As Americans, it is time to stop fighting and start solving our problems! Experts have long agreed that guided face-to-face conversations are the best way to facilitate discourse. Listening to understand is crucial in this process. The 6th annual National Week of Conversation held April 17-23, invites Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs to find their place in community with people willing to talk across their differences to solve important problems.
National Week of Conversation provides a simple, powerful, and proven opportunity for Americans to gain this fresh and healing perspective—either directly or vicariously. There are many different channels for involvement and ways to start the conversation in your community. By engaging in small group conversations, we can remind ourselves that just because a person has different views, they don’t have to be the enemy; through this process people are able to remind themselves that the “other” is – just like us – a person with family, friends, hopes, fears, values, and worth.
Looking for a little more strategic guidance in hosting these or similar conversations in your community? The National Civic League promotes efforts that seek to listen to, and learn from, residents in ongoing conversations. We can help your community or organization engage in these face-to-face powerful conversations. Find out more here: