A new Cultural Conversations group will launch in South Bellevue Sept. 22 at the South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 SE Newport Way. South Bellevue women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to attend a initial information and planning meeting from 1-2:30 p.m. to help shape the future of this new group.

The Cultural Conversations group is the second to be started by the City of Bellevue. The first, in the Crossroads/East Bellevue area., was initiated by a group of diverse women who had a desire to become more connected in the community. That group has met bi-monthly and have engaged over 50 women in the past 18 months.

Regular attendees have included women of many faiths and cultures, all with a common desire to make new friends and to expand their own cultural understanding.

Some of the activities at past Cultural Conversations events have included:

• Exploring probing questions about faiths and cultures in a safe environment

• Personal storytelling – themes included cultural stereotypes, love and marriage in different cultures, intergenerational relationships and gender roles.

• Ethnic potlucks, sharing of foods and customs

• Service projects for Sophia’s Way shelter and Holy Cross Orchard

• “Difficult Conversations” training

• Presentation on the power of global education for girls and women

The city provides meeting space, facilitation and refreshments, but the group will customize its gatherings to meet the needs of those participating. There is no charge to attend and women of all ages, faiths and cultures are encouraged to participate.

For more information on the new South Bellevue group or the Crossroads/East Bellevue group or to RSVP for the Sept. 22 meeting, contact Julie Ellenhorn at 425-452-5372 or jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov.