We at Civity have been heartened to see more and more people and organizations engage in bridging work in recent years. Many have come to this work in the wake of increasing political polarization, while others have found their way to bridging in hopes of combating inequities based on race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, immigration status, and other power-based divides.
In an effort to connect organizations and people interested and invested in bridging divides, Civity is honored to support the work of The Listen First Project, including this year’s 5th annual America Talks & National Week of Conversation (NWOC), which involve more than 150 non-partisan bridging organizations.
This year, America Talks takes place on April 21 & 23 and NWOC follows from April 24-30. Organizations all over the US, including Civity, are supporting this effort by promoting America Talks, holding events, and inviting people of all backgrounds to take the time to engage with each other.
You can find opportunities to connect one-on-one or in small groups, face-to-face or on video. By listening to and sharing stories, you are engaging in relationships of trust and empathy with others who are different. Through this, you will find that you have common interests with those you thought were other. You can also explore the differences that make each of us infinitely complex – and unique. This type of engagement can help us tackle the problems we face, find solutions, and build more inclusive communities.
We are excited to be an America Talks 2022 partner and invite YOU to participate!
America Talks begins with a livestream on April 21 to welcome you and thousands of other Americans to the next phase of the bridging movement and to provide you all you need to know to have a successful conversation. This year, Listen First will be sharing ideas and results from the conversations with Members of Congress.
Join Civity and take a courageous step on this hopeful mission to defeat toxic polarization and heal America by transforming division and contempt into connection and understanding. Ready to raise your voice with other problem solvers? Sign up today! #ListenFirst