Bearing Witness

"Join me for an immersive session where we’ll explore the power of listening as a part of bearing witness. Together, we’ll unpack our own biases around listening and dive into meaningful questions inspired by Mae Early of the Bartol Foundation. I’ll share my personal journey of learning to truly listen within the authoritative context of a Haitian Protestant church, and how my musical expression has shaped and deepened my listening skills. Our landing place will dive into RESS-Q, a transformative technique from the Bartol Foundation’s TIPTA course, to discover how we can hold space more effectively in our personal and professional lives. Let’s reimagine what it means to listen together." - Betsaleel "Bets" Charmelus

Betsaleel "Bets" Charmelus (he/him) is a dedicated facilitator, community advocate, and an auditory storyteller. He's collaborated with respected entities like the Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation, Moore College of Arts & Design, Rowan University, New Victory Theatre, Drexel University, TEDx, the Maryland Department of Education and the Philadelphia School District.

Through community advocacy, Bets has supported survivors of sexual trauma through the JJPI’s B.O.S.S Program, helped lead the anti-violence initiative Beyond the Bars, and championed local Philadelphia grassroots efforts for Black men's mental health.

Now, as the CEO of ArtistYear, Bets works to expand arts access in schools that receive Title 1 funding across America. As an artist, he has traveled coast to coast, collaborating with a myriad of musicians. Bets is deeply passionate about finding & claiming new spaces, building strong, inter-dependent communities & exploring the difference between questioning oneself and asking oneself questions.

Skill Builds are a monthly workshop dedicated to sharing a human-centered and creative approach to community work. On the first Saturday of every month, ArtWell hosts a guest facilitator to teach on a range of topics from creating multiple entry points to activities, identifying maltreatment of youth, event planning, giving and receiving feedback, and more. Regardless of vocation, career focus, or level of experience, ArtWell welcomes all who seek to be a part of a learning community.

Learn more about upcoming Skill Builds at www.theartwell.org/events

Host or Publisher ArtWell