoid—things like sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, climate collapse, power, privilege, the criminal justice system, and more.

We bring in real experts—not pundits or performers, but people with lived experience and deep knowledge—and set them up at "conversation stations." You walk up, sit down, and talk. Ask anything. Listen deeply. Walk away changed. There’s no script. No PowerPoint. Just curiosity, courage, and connection.

And joy of all joy, what if someone realizes they were wrong about something? They go ring the “I Was Wrong Gong” and everyone cheers. Because admitting you were wrong and being willing to grow isn’t shameful—it’s difficult and brave and should be celebrated.

Why Are We Doing This? Because Truth Needs a Space

We’re not talking about the things we need to be talking about.

Too many conversations are shut down before they begin—because they’re uncomfortable, politically charged, or socially risky. So we avoid them. And in the silence, problems fester.

Meanwhile, there’s a flood of information out there—but it’s mixed with so much noise, spin, and outright lies that we can’t tell what’s real. Misinformation, disinformation, half-truths and conspiracy theories surround us. But we were never taught how to sort truth from trash, how to evaluate a source, or how to spot an agenda. And outrage spreads faster than truth—because outrage sells, and the truth is often slower, messier, and harder to hear.

Most of us don’t actually understand how our government works. Not really. We know it’s broken—we just don’t know how, or what’s supposed to happen instead. And no one’s explaining it in a way that feels accessible or relevant. Civics education is lacking or completely absent so people don’t know how government is structured, how to influence it, or how to hold it accountable. That confusion breeds apathy, distrust, and division.

On top of that, we’ve been taught that being wrong is shameful. We treat being wrong like a failure instead of a chance to learn. We think once we’ve said or believed something, we have to double down and defend it—even when new information proves us wrong. We double down and get louder—when what we need is humility. Tribalism and fear keep us from growth. Our egos get in the way. So instead of evolving, we dig in.

All of that adds up to something dangerous: a culture that’s underinformed, overconfident, and easily manipulated.

Silence + confusion + pride = manipulation, polarization, and harm.

We have to have honest conversations. Problems we can't talk about can't get addressed. Facts we won't admit to won't be changed. If we don't see that it's broke, we can't fix it. We end up defending “our side” instead of defending truth.

Be-In Formed exists to shift that.
We believe in a world where people are curious, not combative.
Where critical thinking is a strength, not a threat.
Where admitting you were wrong gets you a standing ovation.
Where we talk to people instead of just about them.
Where facts, context and people matter.

That’s why this event is free, public, and out in the open. Because the people who most need to be part of these conversations aren’t necessarily the ones already showing up to lectures, panels, or conferences. We’re building something that meets people where they are—and invites them into something better.

Your Guide to the Truth-Telling Tent Party

Be-In Formed isn’t a lecture. It’s not a panel or a performance. It’s a pop-up agora—an open-air forum for truth-seeking, critical thinking, and transformative conversations.

At the heart of it all are our Conversation Stations. Each one is hosted by an expert with lived experience and deep knowledge on a critical topic—things like sexism, racism, climate collapse, gender identity, civics, and more. Throughout the day, each expert will give a short talk (about 20 minutes), followed by open Q&A and informal discussion. You’re invited to listen, question, share, and explore.

There’s also the I Was Wrong Gong—and yes, we mean that literally. When someone realizes they had something wrong and chooses to grow, they go ring the gong. Everyone cheers. Because being willing to change your mind is something we celebrate here.

And don’t miss the Wall of Changed Minds. It’s a place to write down what you used to think—and what you’ve come to understand. It’s a public record of transformation, humility, and curiosity in action.

Whether you stay for twenty minutes or all four hours, you’ll walk away challenged, inspired, and a little more informed than when you arrived.

Help Us Make It Happen

We’re not selling tickets. We’re not putting this behind a paywall. Be-In Formed is free, public, and for everyone—which means it only works if people like you help make it possible.

Your donation helps cover real costs: tents, sound equipment, signage, printed materials, supplies, the “I Was Wrong Gong,” and more.

This is the first event of its kind—a bold experiment in public truth-telling—and the vision is still evolving. We’re figuring out what works, what’s needed, and how to make it all happen in the real world. That means our budget is a working draft, not a final blueprint.

Every dollar helps create a space where truth gets heard, minds can change, and people feel safe asking the hard questions.

We’ve already done a lot with very little. But to bring this to life—and make it sustainable—we need your help.

Where the Money’s Going

This is the first event of its kind, so we’re still learning what works—and figuring out what’s possible. The budget below is a first estimate, based on what we know right now. Some details may shift as we iron out logistics, but we’re keeping things lean, purposeful, and transparent every step of the way.

Here’s what it takes to launch the very first Be-In Formed event—and why your support matters:

$2 — Tent & Chair Rental
(5 tents, 200 chairs to host open-air conversations)
$300 — Sound Equipment
(So we can guide you through the day, explain what’s what, and make sure no one misses a beat)
$875 — Event Signage
(Banners, station signs, and explainer boards to guide the experience)
$550 — Marketing and Promotions
(To get the word out and bring the right people in)
$300 — Gong Rental (includes setup)
(For the legendary “I Was Wrong Gong” moment)
$250 — The Wall of Changed Minds
(Whiteboard and supplies where people share what shifted)
$170 — Volunteer T-Shirts
(So our team is easy to spot and unified in style)
$100 — Water for Experts and Volunteers
(Hydration = kindness)
$200 — Transportation & Parking
(Getting materials and people where they need to be)
$300 — Miscellaneous Supplies
(Because surprises happen)
$250 — Giveaways
(Buttons, stickers, and handouts to remember us by)
$500 — Donor Perks
(So we can properly thank the amazing humans who fund this)
$45 — First Aid Kit
(Safety first, always)

Total: $7835

Be-In Formed Boston

By Be-In

Be-In Formed Boston

A Pop-Up Agora Where We Face Uncomfortable Truths—Together