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This is a special bonus episode we're sharing of the Village SquareCast. The panel is titled Bridge Building and Bipartisanship. Bridge building?! (We're not talking about the Golden Gate, people.) An industry that was recently unknown and almost nonexistent has exploded in recent years, as average citizens begin to see the sharp growth in political divisions as an emergency that requires our attention. In the midst of a divisive election season, we'll take a pause to chat with leaders in the bridge building field about the outlook for cooperation across political differences and potential improvements on the horizon that we can all reach for. Is there hope of a tipping point where bridge-building is more prominent than the divide-and-(attempt to)-conquer approach of late? Might average Americans like our heroic guests and listeners have to roll up their sleeves and show our politicians the way? Speaking of the politicians: stay tuned until the end to learn about the Common Ground Scorecard where you can find out which candidates on your ballot are interested in bridging divides. #Mavericks Joining the conversation are Pearce Godwin, Founder & CEO of Listen First Project; Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of Civic Health Project; and Liz Joyner, Founder and President of The Village Square. Listen First Project leads the collaborative movement to heal America by bridging divides. They elevate the impact, visibility, and voice of the bridge-building field by aggregating, aligning, and amplifying the efforts of 500 #ListenFirst Coalition partner organizations into large scale, national campaigns and strategies. Together these organizations transform division and contempt into connection and understanding. Civic Health Project is dedicated to reducing America's toxic partisan polarization and enabling healthier public discourse and decision-making across our citizenry, politics, and media. Through grantmaking, advocacy, and convenings, Civic Health Project supports the most promising research and interventions to reduce political division and foster social cohesion across the country. This episode is part of The Democracy Group's 2022 Midterm Series.
This is a special bonus episode we're sharing of the Village SquareCast. The panel is titled Bridge Building and Bipartisanship. Bridge building?! (We're not talking about the Golden Gate, people.) An industry that was recently unknown and almost nonexistent has exploded in recent years, as average citizens begin to see the sharp growth in political divisions as an emergency that requires our attention. In the midst of a divisive election season, we'll take a pause to chat with leaders in the bridge building field about the outlook for cooperation across political differences and potential improvements on the horizon that we can all reach for. Is there hope of a tipping point where bridge-building is more prominent than the divide-and-(attempt to)-conquer approach of late? Might average Americans like our heroic guests and listeners have to roll up their sleeves and show our politicians the way? Speaking of the politicians: stay tuned until the end to learn about the Common Ground Scorecard where you can find out which candidates on your ballot are interested in bridging divides. #Mavericks Joining the conversation are Pearce Godwin, Founder & CEO of Listen First Project; Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of Civic Health Project; and Liz Joyner, Founder and President of The Village Square. Listen First Project leads the collaborative movement to heal America by bridging divides. They elevate the impact, visibility, and voice of the bridge-building field by aggregating, aligning, and amplifying the efforts of 500 #ListenFirst Coalition partner organizations into large scale, national campaigns and strategies. Together these organizations transform division and contempt into connection and understanding. Civic Health Project is dedicated to reducing America's toxic partisan polarization and enabling healthier public discourse and decision-making across our citizenry, politics, and media. Through grantmaking, advocacy, and convenings, Civic Health Project supports the most promising research and interventions to reduce political division and foster social cohesion across the country. This episode is part of The Democracy Group's 2022 Midterm Series.
