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Listen First Project

@listenfirstproject.bsky.social
82 followers 137 following 35 posts

Join the movement of 500+ organizations bringing Americans together across divides to build understanding, trust, relationships, and solutions.

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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
This #ListenFirst Friday, we invite you to learn about a new book from author Emily Kasriel: Deep Listening: Transform Your Relationships with Family, Friends and Foes. youtu.be/wbcl0Kn1EAc
youtu.be
#ListenFirst Friday: Deep Listening with Emily Kasriel
YouTube video by Listen First Project
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
This #ListenFirst Friday, we’re spotlighting a new generation of lawmakers who are proving it. You aren’t just a character in the story of democracy. You’re a coauthor, and these Future Caucus Rising Stars are showing what’s possible when we write that story together futurecaucus.org/future-caucu...
futurecaucus.org
Rising Star Awards - Future Caucus
Each December, Future Caucus recognizes a bipartisan group of young legislators for their future-focused leadership and political bridge-building.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
A new counterculture is rising. One that rejects outrage-as-default and insists that dialogue, not division, is the radical act this moment demands. www.philanthropy.com/commons/char...
philanthropy.com
The Counterculture That Could Stop Political Violence
Amid the rage that followed Kirk’s assassination, young people are building a hopeful movement that could push the country away from violence and toward the change philanthropy seeks.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
We are deeply disturbed by the news that Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at UVU today. We stand alongside bipartisan leaders and elected officials who have condemned this attack on a fellow American. We denounce this shooting and all forms of political violence.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Democracy Day is just a week away! We are thrilled to be participating in this event hosted by Team Democracy and The Pluralist Lab next Monday, September 15th from 7:30-9:00pm ET (and you're invited!). Register Now us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Democracy Day 2025. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Democracy Day 2025 will bring together Americans from across the country for a national virtual event co-hosted by Team Democracy and The Pluralist Lab. Through keynote reflections, a bipartisan conve...
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Congress just got graded. Bridge Grades has launched its first report for the 119th Congress. It's like Rotten Tomatoes, but for politicians. 🍅 Find out if your Member of Congress is a bridger or a divide today. www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2hG...
youtube.com
Bridge Grades: A report card for Congress [explainer video]
YouTube video by Bridge Grades
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Despite our perceived differences in perspective, ideology, and political affiliation, Americans are all in this raft together, quite literally, when it comes to RAFT for America (Reuniting America by Fostering Trust). www.deseret.com/utah/2025/08...
deseret.com
Rafting the divide: How a politically diverse group tackled a river’s rapids — and listening, reflecting, building understanding
Deseret News video follows the group’s journey on the Green River and explores how time together can bridge America’s divides.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
What if “they” aren’t who we imagine? 🤔 Research shows we vastly overestimate how extreme the other side is. Change moves at the speed of trust—and trust starts with real relationships. www.bushcenter.org/catalyst/pro...
bushcenter.org
Understanding the other | George W. Bush Presidential Center
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
“Clarity doesn’t come from echo chambers. It comes from friction.” In her recent essay, Sophie Levy reflects on what she learned after joining a virtual, conservative-leaning podcast listening club—not to be persuaded, but to understand. www.unasbtheclub.com/p/conviction...
unasbtheclub.com
Conviction Is No Excuse: An Open Letter to My Fellow Leftists
Convictions are only as powerful as your ability to explain them. Without challenging our convictions, we sacrifice progress in the name of comfort.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Are political differences straining your relationships? You’re not alone—and we’re here to help. Join us Aug 12 @ 7pm ET for a session on navigating relationships across divides. 🔗 tinyurl.com/Takes-Two
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
Happy #ListenFirstFriday! 👂🌍 What if tech brought us together instead of tearing us apart? 🎥 Watch @civichealthproject.bsky.social's Kristin Hansen share why the June 26 Global Expo on Tech & Social Cohesion matters. 🗓️ Free + hybrid → Register + Agenda: techandsocialcohesion.org/ctsc-expo/
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Builders @buildersmvt.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
If you’ve never changed your mind on anything, you’re not evolving. You’re just rooting for a team.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Happy #ListenFirst Friday! Ethical storytelling means honoring everyone in a story. Join Stories Change Power’s June course to learn how to share stories with dignity, impact, and empathy—in just 1 hour a week. Space is limited, so register now! www.storieschangepower.org/product/ethi...
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Gen Z isn’t anti-democracy. They’re just asking: What has it done for us lately? New research from @moreincommonus.bsky.social CommonUS shows their skepticism stems from disillusionment—not dictatorship. It’s a call to deliver, not dismiss. 📖 Report: moreincommonus.com/publication/...
moreincommonus.com
Is Gen Z Giving Up on Democracy?
