Cultural Conversations, Bellevue’s popular discussion group aimed at increasing cultural understanding and connection, will be back at City Hall for its annual evening program on Tuesday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
“Transcending Boundaries, Transforming Community” had to be rescheduled from its original February date because of inclement weather. The event is open to all, and will feature storytellers who broke boundaries in their youth to pursue individual dreams, and are now sharing their gifts with the wider community. Following storytelling, participants will connect during interactive table conversations.
There will be three storytellers:
“That was Then; This is Now”
Sujata was a frequent visitor to the U.S. before making a life-changing decision to move to Seattle from India in 2015. She faced challenges living in the new culture; one that was so familiar and yet different from the way of life she knew best. Volunteering provided the path forward and helped her find her community. She now supports nonprofits in giving voice to their mission and is inspired to continue making a difference in the community.
“I Belong in Both Places”
Po, an Interlake High School graduate, immigrated to Bellevue as child from Bangkok, Thailand. His involvement in Bellevue’s Youth Link program, beginning in middle school, helped him feel a sense of belonging and taught him that being part of a community involves taking responsibility. Previously, civic engagement felt foreign to Po, given a lack of visible role models. Now, passionate about youth contributions to community he inspires students both in Bellevue and in his original home in Thailand.
“Seeds of a Dream”
Amidst chaos following a military coup during the ‘70s in Santiago, Chile, a family was exiled to Seattle to begin a new life. Two decades later, when the family was free to return home, two young people met and were married. Daniela dared to dream of the promise of life in the U.S., and was determined to learn English and American customs and to shatter stereotypes. The boxes Daniela is asked to check don’t fully describe who she is or how she inspires her children to dream.
Evening event is free, welcome to all
The evening forum is free and open to the public and welcomes women and men, as well as children, age 13 and up. Parking accessible from 112th Avenue Northeast is available in the P2 level of the city’s parking garage on a first-come basis. For more information and accommodation needs, please contact
NeighborhoodOutreach@bellevuewa.gov, 425-452-6836; RSVPs appreciated.
