Tips for Navigating Thanksgiving Dinner Conversations

A letter from Coro Northern California CEO Laney Whitcanack:

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If your Thanksgiving is at all like mine, there will likely be some awkward family conversations, charged political debates, and not enough gravy! It can be tempting to shy away from difficult conversations—but I urge you to seize the holiday as a chance to learn from multiple generations and viewpoints.* 

In the Coro tradition, this is a moment to explore "what we don't know we don't know." We encourage you to use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to listen, ask questions, and learn. Our country and our communities need this now more than ever. 

Here are resources that may help lay the groundwork for thoughtful—even hopeful—conversations this season:

READ: This Experiment Has Some Great News for Our Democracy (PDF version)

LISTEN: How to Have Constructive Conversations at a Divisive Thanksgiving 

DO: The Thanksgiving Project’s Discussion Activity

Thank you for supporting Coro's enduring commitment to helping leaders work across differences! May your holidays bring wonderful times with family and friends. 

With gratitude,

Laney Whitcanack

CEO & Coro Alumna

*Thanksgiving has a complex meaning in the U.S. For many, it is a day of fond family traditions and memories. It is also observed as a national day of mourning for the United American Indians of New England and other indigenous groups. In true Coro spirit, we believe that acknowledging complexities can help us embrace greater understanding and connection.

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