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Welcome to Community Conversations 2019-2020!
Community Conversations is a monthly meeting of community members to discuss important topics of the day. We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month, September -November, and January-April. Lunch is provided with the opportunity for a free will donation to cover those costs.
Register here for this Conversation! Tough Grace: Mental Illness as a Spiritual Path WE ARE CANCELLING MARCH'S COMMUNITY CONVERSATION. While we are saddened to do so, we want to care for our neighbors and be proactive in keeping our community healthy during the COVID-19 crises. Please check back for April's event. We will reschedule Dr. Holstein in our 2020-2021 schedule. Thank you and stay safe, everyone! After experiencing a punishing journey that included living on the streets periodically, Alice Holstein developed a revolutionary view of mental illness as a sacred path with deep meaning, opportunities for growth, and gifts. Her personal story, illustrated with some amazing examples of how she survived and thrived, has given hope and inspiration to many. Dr. Holstein suggests that we reframe mental illness as a journey of challenge and hardship worthy of the highest esteem and honor. Alice began her work life as a Vietnam-era Air Force Intelligence officer, then worked full-time while pursuing a doctorate in Organization Development. In 1977 she went into business for herself and taught part-time for the University of Northern Colorado. Her 20+ year career was lost when she was diagnosed with bipolar mood disorder at age 51. Troubled times continued, but she went back to work at age 65 as a Peer Support Specialist at the La Crosse VA mental health clinic. She is the author of four books, plus numerous articles and essays at her website, www.aliceholstein.net. She now provides Spiritual Companioning services and is a member of the Mental Health Coalition BOD and the Better Together Steering Committee. Alice is a La Crosse native who left for 40 years and now fondly recalls that she was raised less than one block from English Lutheran Church at 118 S. 16th Street. |
We welcome all who want to make a difference.
Lunch is provided. Free-will offering is appreciated. Registration is not required, but encouraged. |
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In an effort to strengthen our community, Community Conversations looks to engage citizens in thoughtful, theological, non-partisan and non-political discussion about local economic and social issues. We invite anyone who is interested in making a difference.” |