Omaha Table Talk Dinners 2011
Participant Level Descriptions

Level A:  Entry Level
     First and second time participants in Omaha Table Talk, and individuals who have seldom, if ever, had opportunities to engage in deep conversations about race and diversity with people whose race or ethnicity differs from their own, are encouraged to sign up at Level A.  Level A participants often have lived and interacted primarily in mono-cultural environments and are motivated to know more about how other people perceive, understand, and feel about race and diversity issues. They are open to hearing about others’ experiences and points of view, and willing to take the risk of sharing their own, so that everyone at the table can learn from the conversation that takes place.

Level B:  Intermediate Level
     Multiple-time participants in Omaha Table Talk, and individuals who have considerable experience and a level of comfort when talking deeply about race issues in racially diverse groups, are encouraged to sign up at Level B.  Level B participants often have acquired a significant amount of awareness and knowledge about race issues and racial inequities. They have read books and articles and have experienced cultural events on many occasions. They are comfortable allowing others to question their knowledge, beliefs, and assumptions about race issues and are interested in hearing feelings, experiences, and points of view that differ from their own.

Level C:  Advanced Level
     Individuals who have participated in Omaha Table Talk at least three times, who are very experienced and comfortable talking about highly sensitive race issues in racially diverse groups, and who have a record of being actively engaged in improving race relations, are encouraged to sign up at Level C.  Level C participants have acquired a great deal of insight about their own racial and ethnic identity and tend to be very knowledgeable about race issues in society.  They usually have given race relations serious thought over a significant period of time and are eager to apply their insight and knowledge to make a positive difference in the community. They might be members of groups that are actively engaged in improving race and diversity issues.