FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Against Silence, an evening event on Friday, Sept. 18,
and A Day of Belonging, a full‑day program on Saturday, Sept. 19
Rockville, Md. – Aug. 19, 2026 — Mission Belonging and Strathmore are proud to co-present a powerful two-day weekend experience bringing together veterans, military families, and community members for an immersive celebration of healing, creativity, and human connection. The weekend features two distinct events in Montgomery County: United Against Silence, an intimate evening gathering at the Mansion at Strathmore in North Bethesda, and A Day of Belonging, a full-day arts and wellness festival at Rockwood Manor in Potomac.
Together, these events reflect Mission Belonging’s ongoing commitment to fostering belonging, reducing isolation, and supporting the well-being of those who have served and those who love them. As a multidimensional creative anchor in the DMV area, Strathmore joins this effort to amplify voices and curate experiences to enrich every life and shape stronger communities.
Poetry and Performances Community Showcase
Fri., Sept. 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free; ages 16+ (registration required)
Location: The Mansion at Strathmore
Seema Reza, author of A Constellation of Half-Lives and When the World Breaks Open, and activist, memoirist, and poet Ryan Artes, host an evening of poetry and performances by Mission Belonging community members. Due to the sensitivity of some of the content and limited space, this event is only for ages 16 and older.
Arts and Writing Workshops, Performances, and more
Sat., Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $5 non-refundable registration fee; ages 16+ (registration required)
Location: Rockwood Manor Retreats & Events, Potomac, Md.
Centered on the theme of Joy, the fourth annual community gathering invites veterans, active-duty military, spouses, caregivers, and neighbors to come together for a full day of creative connection. This in-person event features professional workshops, performances, and readings showcasing military and veteran artists. Attendees will explore their own voices through creative writing, improv, visual art, and music in a low-pressure, highly supportive environment. Please visit missionbelonging.org/dayofbelonging for additional information.
Support & Acknowledgments of Day of Belonging Sponsors
- Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County
- Walter Reed Society
- Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org)
Mission Belonging is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County Government and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.
About Mission Belonging
Mission Belonging connects veterans, healthcare providers, and civilians through workshops led by professional artists who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Through online and in-person programs, Mission Belonging builds connected communities where veterans and civilians share creative expression, mutual understanding, and support. Our art and poetry workshops have reached tens of thousands of service members, veterans, military family members, caregivers, and healthcare workers — led by a prestigious faculty of award-winning writers, artists, and musicians who have taught at institutions from Columbia University to Stanford and performed worldwide. Mission Belonging encourages the use of arts as a tool for narration, self-care, and socialization for those affected by trauma. Follow Mission Belonging on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Patreon, and LinkedIn.
About Strathmore
Since 1983, Strathmore has enriched lives through transformative artistic experiences and meaningful community connections. Based in North Bethesda, Md., this nonprofit cultural institution showcases world-class talent, supports emerging artists, and offers diverse programs at its Music Center and Mansion, as well as across Montgomery County. Strathmore fosters creativity and community through performance, educational initiatives, and accessible arts programming. Experience the magic of Strathmore, where the arts are everywhere. Follow Strathmore on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Becca Keaty, Mission Belonging, 773-896-8303 (m), becca@missionbelonging.org
Brandii Toby-Leon, Strathmore, 865-963-2418 (m), btoby-leon@strathmore.org
Mission Belonging Marketing & Communications Manager
Rob Haney is an artist, writer, and graphic designer with a passion for making slick-looking and fun images that catch the eye and draw viewers in. Rob worked for over 10 years in retail banking and management in their previous life, before returning to school and earning an Associates of Arts with Honors from Rock Valley College in 2012. An early addict to Twitter, Rob enjoys liking and resharing cool stuff and interacting with people who hold similar interests on the internet. When not online, Rob writes and reads poetry, creates both physical and digital artwork, and watches British mystery shows.
