Jana Marie Foundation set for 6th year of Mokita Dialogues. Here are upcoming topics

Jana Marie Foundation is ready to begin its sixth year of Mokita Dialogues, starting Thursday, Jan. 27. As of now, each of the 2022 conversations will be held on Zoom. To join, visit tinyurl.com/mokitadialogues.

Since the foundation began hosting Mokita Dialogues, it has helped foster conversations centered around challenging and sometimes taboo topics. The word “Mokita” comes from the language of Kilivila, spoken by the Trobriand people from Papua New Guinea. It means “a known truth left unspoken;” think of it as an elephant in the room.

The first Mokita Dialogue of 2022 will cover the topic of “Building Community” and begin at 11 a.m. Marisa Vicere, founder of Jana Marie Foundation, and Hannah Brewster, the foundation’s office coordinator, will lead the discussion. The conversation will explore what it means to belong to a community and actions we can each take to strengthen community bonds.

Mokita Dialogues are held at noon on the fourth Thursday of each month. Each dialogue session, led by a different facilitator from the community, features activities that encourage thought and conversation, and also suggestions for ways to continue the discussion in our communities.

The rest of the 2022 schedule of topics (subject to change) is:

Feb. 24: Climate Grief

March 24: Race

April 28: Mental Health: Changing the Conversation

May 26: Mental Health: Crisis

June 23: Body Image

July 28: Prison System

Aug. 25: Suicide Prevention

Sept. 22: Hope

Oct. 27: Bullying

Nov. 17: Difficult Conversations

Dec. 22: Coping with Grief during the Holidays

For more information about Mokita Dialogues and other Jana Marie Foundation programs, volunteer opportunities, and how to donate, visit janamariefoundation.org, and follow Jana Marie Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.