United Against Silence
United Against Silence is a free community showcase presented by Strathmore and Mission Belonging, taking place at The Mansion at Strathmore on Friday evening, September 18, 2026. The evening is devoted to poetry and performances by members of the Mission Belonging Community, hosted by poet and educator Seema Reza. It offers a chance to hear original work and creative expressions in an intimate, supportive setting, with light refreshments served during the event. Because some content may be sensitive and space is limited, admission is restricted to those ages 16 and older, and registration is required in advance. Donations are welcomed and will go toward offsetting travel costs for facilitators and Veteran participants attending a related Mission Belonging gathering called A Day of Belonging.
When: Friday, September 18, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.
Venue: The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD.
Tickets: Free with registration; donations accepted at the event.
Registration: Required in advance via the Mission Belonging registration link: https://circle.missionbelonging.org/c/events/united-against-silence-a-mission-belonging-evening-of-poetry-and-performances.
Lineup: Poetry and performances by the Mission Belonging Community, hosted by Seema Reza.
Host: Seema Reza, author of *A Constellation of Half-Lives* and *When the World Breaks Open*. Her writing has appeared in McSweeney’s, The Washington Post, The Feminist Wire, Bellevue Literary Review, The Offing, Full Grown People, and The Nervous Breakdown, among others. She has been nominated twice for a Pushcart Prize and has taught poetry in classrooms, jails, hospitals, and universities, as well as performed at venues across the country.
Ages: Open to everyone ages 16 and older only.
Note: Light refreshments will be served. Content may be sensitive, and space is limited. Donations support travel costs for facilitators and Veteran participants attending A Day of Belonging.
Presented by: Strathmore and Mission Belonging.