In recent years, there has been growing concern about Gen Z’s relationship with democracy. Headlines warn that “Gen Z is embracing dictatorship,” and similar storylines fuel anxiety that this rising g...
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Darcy needed less brooding, Elizabeth needed fewer assumptions, and everyone needed a decent conversation. A new blog post shows how bridge-building could’ve saved a lot of drama (and heartache): wordandway.org/2025/04/25/a...
wordandway.org
A Truth Universally Acknowledged: Blessed Are the Peacemakers - Word&Way
Since the popular screen adaptation of “Pride & Prejudice” is back in theaters for its 20th anniversary, it is worth thinking about how this enemies-to-lovers story can offer us a unique glimpse into ...
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
“Change doesn’t happen in echo chambers—it happens in the hard, messy spaces where people choose to stay in conversation.” — Chelsea Miller Have the courage to connect during this year’s National Week of Conversation. thefulcrum.us/civic-engage...
thefulcrum.us
In a Divided America, We Must Refuse To Disengage From the “Other Side”
This week, citizens and organizations across America celebrate the National Week of Conversation. In a time of deep division in our country, this week provides a crucial reminder of the power of conve...
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
“That shift can start anywhere... with the stories we dare to tell − and the humanity we choose to see.” —Steven Olikara, Bridge Entertainment Labs. In this USA Today op-ed from Bridge Entertainment Labs, storytelling takes center stage as a path to connection. www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
usatoday.com
Americans feel more divided than ever. You can do something about that. | Opinion
The Week of Conversation is an invitation to every American to find a way to come together in real conversation − not to win arguments, but to listen.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Happy #ListenFirst Friday from Out for Undergrad! One important quote? “You can't create relationships of support when you shake hands with a closed fist or think with a closed mind. You have to listen deeply first — even to those who oppose you.” vimeo.com/1070374784
vimeo.com
listen first friday 1
This is "listen first friday 1" by Cambria Findley-Grubb on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Happy #ListenFirstFriday! We're thrilled to invite you to join us for National Week of Conversation— taking place April 21–27, 2025. Today's powerful video captures the heart of why National Week of Conversation (NWoC) matters—and why we need you. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njtb...
youtube.com
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Connection fuels trust, but Americans need more chances to engage. @moreincommonus.bsky.social’s report shows bridging divides starts with shared action—when people connect once, they’re more likely to do it again. Let’s create spaces that bring us together. 📖 moreincommonus.com/publication/...
moreincommonus.com
The Connection Opportunity
More in Common’s two-year study of 6,000+ Americans reveals key insights into Americans’ interest in connection across lines of difference as well as the barriers that stand in the way.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
📣 TEACHERS! 2 paragraphs could win your school PIZZA, BOOKS & RECOGNITION! Share how you're teaching empathy & dialogue for a chance at $500 from the Prohuman Foundation. Submit between March 10-April 27: #CivicLearningWeek
bit.ly
Celebrating you and your work: Bridging divides, strengthening democracy
Through the generous support of the Prohuman Foundation, we are providing $500 grants to support a pizza party for your staff, books for your library, and support in getting recognition in your commun...
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Civic Health Project @civichealthproject.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
The future of online communities isn’t about scale—it’s about trust. As people seek smaller, more intentional spaces, we have an opportunity to design digital environments that foster connection, reduce division, and support meaningful dialogue.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Happy #ListenFirst Friday! Urban Rural Action is taking applications for their Uniting for Action programs in southern Oregon (Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath Counties) and south-central Pennsylvania (Adams, Dauphin, Franklin, and York Counties)! youtu.be/UUyDJ9zOvRw
youtu.be
#ListenFirst Friday: Urban Rural Action
YouTube video by Listen First Project
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Rather than fight about what we don’t agree on, lean into what we do. A new post from Bridge Grades discusses how we can rethink America's ideological tug-of-war. bridgegrades.substack.com/p/the-case-f...
bridgegrades.substack.com
The Case for a Return to "Pluralism"
Re-thinking America's ideological tug-of-war. We are pulling the wrong rope.
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Dr. Tania Israel @drtaniaisrael.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Good news – Facing the Fracture is shortlisted for the Chanticleer International Book Awards (Instruction and Insight genre) and was named a finalist for the Feathered Quill Book Awards (self-help category). taniaisrael.com/writing-book...
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
We didn't have this on our 2025 bingo card! We love seeing people who embody different sides of the political spectrum calling out what they admire about each other, even when they disagree on politics.
