Traditionally, National Multicultural Day is celebrated on the third Monday of October to “increase awareness of the tremendous need to celebrate our diversity collectively.” Since we cannot celebrate in person this year, the Employee Engagement and Diversity Group (EEDG) — in partnership with UCOP affinity groups — is excited to announce the theme of this year’s virtual multicultural week: Culture and Connection in the Kitchen.

Storytelling is a way for us to create awareness about our different backgrounds, spark curiosity and find common ground. What better way to share a bit of who we are than through recipes passed down through multiple generations — or culinary traditions we have created ourselves? Our goal this year is to develop a digital cookbook that incorporates the traditions and cultural customs we practice with our families and friends to serve as a reminder that we can connect even though we are physically distant.

During the week of Oct. 19 – 23, we will host a series of live and pre-recorded events. A full schedule of events will be shared in next week’s Link.

Help celebrate Culture and Connection in the Kitchen

We encourage you to connect with colleagues over food and fellowship through one or more of the categories below. Entries are due Oct. 30. Download the entry form (PDF) for sample recipes, instructions and tips.

• Write down your favorite recipe for the UCOP Culture and Connection in the Kitchen recipe book. Include a brief description or story of why it is meaningful to you. Photos are highly encouraged!
• Join the chicken-soup connection. Chicken soup is one of the most universal and yet diverse meals: Every culture and ethnicity has a unique perspective on this dish. We would love to capture your recipe and story for the book.
• Film a video recipe for the Culture and Connectivity website. Share a short recipe video (maximum 5 minutes). Your video may be shared during a Zoom event!
• Share your favorite “food for thought” or workplace culture recipe. Not a cook? This one’s for you — share your life and workplace tips, for example, “Recipe for Happy Office Buddies.” (See the PDF entry form for an example.) These responses will also be included in our recipe book.

And: Save the date to participate in the mystery ingredient challenge! Inspired by the popular Food Network Show “Chopped,” five ingredients will be revealed during our Multicultural Day Event on Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (See next week’s Link for details.) Participants will have four days to submit their most creative recipe and story. The ingredients and instructions will also be shared in the Oct. 20 issue of Link.

For questions, please email culture@ucop.edu.

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