In the News
Group Brings Immigration to the Table
Christina Killion Valdez
June 12, 2009
Immigration, a topic that brings out polarizing viewpoints, can make for engaging dinner conversation.
As part of the Diversity Council's asset-based community dialogue project Voices, Valuing Our Immigrants Contributions to Economic Success, neighbors are being asked to come together over dinner to discuss immigrants and their contributions to the city. These "Table Talk" discussions, where ideas, opinions and a meal will be shared, will be held at 15 homes across Rochester on June 30 with the support of the Post-Bulletin and RNeighbors.
"By bringing together people that live next door that might think totally different, it opens the possibility of dialogue once people start talking," said Rene Lafflam, executive director of RNeighbors.
While that discussion can be difficult, it's hoped that the small-group, social setting will make it easier.
Each Table Talk session will have no more than 10 guests, including both an immigrant and a trained facilitator from the Diversity Council to help move the conversation forward.
"There are so many myths surrounding immigration that I had no idea about until I started researching this," Lafflam said. "The trained facilitators will get the conversations going and know the real facts."
Having an immigrant present who can share their experience is also important, Lafflam said. Yet it's the community's involvement that is essential.
Getting involved
Hosts and participants are needed. Participants can state their group preference or be placed in a group, she said.
The meal can either be potluck or whatever the host determines. A stipend for food is available.
"We don't want anyone to be scared away by cost," Lafflam said.
Or by a formal dinner party setting. Some people plan to host the dinner picnic-style on their deck, she said.
While this is a pilot project in Rochester, it is based on similar programs, such as Marnita's Table in Minneapolis and Common Table, a global organization that brings people together to discuss topics over a meal.
If the dinners are a success here, it might lead to other issue-based dinner nights, Lafflam said. "If you think of all the topics integrated into neighborhoods, the possibilities are endless."
Table Talk
What: Dinner discussions on the value of immigrants.
When: June 30.
Where: 15 homes in Rochester.
Sign up: Register to host a dinner or be a participant online at www.RNeighbors.org or by calling 529-4150.
© 2009 Post Bulletin. Used by permission.
