Diversity at the Dinner Table

In our culture we often subscribe to the idea that we should leave our personal “stuff” outside of the work place. But when we come to work, we are not empty vessels. Some may choose not to disclose certain aspects of private life, but we still maintain all parts of our identity, even if we choose to hide them. We bring with us our values, beliefs and behaviors that impact the way we experience our work, our relationships, the things that excite us, challenge us, and keep our minds occupied. Because of this, I reach out to organizations that are finding ways of supporting employees who are parents and want and need to bring their whole selves to work to fully contribute authentically and effectively on a day-to-day basis. This is where Aon’s Working Parents Group and my organization, Mindhearted, Inc. intersect. The Working Parents Group exists to foster a supportive work environment to provide resources and support (among others things), to parents within the Aon community. Mindhearted, Inc. is a diversity education resource for parents offering ways to create personal awareness, skills and strategies to raise and support children to effectively navigate our diverse and amazing world. I bring diversity to the dinner table. I help parents learn how to create open dialogue and meaningful conversations with their children without creating prejudice or bias around topics such as race, gender, sexual identity, concepts of beauty and other ways in which we segment ourselves. I call this skill “mindhearted.” (In your work environment it may loosely translate to being culturally competent or diversity competent). Our children learn from what we do, as well as what we say. They have the incredible ability to reflect our real beliefs and values by modeling our behavior. How we live, who we live with and around, who our friends are or are not, and how we treat people—especially those we perceive to be different or “Other,” are ways in which children are learning their own values and beliefs about themselves and others. My hope is that parents recognize the power that we have in helping to shape a new generation—really a new world where we are able to live, work and play in ways that truly honor and celebrate our similarities and differences in ways that impact all of our lives for the better.

By Kara Burrell Wright

©2010 MindheartedSM, Inc.

Comments

[Qutel]

I think this is a good idea because discussing matters at the dinner table is a good way for others to interact their thought on what ever issue is being discuss and also for you to get others opinion on what ever you wish to share.

[Mike]

Given how many stories I've heard of people who had grown up without this sort of assistance and have had bad experiences due to said lack of knowledge, I can't help but support this sort of thing. It's a wonderful thing to see, and I can only hope plenty of people have benefitted from it.

[warren Henry]

Being that we are parents, and we should be setting the right example for our children, certain things that are said and done around the children should not be acceptable. As parents we are leaders, our cildren look up to us for guidance, and leadership. To show them the way in life, that as they get older and start to make a way for themselves, that the morals and values that you have distilled in them will continue to help them to grow and prosper in their adult lives.

[Christopher Beaner]

I think this is an awesome idea. You are right stating that many people learn form their parents or leanr to be shy towards other cultures just by being with their families and seeing how they act, but if you bring diversity to the dinnertable or at least try to start getting used to other cultures and differnces the children of these parents will not only develop new friends, but be more likely to want to make friends with other cultures or at least will be more open tio their ideals later.

Thus this is a great way to change the world. Family at a time. I am glad that people are being creative on closing these gaps of conversation and differences amoung people. I know one day when i have kids i am going to try to teach my kids to have good values and beliefs and will also try to make them interested in learning in other cultures so they will not be so narrow minded and be more open to wonders of other cultures.

I hope this takes off and opens up the world to sharing dinner with one another and to welcome them with open arms. Great Job!

[used machinery equipment]

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