Published January 11 2017
The Bellevue Diversity Initiative, adopted by the City Council late last year, seeks to leverage the city's growing diversity. "Cultural Conversations" is one program that has been doing just that over the last five years.
Cultural Conversations is featured in this month's It's Your City. Other stories in the resident newsletter include:
- A Council Corner column in which Councilmember Conrad Lee zeroes in on the portion of the council vision focused on advancing Bellevue's diversity initiative;
- An introduction to our new economic development director, native son James Henderson, which includes reference to the recently adopted economic development plan and strategies in it; and
- An update on the East Link project, focusing on efforts to limit the light rail line's impacts on Bellevue neighborhoods.
Cultural Conversations launches in 2010
The Cultural Conversations program started in 2010, when the city's Neighborhood Outreach Program partnered with interested women to help women of varied backgrounds become better connected with their changing community. Since then, the group has held regular gatherings and the list of participants has grown to more than 300 women from around the world.
Storytelling is at the heart of Cultural Conversations, and attendees treat the gatherings as opportunities to experience the culture of others and understand different perspectives.
In February, a special edition of Cultural Conversations was held at City Hall. "An Evening of Connections Across Cultures" included both men and women and featured the compelling stories of immigrants who are now Bellevue residents.
Adriana Prengler spoke of losing her cultural identity but creating a better future when she moved here from Argentina. Nura Adam, from Somalia, bridged cultures when she became good friends with Jane York. Finally, Kwawja "Shams" Shamsuddin, a long-time city volunteer, escaped upheaval in India and Pakistan before launching a successful career and becoming a community leader here.
The stories were followed by table discussions where participants explored how diversity and culture impact their daily lives.
Mayor Claudia Balducci spoke at the gathering, noting that Bellevue benefits economically, culturally and socially from its diversity. Cultural Conversations helps residents learn from each other and helps Bellevue grow as a community.
Carol Ross, part of the Neighborhood Outreach team, said feedback from the event was extremely positive. "People who took part in the table conversations told me it was a powerful experience. They said there is no other place in the city where people can sit down and talk across cultures and begin to strengthen community."
If you want to learn more about Cultural Conversations, contact Barb Tuininga or Carol Ross with the Neighborhood Outreach team at 425-452-6836; or email neighborhoodoutreach@bellevuewa.gov.