For US, there’s no such thing as small talk. We believe that certain conversations have the power to change everything. That’s why we’re starting a national conversation. And we want to start with you.
The work we do
We are a nation-wide initiative devoted to creating a space where varied voices of all walks, beliefs and interests can thoughtfully listen and productively share their perspectives.
By honing a courageous listening practice with US, people who attend our sessions can use their skills to have different kinds of conversations as they work alongside community leaders, local government officials, law enforcement, and family members out in the world.
Getting the
conversation started
We’ll engage with vital parts of our country’s local communities — community leaders, concerned citizens, religious leaders — and get them talking about the key issues that we are facing as individuals and as a nation.
These discussions are designed to offer space for learning, listening, and discourse on the values and topics that matter most to the people in the room and communities they belong to. By deepening an understanding of each other and discovering our shared values, they can use those tools to create a ripple effect in the communities where they live. Together, we can all make a difference in creating more inclusive, accepting communities.
Speaking at a national level
In addition to local community discussions, each year our program will nominate local delegates to represent their communities in Washington D.C. at a summit. While there, they’ll meet with other community leaders from around the country to strengthen values that we all share.
Each delegate will receive our “citizen toolkit” or a training plan, filled with vital skills and knowledge to support their conversational bridge-building efforts as they approach diverse topics and belief systems back home.
Program Snapshot
Local Goal
Open minds, new skills / tools training, empowered grassroots change making.
National Output
Establish a guide for talking about critical issues reported by local communities to help create a societal shift.
Ongoing Efforts
Mentorship of local leaders, peer network, continued train the trainer programs, expansion.