This episode of the series comes from the Village SquareCast podcast, hosted by Vanessa Rowse, featuring Pearce Godwin, Founder & CEO of Listen First Project; Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of Civic Health Project; and Liz Joyner, Founder and President of The Village Square.Bridge building?! (We're not talking about the Golden Gate, people.) An industry that was recently unknown and almost nonexistent has exploded in recent years, as average citizens begin to see the sharp growth in political divisions as an emergency that requires our attention. In the midst of a divisive election season, we'll take a pause to chat with leaders in the bridge building field about the outlook for cooperation across political differences and potential improvements on the horizon that we can all reach for.Is there hope of a tipping point where bridge-building is more prominent than the divide-and-(attempt to)-conquer approach of late? Might average Americans like our heroic guests and listeners have to roll up their sleeves and show our politicians the way?GuestsListen First Project leads the collaborative movement to heal America by bridging divides. They elevate the impact, visibility, and voice of the bridge-building field by aggregating, aligning, and amplifying the efforts of 500 #ListenFirst Coalition partner organizations into large scale, national campaigns and strategies. Together these organizations transform division and contempt into connection and understanding.Civic Health Project is dedicated to reducing America's toxic partisan polarization and enabling healthier public discourse and decision-making across our citizenry, politics, and media. Through grantmaking, advocacy, and convenings, Civic Health Project supports the most promising research and interventions to reduce political division and foster social cohesion across the country.Additional InformationVillage SquareCast PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
Bridge building?! (We're not talking about the Golden Gate, people.) An industry that was recently unknown and almost nonexistent has exploded in recent years, as average citizens begin to see the sharp growth in political divisions as an emergency that requires our attention. In the midst of a divisive election season, we'll take a pause to chat with leaders in the bridge building field about the outlook for cooperation across political differences and potential improvements on the horizon that we can all reach for. Is there hope of a tipping point where bridge-building is more prominent than the divide-and-(attempt to)-conquer approach of late? Might average Americans like our heroic guests and listeners have to roll up their sleeves and show our politicians the way? Speaking of the politicians: stay tuned until the end to learn about the Common Ground Scorecard where you can find out which candidates on your ballot are interested in bridging divides. #Mavericks Joining the conversation are Pearce Godwin, Founder & CEO of Listen First Project; Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of Civic Health Project; and Liz Joyner, Founder and President of The Village Square. Listen First Project leads the collaborative movement to heal America by bridging divides. They elevate the impact, visibility, and voice of the bridge-building field by aggregating, aligning, and amplifying the efforts of 500 #ListenFirst Coalition partner organizations into large scale, national campaigns and strategies. Together these organizations transform division and contempt into connection and understanding. Civic Health Project is dedicated to reducing America's toxic partisan polarization and enabling healthier public discourse and decision-making across our citizenry, politics, and media. Through grantmaking, advocacy, and convenings, Civic Health Project supports the most promising research and interventions to reduce political division and foster social cohesion across the country. This episode is part of The Democracy Group's 2022 Midterms Series.
Healthy Self Governance leaders Debilyn Molineaux of Bridge Alliance, Ivan Douglass Hicks of The Ministerium and Pearce Godwin of the Listen First Coalition sit down to discuss critical race theory in the U.S and censorship culture over history and diverse perspectives.
Pearce Godwin, founder and CEO of the Listen First Project and the #ListenFirst Coalition, joins T.J. O'Hara, host of Deconstructed, to discuss what is driving the political divide and how to fix it. After working for the United States Senate and serving as a national political consultant for presidential and statewide campaigns, Mr. Godwin traveled to Africa with a relief organization to gain a fresh perspective. On a late-night bus trip between Uganda and Kenya, he reflected upon the political vitriol that was transpiring in the United States in contrast to the “incredible relational wealth” he experienced in the incredibly impoverished countries he had been visiting. It was then that he jotted down a few notes on what ultimately evolved into the Listen First movement. Mr. Godwin's intuitive sense is that political opponents have far more in common than they might admit. He describes how he settled on the concept of seeking out those who are different from him and to “listen first” before he formed his opinion. He shares how that simple phrase spawned a coalition that now features nearly 400 organizations that are trying to improve our political environment. Mr. Godwin talks about the mission of the Listen First Project and the principles that drive the initiative. He says the organization is predicated on the belief that “every person has dignity” and should be welcomed with appreciation, curiosity, empathy, and grace. Mr. Godwin also thinks that diversity can be America's greatest strength if it isn't used as a political weapon to separate us. Then, T.J. explores some of the compelling polling data that is listed on the Listen First website. The two discuss what Mr. Godwin calls the “toxic polarization” of America. Poll results indicate that 87% of Americans believe political polarization is a threat to the country, 66% see the opposing party as a serious threat to the U.S., 42% see the opposing party as “downright evil,” 20% say many members of the other side “lack the traits to be considered fully human,” and 15% of Republicans and 20% of Democrats say the country would be better off if large numbers of opposing partisans “just died.” Think about that. The polls also give insight into why we have become so politically jaded. They reveal that 77% have few, and 41% have no friends from the other side. Correspondingly, 62% say the political climate prevents them from saying what they believe. So much for free speech. The good news, according to Mr. Godwin, is that an overwhelming percentage of Americans recognize the need to reduce divisiveness and that there is more common ground among the American people than the news media and political leaders portray. T.J. asks what people can do to begin to make a difference. Mr. Godwin responds by describing various programs that Listen First offers to bring people of dissimilar backgrounds and beliefs together to learn from one another. Many of the programs have already reached thousands of concerned citizens. Mr. Godwin shares the organization's vision for soon reaching millions. “Listen” to learn more about what this movement is doing and how you can become involved. The first step is to go to the website and sign the pledge: “I will listen first to understand.” If you have the courage to commit to that simple step, you will be well on your way to making a difference.
