To keep my sanity and peace of mind, I must remember that there is always something beautiful happening, co-existing simultaneously with the unconscionable. That the power of just one person and their decision to do good has ripple effects. In this endeavor, I stumbled across Sidewalk Talk. After my first volunteer Sidewalk Talk I was so inspired I immediately signed up as a Los Angeles City Leader. A profound transformation happens in this experience that mere words cannot describe. And I am intoxicated with joy as I watch this movement spread across the world.
In Fall of 2014 two San Francisco therapists shared a vision: to help heal that which divides us through the fine art of skilled listening on the streets of San Francisco. They gathered 26 of their colleagues, practiced listening skills and came up with a plan for listening on the sidewalks together planning ahead for emergencies.
On May 7th 2015, in for 2 hours in 12 locations throughout San Francisco 28 other listeners set up chairs and signs, offering to listen to any passerby who wanted to be seen and heard if only for a few minutes.
On May 7th 2015, in for 2 hours in 12 locations throughout San Francisco 28 other listeners set up chairs and signs, offering to listen to any passerby who wanted to be seen and heard if only for a few minutes.
The result?
People wanted to talk! And even those who didn't sit to share were visibly impacted (joyous, relieved, confused, anxious). Media came out and soon Washington DC, Los Angeles and Austin launched Sidewalk Talk chapters in their cities.
Today?
We have over 700 members in our inclusive and diverse listening community. All people and feelings are welcome to join us. We have chapters in 19 cities and 6 countries. What makes us unique is we are a true community of people who practice listening together regularly. We are active in the community every week and our mission and focus is clear. We listen on the streets as often as we can. In April of 2017 we did a six city road tour across the midwest and south. We hope this is the first of many.
Invite us into your organization...
We offer workshops and stage events for schools, churches and companies who wish to not only develop their listening skills but also impact their community be practicing what they have learned on sidewalks with us after getting trained by our trainers. Contact us at partners@sidewalk-talk.org for more information.
People wanted to talk! And even those who didn't sit to share were visibly impacted (joyous, relieved, confused, anxious). Media came out and soon Washington DC, Los Angeles and Austin launched Sidewalk Talk chapters in their cities.
Today?
We have over 700 members in our inclusive and diverse listening community. All people and feelings are welcome to join us. We have chapters in 19 cities and 6 countries. What makes us unique is we are a true community of people who practice listening together regularly. We are active in the community every week and our mission and focus is clear. We listen on the streets as often as we can. In April of 2017 we did a six city road tour across the midwest and south. We hope this is the first of many.
Invite us into your organization...
We offer workshops and stage events for schools, churches and companies who wish to not only develop their listening skills but also impact their community be practicing what they have learned on sidewalks with us after getting trained by our trainers. Contact us at partners@sidewalk-talk.org for more information.
Learn more: http://www.sidewalktalksf.com/
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