Marnita’s Table builds goodwill and links diverse individuals by creating a nurturing social environment where enduring connections are forged – not forced.

In 2007, we welcomed over 1200 people to Marnita’s Table, as well as helped a wide variety of individuals and organizations learn how to create their own cross-culturally inclusive tables. Many events were held at what we call "the mother table," meaning in the home of founders Marnita and Carl. Others were in volunteer host-homes in places as farflung as Mankato, Duluth, and St. Cloud.

In the first half of this year we will have held at least ten events by late May (see schedule on our events page), along with a similar number later in the year.

We have five main types of programs: Intentional Social Interaction, Concerted Social Action, Youth Leadership, All Hooked Up, and Connection Intervention (Team Building.)

Intentional Social Interaction (Basic Recipe):

serves 30-40,  start to finish time 3-4 hours

Take:

1 menu designed to inspire cross-cultural connections

30 or more multicultural guests

1 safe and enveloping environment

3 scoops of informality, fun and genuine welcome

0 name tags

1 common topic

A generous dollop of in-circle share-in

Blend well with generous portions of goodwill and music.  Recipe is best presented with the encouragement to meet and make one new social relationship that will continue long after the meal is consumed.

Concerted Social Action

serves the broader community. 

active participation time 9 – 15 hours

Start with:

1  Recipe for Intentional Social Interaction

Modify by substituting:

30-40 multidisciplinary individuals connected by interest in an issue

Identify shared values.  Align visions.  Confidently promote peer-to-peer exchange/learning.  Serve energized and focused group to a hungry community.

All Hooked Up

Start with:

1 Basic Recipe

Modify by blending:

5-10 New to the Twin Cities Executives

25-35 individuals with deep roots in the community

Stir vigorously, until the tips and tricks that make the Twin Cities a great place to live rise to the top.

Encourage abundant harvesting by guests.

Looking for a way to bond your executive to the community? This recipe is the one for you.

Connection Intervention (Team Building)

Serves 30-40 of the same team or a similar number of individuals who need to become a team fast

1 Basic Recipe

Modify by substituting:

30 or more members of your team

1 hour opportunity in the kitchen to help create the feast

3-4 food stations that require active cooking and shared support

This recipe bonds individuals to each other like no other.

Teen Experience:

Start with:

1  Recipe for Intentional Social Interaction

Modify by substituting:

30 – 40 cross-cultural 11 – 19 year-olds

1 pizza bar or taco buffet (or other finger foods that require play and touch to assemble)

3 portions of extra privacy

1 shared music playlist

100 multi-colored gel pens

Stir it all up with insightful questions. 

Encourage peer-to-peer relationships that continue past the meal. 

Capture the youthful voices and post podcast 4-10 days later for an ongoing experience.