Thousands of people will participate in discussions and events designed to break down barriers and inspire respectful connections.
Durham, NC —Thousands of Americans will join together April 17-23, 2023, to participate in the 6th annual National Week of Conversation (NWOC).
During NWOC, hundreds of organizations lead events offering opportunities to help bridge the polarization that threatens the future of the United States.
NWOC is powered by the #ListenFirst Coalition of 500+ organizations.
Participants will be encouraged to listen with curiosity, speak from their own experience, and connect with respect.
“People are craving peace in their families, calm in their communities, and unity in our country. National Week of Conversation is an invitation for Americans of goodwill from all backgrounds and beliefs to rise above and take a first step from pain and fear toward hope, pride, and strength,” said Pearce Godwin, CEO of Listen First Project.
NWOC participants will choose from hundreds of events and conversations hosted by partner organizations, including Living Room Conversations, Braver Angels, BridgeUSA, Beyond Conflict, Convergence, NationBuilder and many others.
“Slowly but surely the tide is turning towards good faith conversation that can fix the tears in our polarized democracy,” said John Wood, Jr., National Ambassador, Braver Angels. “National Week of Conversation is a vital step on the road to civic repair.”
Events will be organized around key social sectors: K-12 Education, Higher Education, Faith Communities, Workplaces, Elected Officials, Community Leaders and Organizations, Libraries, Museums and Historic Sites, and Media. Participants can choose a sector that falls in line with their work and/or passions and connect with people who have similar interests.
NWOC is highlighting the screening of “The Abortion Talks” on Monday, April 17, 5:30-7:30 pm CT to kick off the National Week of Conversation. NWOC is hosting the film in Oxford, MS, and Tupelo, MS.
As an inspiration to bridging divides and overcoming differences, NWOC is
encouraging people to watch the film via a virtual screening to help facilitate having meaningful conversations across divides.
"Belonging starts with conversation. We all want to feel seen and heard regardless of our background, ideological beliefs, or political affiliations,” said Becca Kearl, Executive Director of Living Room Conversations.
“National Week of Conversation is an opportunity for us to collectively lean in, get curious about each other, talk, and pick up some skills to help us
continue these kinds of conversations. On the other side, we'll find a little more understanding and hope for what we can do together."
“The National Week of Conversation each year showcases the breadth, capacity and effectiveness of the quickly growing Bridgebuilding movement in bringing Americans together across our divides to address our common challenges,” said David Eisner, CEO, Convergence Center for Policy Resolution. “The significant increase in the number and scope of events,
experiences and conversations that will be available during the week of this April 17 testifies to the growing power of the movement to detoxify division in America as well as to the increasing strength of collaboration across our organizations.”
NWOC provides numerous ways for organizations and individuals to get involved and help reduce toxic polarization. Those interested can participate by:
• Hosting a National Week of Conversation event
• Joining an event hosted by another organization
• Promoting the National Week of Conversation
Experts around the globe endorse guided, face-to-face conversation across differences as one of the most powerful tools for removing biases, stereotypes, and misperceptions before they have the opportunity to tear societies apart. By engaging 1:1 and in small groups, we remind ourselves that the “other” is – just like us – a person with family, friends, hopes, fears, values, and worth.
About National Week of Conversation
The 6th annual National Week of Conversation invites Americans to practice “Courage over Contempt” by having conversations despite differences in bold and energizing ways. NWOC events will be hosted by more than 150 partners within the wider #ListenFirst Coalition and anyone else who would like to become a Hosting Partner. For more information, visit:
https://conversation.us/ #ListenFirst
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Media Contact: media@listenfirstproject.org
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