Bethesda Growth Mindset Salon

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About us

Tired of small talk and craving conversations that actually matter?

The Bethesda Growth Mindset Salon is a community for curious minds who want to grow, learn, and connect through meaningful experiences. Each gathering centers on an idea that expands how we think or live, sometimes sparked by a short TED Talk, other times by a shared reflection or group activity.

Our mission is to create a space where curiosity drives connection and every conversation helps us practice the growth mindset: embracing learning, challenge, and change.

If you’re looking for thoughtful people and thought-provoking dialogue, join us. Let’s explore personal growth, one conversation at a time.

Our Ground Rules

Step up and step back. If you've been talking a lot, step back and listen; if you've been quiet, step up and share your perspective or ask questions.
Listen to understand, not to respond.
Respect diverse viewpoints.

All events are free, inclusive, and non-promotional, focused solely on learning and growth.

Upcoming events

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Outdoor Discussion Walk: The Path to Governing AI
Sun, May 10 · 3:00 PM EDT
Chopt Creative Salad Co., 4766 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD, US
Let's discuss a ted talk video while taking a walk at Capital Crescent Trail Near Bethesda.

To receive future event updates, register on Luma:
https://luma.com/zxbabuw5

No one truly understands AI, not even experts, says Helen Toner, an AI policy researcher and former board member of OpenAI. But that doesn't mean we can't govern it. She shows how we can make smart policies to regulate this technology even as we struggle to predict where it's headed — and why the right actions, right now, can shape the future we want.

Here is how it works:
- Prior to the event: Please watch this YouTube video:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUn8IjZKBPg
- During the event:
- 3:00pm-3:15pm: meet outside of Chopt Salad (Bethesda Row end of Capital Crescent Trail) for group introduction.
- 3:15pm-4:15pm: Take a walk at Capital Crescent Trail (laps between Bethesda Row and Little Falls Parkway) and Discuss.
- (Walking Route Link: https://scenic-walk.com/#/b712c5fa (During the hike, the organizer will live broadcast current location, so that people who arrive late can catch up via the Scenic Walk Link).
- 4:15pm - 4:30pm: Group Conclusion outside of Chopt Salad.
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Discussion Questions During Walk:
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1. Because AI is changing so fast, it is hard to predict what new things it will be able to do next month. What steps can we take to stay open-minded and adaptable as these tools change how we learn and create?
2. There is a big debate about whether using AI helps us learn faster or makes us skip the hard work of thinking. How can we find a healthy balance between using these new tools and keeping our own minds sharp and active?
3. History shows that the people who use a technology should have a say in how it is shaped for the future. How can we ensure that our local communities have a voice in how AI is developed and used?
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To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:
1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
2. Listen to understand, not to respond.
3. Be open-minded and value differences.
7 attendees