Beyond FACTS: New Demographic Workshops on Parenting Mixed-Race Children

Carmen Van Kerckhova and Jen Chau are no strangers to issues faced by people of mixed-race heritage. They not only share that heritage; as co-founders and co-directors of the New Demographic diversity training company, they offer lively workshops for organizations seeking to educate personnel regarding diversity issues, and guidance to individuals of mixed-race heritage struggling to cope with varied forms of prejudice.

Parents of mixed-race children are invited to benefit from insights offered by the New Demographic team in a series of upcoming, “highly interactive” workshops. If you’re in New York City, you’re in luck, and if you live well outside the New York metro area (as I do), you’re also in luck: An audio CD of the entire series of workshops can be pre-ordered for the same price of attendance, $99. With the money I’m saving in airfare from Denver, I consider this a bargain. I’m intrigued by the New Demographic approach and some of the issues they’ve discussed on their website, and I’m confident these sessions will be worthwhile.

Here’s a look at the topics: Session 1 (January 14): How to Talk to Others about Your Mixed Family; Session 2 (January 21): How to Talk about Race and Identity within Your Family; Session 3 (January 28): Understanding the Stereotypes Your Mixed Child will Face; Session 4 (February 4): Everyday Strategies for Raising Happy and Healthy Mixed-Race Kids. All the workshops will be held on Saturdays at the McBurney YMCA at 125 West 14th Street from 3:30-5 pm. For more details and to register and/or order the workshop CD, go to the New Demographic site. Carmen Van Kerckhova and Jen Chau have been featured on NPR, CNN, and PBS and in the New York Times and USA Today. They’re putting a professional spin on the mixed-race experience. Check out their efforts and prepare to be enlightened.