The first National Week of Conversation, kicked off by Listen First in Charlottesville, was a huge success! More than 130 schools, libraries, faith communities, activist groups and nonprofits hosted conversations among thousands of Americans coast to coast in 32 states. These conversations were grounded in our pledge to listen first to understand and consider another's views before sharing our own. The official #ListenFirst hashtag reached hundreds of thousands during NWOC and continues to be promoted by celebrities and journalists to millions of followers. Two-thirds of NWOC participants rated the value of their conversation as a 9 or 10 out of 10. Among all Americans, 36%—more than 100 million people—want to see a national campaign promoting this kind of conversation.
Building on this tremendous success and momentum, we are now working to launch an ongoing, monthly National Conversation Project to mend the frayed fabric of America by bridging divides one conversation at a time. National Conversation Project (NCP)—a special project of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund—will engage increasingly more partners and participants through synchronized monthly conversation opportunities as well as semi-annual National Weeks of Conversation. I'm honored to serve as director of the project.
Now is the time to seize momentum from NWOC and meet the desperate need of a nation in crisis! With your help, we'll create a tidal wave of conversations to revitalize America together!
Pearce Godwin
Founder & CEO, Listen First Project
Director, National Conversation Project