text: GenConnect | Marnita's Table
  Introducing GenConnect
  Itasca Project is partnering with Marnita's Table to seek 100 home hosts or co-hosts who want to engage in radical hospitality through our model of Intentional Social Interaction (IZIs)! So far 129 hosts have been trained and 16 GenConnect dinner parties have been tracked.
  GenConnect is uniting people across generations who may never have met before but who share similar interests and concerns in our community inspiring deeper conversations and enduring relationships. Hosts and Co-Hosts are holding dinner parties with support from Marnita's Table and the Itasca Project and together with their guests and community members, over great food, we are building capacity for collaborative undertakings, ultimately creating and supporting ongoing relationships that catalyze participants to work together more effectively toward actionable equity-building efforts within our community.
  At GenConnect training, dinner party hosts choose from seven engaging dinner party topics and learn tips and tricks for hosting a fun and inclusive dinner party. Each training guest receives their own materials for throwing an exciting and transformational dinner party for diverse guests across generations!
  Please check back for more training dates or email Lauren@marnitastable.org for more information on how to get involved
  Pair up with someone that has been trained and co-host a dinner party together
  Volunteer at a dinner party
  Have you been involved with GenConnect? Share your GenConnect stories on social media with the hashtag #iGenConnect!
  What is Marnita's Table?
  A Minneapolis based non-profit founded in 2005, Marnita's Table seeks to measurably increase social capital across race, class, culture, gender and other means of self-identity in order to catalyze transformational change where racial and cultural differences are not viewed as deficits or merely tolerated, but instead viewed as assets. Experts at social capital building, in the past ten years we've welcomed over 54,000 people from around the world and the around the way to find common ground while breaking bread. Check out www.marnitastable.org/izi for more information on our model and the work we do.
  What is the Itasca Project?
  BECOME A HOST OR CO-HOST!
  Have you recently been to GenConnect Training?
  Login here using the course password. Create a Versal account and gain access to GenConnect training tools.
  If you have questions, please send an e-mail to Lauren at lauren@marnitastable.org.
  What GenConnect training is recquired to become a Host/Co-Host?
  Attend one training to become a Host/Co-Host. More training dates to come! RSVP for all events via e-mail at lauren@marnitastable.org
  How many dinner party hosts have been trained?
  Our goal was to recruit 100 dinner party hosts or co-hosts! As of February 2019 , 129 people have been trained to deliver GenConnect parties across the Twin Cities.
  How many guests attend GenConnect parties?
  We recommend that those hosting a dinner party alone reach for 12-20 guests. Co-hosts and others hosting as a group can comfortably host dinners for 15-40 guests.
  What if I need help paying for food and beverage?
  Scholarships are available until funds run out. Please apply early.
  What if I don't want to host alone?
  You can co-host with a friend or we can link you to someone else in the community!
  Where should I host a dinner party?
  You can host at a home, a community space or a restaurant.
  I'm feeling nervous about hosting.
  Marnita's Table will provide all the materials you need to host! You do not have to host alone. We recommend co-hosting with someone across difference for your first party. This will also help to ensure you have a diverse group of guests.
  How many dinner parties will there be total?
  Our goal was to support 15-25 events. So far 16 dinner parties have been tracked.
  How many people are we looking to connect across difference?
  We are looking to connect 550 people across difference!
  What is a good vegan to carnivore menu?
  In the summer we recommend a vegan to carnivore salad bar or a taco bar. During colder months in the fall or winter we recommend a soup bar, pasta bar, or small bites for the holiday season that include small dishes inclusive of many cultures. We will provide guidance for the menu at the 3 hour training.
  As a home host, what am I required to do?
  As a home host, you must participate in a 3 hour Dinner Party Host Training. We will guide you and provide you with tools for completing the following tasks: