A society where we all belong.
Following the Mosque attacks that rocked Ōtautahi and Aotearoa in 2019, the world witnessed an outpouring of aroha and compassion.
Share Kai is part of the response to these events, born in Ōtautahi, to build a more socially cohesive society, so that no other community experiences the outcome of extreme hate our communities have lived through.
There is a growing need in Aotearoa for belonging and connection.
Our initiative enables people from diverse backgrounds and communities to participate in bringing about a more inclusive society.
Our approach acknowledges that currently not everyone, and all communities, are able to participate, and offers support and opportunities for them to do so.
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
It is the people, the people, the people.
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Share Kai is a collaboration between the Share Kai Cooks Collective, InCommon and SEWN. The initiative was founded by InCommon and Mahia te Aroha in early 2023.
“I feel alive again, doing what I love. People would ask about me too, not just the food.”
Our evidence base…the key concepts that shape Share Kai
Inclusion:
Homophily... when people gravitate towards those who share obvious visual characteristics as them. Strategies can help us look past visible differences to see the multifaceted person underneath. Finding commonalities changes how we perceive others. Read Jessica Nordell “The End of Bias“ for more.
Connection:
Research on weak social ties... shows simple connections and interactions with acquaintances or strangers can make life more joyful and less lonely, positively impacting social and emotional well-being. Listen to this podcast episode.
The Contact Hypothesis… social contact between racial, ethnic and culturally diverse groups reduces prejudice and influences positive intergroup effects. Read more.
Local research undertaken by InCommon... told us that small things – friendly greetings, a conversation being initiated, commonalities being found – were important to people from minority communities' feelings of inclusion and belonging in Ōtautahi. Read more.
Cultivating compassion.... provides personal, societal and interpersonal benefits that facilitate caring and cooperative behaviour. Read more.
Bonding and bridging social capital… social capital refers to the strength of connections within a community (bonding) and between different communities within society (bridging). Social capital is a measure of the extent of connectedness and agency of individuals and communities.
Thank you to our partners…
Rose Shayler Photography
