Published January 29 2013
Bellevue residents from all over the world will get an opportunity to share their stories and their rituals around death and dying at a Cultural Conversations meeting on Tuesday Feb. 12, at the Crossroads Community Center.
Rita Egrari, a longtime participant in the women's group, will share her own story of loss in a multicultural family, and give the group a chance to learn about the rituals of the Baha'i faith. Other members will share stories of the customs tied to death in their faiths and countries, which include Taiwan, China, Somalia and the U.S. The meeting will begin promptly at 1 and end at 2:30 p.m.
Sharing stories is a powerful way to learn about cultures other than your own. When we gain knowledge through stories we can support and connect with our neighbors with deeper understanding and respect. Participants will have an opportunity to share their own experience and perspectives in small groups during the event.
Cultural Conversations, organized by Neighborhood Outreach, meets monthly, allowing diverse women in Bellevue to get better connected with their community and enhance their knowledge and understanding of different cultural practices and world views. Monthly gatherings include women from all around the world. The events are free, refreshments are served and women of all ages, faiths and cultures are welcome to attend.
For more information on this event, or future Cultural Conversations programs, please contact Ying Carlson at 425-452-4342 or ycarlson@bellevuewa.gov or Barb Tuininga at 425-452-2800 or btuininga@bellevuewa.gov