The Welcome Table experience is focused on strategic issues related to diversity, community building, dialogue, and experiential learning about race and equity. This engaging, non-threatening approach uses deep listening, storytelling, and relationship building as prerequisites to creating more inclusive and equitable communities and work dynamics. The process helps one understand the consequences of inherited systems and structural inequities without personal shaming or blaming, and past participants have described it as a valuable, empowering experience. What began on February 28th will continue every other month throughout 2019 each one lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Since each session builds on information and experiences from the previous one, you will need to be prepared to participate in as many sessions as possible throughout the year. The second meeting and those thereafter, (except the December 19th meeting) will be held in the Community Room at the Jackson Medical Mall. Directions to the Jackson Medical Mall: Take a right on to Bailey Ave. from Woodrow Wilson Blvd., then take a right into the Jackson Medical Mall. Look for the sign that reads Retail Division and enter there. Let the information desk attendant know you are going to the Community Room and they will give you directions. The December meeting will be held at the MSU CAVS Center in Canton, MS. Directions to CAVS Center: Take exit 118 A (Nissan Parkway) from I-55. Head West on Nissan Parkway for ¼ mile. Then make a left turn off Nissan Parkway to Mississippi Parkway. Stay on Mississippi Parkway until it dead ends in the parking lot of the CAVS Extension Center