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Dan Cantor @danielcantor.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Looking for a good read? Check out this book by @leedrutman.bsky.social Our politics is stuck in a doom loop—two parties fighting for power, not solutions. We need more players in the game. That’s where fusion voting comes in—reviving coalition politics and making our democracy work for us. 🗳️✨
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Interactivity Foundation (IF) @iftalks.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
How do you teach students to navigate polarizing conversations with confidence, curiosity, and respect? At the University of Texas at San Antonio, Professor Sara DeTurk has been doing just that. 👉 iftalks.org/G5BhR #WhatIF #CollaborativeDiscussion #HigherEd #DialogueMatters
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Builders @buildersmvt.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
This Republican says, “There’s always a place for loving our brothers and sisters.” Everyday Americans explore what divides us and understand what unites us.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
This bipartisan couple shows that love and politics aren’t mutually exclusive. Their story is a reminder that listening and respect can bridge even the widest divides. buildersmovement.org/2025/02/10/6...
buildersmovement.org
6 Lessons on Love: How a Democrat and Republican Make It Work - Builders
Drew Benbow is a Republican and Sydney Bradford is a Democrat. They met more than twenty years ago as political science majors at Hampton University, and fell in love after reconnecting nearly two yea...
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
"The reasons for hate are as stupid as they sound." It says a lot about where we are at as a nation that Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady need to make an ad calling that out. With conversation.us we are proud to help Americans lower the temperature. www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOxm...
youtube.com
No Reason to Hate | Super Bowl LIX Commercial | 30
YouTube video by What's Up With Hate
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
The Super Bowl message wasn’t just about football—it was about us. Our greatest victories come when we stand together in ways that have lifted the world and one another. The only way forward is together. America, it's time to huddle up. www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkji...
youtube.com
Super Bowl LIX: Brad Pitt explains what it means to be American on Super Bowl Sunday | NFL on FOX
YouTube video by NFL on FOX
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Finding common ground isn’t weakness—it’s the foundation of progress. Stalemate serves no one, and productive dialogue is the only way forward. Thank you for emphasizing the importance of working together for real solutions. www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com/p/stalemate-...
pantsuitpoliticsshow.com
Stalemate Is Not An Option
Beth talks to No Labels co-founder Holly Page about getting things done in D.C.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
U.S. organizations lost over $2.7 billion per day due to reduced productivity and absenteeism caused by incivility and polarization—an increase of over $600 million lost per day from Q3. $2.7 BILLION PER DAY. We can, and need to do better. www.shrm.org/enterprise-s...
shrm.org
The Cost of Incivility: Addressing Workplace Challenges into 2025
Workplace and societal incivility reached record highs in 2024, according to SHRM’s Q4 Civility Index. To combat the risks incivility poses to business outcomes, leaders must take action to foster res...
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
In 2010, Oregon's evenly split House turned potential gridlock into effective governance through strict power-sharing and collaboration. A testament to the power of bipartisanship and both sides are still talking about it! www.ncsl.org/state-legisl...
ncsl.org
When a Tied Chamber Yields Bipartisanship, Not Bitterness
Bipartisanship can be a tough balance to strike in any political realm. But what about those times when it’s a necessity because of a tied legislative chamber? They’ve been facing that in Minnesota t...
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More in Common US @moreincommonus.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
More in Common's Stephen Hawkins sits down with Will Kaback at @tanglenews.bsky.social to discuss our post-election polling. Listen to the free preview here (26 min): pod.link/1538788132/e...
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Happy Listen First Friday! Jeff Wasden, President of State Business Executives, discusses how civility and common sense benefit business and society, including tackling $2B/day polarization costs. Learn how leaders can make a difference. www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1zj...
youtube.com
Listen First Friday: Jeff Wasden of State Business Executives
YouTube video by Listen First Project
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
We love to see how unlikely allies can lead to groundbreaking solutions! In Framingham, MA, climate activists and a gas utility have joined forces to implement a networked geothermal system, showcasing how collaboration can lead to innovative solutions. insideclimatenews.org/news/2112202...
insideclimatenews.org
How an Unlikely Coalition of Climate Activists and a Gas Utility Are Weaning a Boston Suburb Off Fossil Fuels - Inside Climate News
Underground pipes and wells tap geothermal energy to heat and cool a neighborhood. Next stop, the world.
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
In a time of deep division, access to diverse perspectives is more important than ever. @tanglenews.bsky.social brings viewpoints from the left & right together in one place—helping us move beyond echo chambers and make informed decisions. A vital step toward a stronger democracy!
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Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
🚣‍♂️ Would you spend a whole day on a raft talking politics with strangers who disagree with you? These folks did—and proved the divide isn’t as deep as we think. After hours working as a team, they found kinship beyond politics through RAFT for America. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBJp...
youtube.com
Would you want to be stuck on a raft all day talking politics with strangers who disagree with you?
YouTube video by PBS Utah
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