We all know that research has shown family dinners can have a number of benefits for everyone in the family. But is it possible that having regular meals together can actually help to build a better world?

Maybe not directly, but dinnertime is a wonderful opportunity to do three things that can help your family envision a more just and peaceful world — and plan to make it happen! (And if you feel like sharing your ideas and efforts, you can always post them to the FDP Facebook page or tag us on Twitter, like the participants in our recent #familydinnerforward campaign did!)

Talk about ethical dilemmas and share stories about people with a helping mindset.

Sharing stories of others’ kindness can inspire your family to think of ways that they, too, might give to those around them. Talking through tricky questions and helping everyone at the table work through ideas of right and wrong builds a moral compass — a much needed tool for all of us!
Try getting the discussion going with one of these recent Conversations of the Week:
An Extra Tricky Extra Credit Question
The Bank Robber’s Dilemma
A Wish to Help Others
An Offer of Refuge

Think about ways you can give back to others.

Try using our Giving Decision Tree to help your family brainstorm and prioritize about causes that might be important to you.

Use your imaginations to envision the future.

If you’ve got an idea of what you want the future to look like, it’s easier to make a plan to get there! We’re partnering with Imagine Better to celebrate Back to the Future Day on October 21, marking 30 years since Marty McFly and the DeLorean made cinematic time traveling history. Read our blog post to find out more about the Back to the Future celebrations and how your family can join in the fun!

Food

Later this month, we’re joining forces with Martha’s Table in Washington, D.C. to celebrate their One Pot Suppers campaign on 10/21 to help feed hungry families. Dr. Anne Fishel’s Tuscan Bread Soup is a warming one-pot supper you can make for your family table.

Fun

Try a game of Illustration to get everyone’s creative giving ideas flowing!

Conversation

In the spirit of envisioning a better world, try these conversation starters based on the UN’s newly adopted Global Goals for a Sustainable Future!