The month of October saw the next two stops on my book tour in venues very different from my kick-off event at the US State Department’s Ralph J. Bunche Library. The first was in McLean, VA at the home of long-time friends Sam and Susan Simon.
Dr. Kelly Dalton, Professor and Assistant Director of George Mason University’s Center for Social Action and Integrative Learning (and a UPIC delegate for Intersections) said this about the evening: “Every time I hear Bob speak I am encouraged to open up my mind and my heart to the stories that he shares. These real-life stories bring to life the undercurrent that connects all of us. He turns difficult situations and hard questions into an opportunity to ask more of ourselves and act in ways that build upon our common humanity.”
Rev. Mike Neuroth, The United Church of Christ’s Policy Advocate for International Issues, was also present. Mike added: “I have followed Bob’s journey from his time working for the United Church of Christ to his recent work at Intersections. In his new book Beyond the Comma, he captures some of this journey and reflects on a life lived conscious of the intersections of our past, present, and future. At a recent book signing event, I was reminded just how valuable this call to mindfulness is and how it is reflected in the ‘comma’, especially given the many challenges we face in the current social and political moment.”
A week later in my home town of Palisades, New York, I participated as a local author at the Palisades Free Public Library. The full room experienced readings from the book and interactive exercises that prompted a stimulating conversation about the current state of our society and our role in it.
One long-time Palisades resident remarked, “Bob Chase is changing the world incrementally. By gathering people from diverse backgrounds to join in conversations and fun interactive exercises, he demonstrates how much we all have in common, and how we truly can solve our problems together. It seems this work is much needed right now.”
Another added, “I have known Bob Chase for many years, and
have been privileged to hear him speak on many occasions. I was therefore very much looking forward to hearing him talk about his new book, Beyond the Comma. I can truly say that I found Bob’s presentation about how he came to write the book, and about his experiences at Intersections International to be inspirational. Bob is a great teacher, and I came away having learned some things I had never known before about the possibilities that exist for human interaction and understanding.”
Two great events in the month of October! Thanks to all who attended for your participation, sharing and support.