BALI Speaker's Forum
Bet Alef members share unique stories
Size Matters
February 14, 2024
A trip into China which you have not seen unless you traveled there recently or lived there. A China beyond the headlines. The concept of SIZE is key to understanding China and its one-party system that bears little resemblance to what we think of as Communism. I will explore the history, culture, and politics of China in the post 1949 era when the modern one-party state came into being. Welcome aboard. Like China's transportation system, it is high-speed travel.
Paolina Libes: ""The wound is the opening that lets the light in."
January 17, 2024
Paula will tell us about her lifelong struggle with bi-polar disorder, the curse which contains within it the blessing. Paula’s strong connection to the Divine gave her the strength and support to avoid the fear and paranoia which typically accompany bi-polar, formerly referred to as “manic depression.” Sharing the struggle with Bet Alef, “coming out” as a person with this much-stigmatized mental challenge, is one more step in Paula’s amazing journey.
Michelle Brode: How Being a Fierce Advocate for Young People Has Led Me to Work with Adults
November 15, 2023
Michelle will discuss issues young people are facing today- some of which are new challenges, some of which are long-standing challenges. Her work includes advocacy at the Jewish Day School, URJ Camp Kalsman (Jewish overnight camp in Arlington, WA), with Mental Health First Aid, and as a parent coach. Michelle invites us to evaluate trends in how adults can support young people in their lives and will share some resources.
Sharon Mayo's Extraordinary Life
Bet Alef member Sharon Mayo discusses: "My extraordinary life, thriving after a plane crash!" Sharon Mayo is a Washington State licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and substance use disorder professional (SUDP) who helps repair the world one step at a time through teaching, inspiring, and motivating.
Pam Cowen and her Journey along the Camino de Santiago
September 13, 2023
In September and October of last year, Pam Cowan and Steve Miller walked the Camino de Santiago, an ancient Spanish pilgrimage route, from Pamplona to Muxia on the west coast of Spain. Pam describes the trip, her reasons for taking it, and the takeaways from the experience!
Steve Miller and Immigration
June 7, 2023
Bet Alef Board member Steve Miller speaks on "Immigration- What are the problems and Why is any solution so difficult?'. Steve is a co-founder of the immigration law firm Cowan, Miller and Lederman and has spoken at national, regional and local conferences on the legal, political and human issues involved.
Lynne Carol and her Big Adventure
March 15, 2023
Bet Alef member Lynne Carol told a story about an adventure she had many years ago which created a park, changed a law, and turned into a film. If you have NOT already registered to receive the Zoom link we use for these programs, you may do so here: https://www.betalefmembers.org/track.php?id=341164a7547448b7ac7d5218196587d5&color=b3b3b5&url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.betalefmembers.org%2fform%2fbali-speakers-forum--social-hour.html&h=96e89 For more information on this presentation, how to get involved with our Speakers Forum committee, or to suggest future speakers (self nominations also invited) contact Stu Heller at https://groups.google.com/.
Celia Curran and her Musical Path
January 4, 2023
Celia took us on a wonderful stroll down her path to becoming a Bet Alef vocalist. Celia has had the pleasure of singing a diverse amount of music: from early baroque and classic opera to modern contemporary, music theater, jazz, and of course rock and pop… but nothing has quite touched her soul like being able to share her voice with Bet Alef. Join us while we listen to her unweave her story! If you have NOT already registered to receive the Zoom link we use for these programs, you may do so here: https://www.betalefmembers.org/track.php?id=341164a7547448b7ac7d5218196587d5&color=b3b3b5&url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.betalefmembers.org%2fform%2fbali-speakers-forum--social-hour.html&h=96e89 For more information on this presentation, how to get involved with our Speakers Forum committee, or to suggest future speakers (self nominations also invited) contact Stu Heller at https://groups.google.com/.
Randy Oakley on his Pacific Coast Bicycle Adventure
December 21, 2022
Randy Oakley brought us along on his invigorating solo Pacific Coast bicycle trip in the summer 2017 from the Peace Arch on the Canadian border almost all the way to Cabo San Lucas. It was a great story, so if you did not join us be sure to play the recording and hear his about his journey!
Jessyn Farrell on C40 City Climate Summit
November 16, 2022
Technical, security and higher-priority-kids' issues caused us to cancel this twice. BUT NOW here's your chance to listen to Bet Alef member Jessyn Farrell discuss her recent trip to Buenos Aires to attend the C40 City Climate summit. Jessyn is currently the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment for the City of Seattle, and C40 Cities is a global network of mayors who's shared purpose is to take action to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone can thrive. You will want to hear this! PLEASE NOTE: The Zoom link for this event has changed. You will only receive access to it as a registered member. For interested Bet Alef members wanting access to the BALI Forum they can register here: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.betalefmembers.org%2ftrack.php%3fid%3d43375e1d1b374a7f93affcc642dda165%26color%3db3b3b5%26url%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.betalefmembers.org%252ftrack.php%253fid%253d341164a7547448b7ac7d5218196587d5%2526color%253db3b3b5%2526url%253dhttps%25253a%25252f%25252fwww.betalefmembers.org%25252fform%25252fbali-speakers-forum--social-hour.html%2526h%253d96e89%26h%3dde606&data=05%7c01%7c%7cf27fddf773a84f4e044108dac21c0eac%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638035723006087017%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=ztewhfrsuh9mqzb%2blap0wgtt73trjg6xd6lsmv1gf4i%3d&reserved=0 or email the office directly at https://groups.google.com/.