Political Polarization is tearing America apart. Division and Extremism are on the rise. We know this. We talk about it pretty often. But, this weekend, we have an opportunity to do something about it. Hillari sits down with Pearce Goodwin, the CEO & Founder of #ListenFirst, to talk about Polarization, Common Ground, and America Talks. America Talks is a powerful conversation event that invites Americans to connect one-on-one, face-to-face on video across our political divides. By doing so, we remind ourselves that the “other” is – just like us – a person with family, friends, hopes, fears, values, beliefs, and intrinsic worth. Register for America Talks Today!
Pearce Godwin is described as the national voice for bridging divides—is Founder & CEO of Listen First Project, Executive Director of National Conversation Project, and leader of the #ListenFirst Coalition of 300 partner organizations. He catalyzes the #ListenFirst movement to mend the frayed social fabric of America by building relationships and bridging divides. His passion is combating the universally felt crisis of distance, division, and dehumanization across differences with conversations that prioritize understanding. Pearce graduated from Duke University and received an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill. He spent five years working in Washington, DC—in the U.S. Senate and as a national political consultant for presidential and statewide campaigns. Before moving home to North Carolina in 2013, Pearce spent six months in Uganda, Africa where he wrote It’s Time to Listen. That message—printed in dozens of papers across the United States—launched Listen First Project and led thousands to sign the Listen First Pledge—“I will listen first to understand.” In 2018, Pearce helped create the first National Week of Conversation and hosted the kickoff event, Listen First in Charlottesville. Pearce then launched the overarching, collaborative movement platform National Conversation Project, which scales the #ListenFirst movement by promoting annual National Weeks of Conversation, #ListenFirst Fridays, Rapid Response & Featured Conversations on Major Issues, Locally-Focused #ListenFirst Movements, and any conversation creating social connection. The #ListenFirst movement has been recognized by journalists at CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, USA Today, Associated Press, and The New York Times as Pearce has spoken about the mission on national television and to live audiences around the world. "I don't think any of us, ultimately, want to live in a society that is defined by how we're different as opposed to common hopes and dreams. Common values around freedom, equality and opportunity." - Pearce Godwin Topics we discuss: His Optimistic outlook on the futureThe nuance of this optimism Breaking the divisions in our country and what that looks like Perspective on how we started sliding into advent disagreementPoliticians Internet & Social Media News Media Human nature Social Echo Chambers Common threats as a unifier How he got to this place after years in politicsThe choice to go to Uganda That trip's impact on his journey Political AffiliationThe danger of our identities being tied to the tribe we identify with. Listen First Project and Weaving Community Listen First Project and Weaving Community References: The Listen First Project National Conversation Project The Pledge "It's time to listen" that started it all Definition of Pollyannish Definition of Optimism Asteroid Theory Graham Bodie's episode Infinite Game - Simon Sinek Brene Brown's Core Values Weaving Community with David Brooks His final thoughts in USA Today Credits: Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes Music: Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. Guest theme: "Lady in Bronze " by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.
More than 8 out of 10 Americans think the country is divided, and a large majority says public debate has gotten worse in recent years. A recent survey found most voters agree that significant changes are needed in the fundamental design and structure of American government to make it work for current times. In this episode, we explore the urgent need for common ground with Amy Dacey, Executive Director of the Sine Institute of Policy & Politics at American University, and Pearce Godwin, CEO of Listen First Project, and a leading member of Weaving Community. During the 2016 presidential election, Amy served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Democratic National Committee. She has managed national organizations and advised leading elected officials and candidates, including President Barack Obama and Senator John Kerry. Pearce is from a conservative political background, and formerly worked as an aide in the House and Senate and for Republican Party campaigns. We speak with both of them about the new Common Ground Scorecard, which rates candidates and elected officials on their ability to reach out beyond their base and engage with voters and other elected officials who come from another party or viewpoint.
There is a movement underway to depolarize American politics. It is a movement committed to transforming the way we interact with and think about each other as Americans. And guess what? It is bigger than just Braver Angels. John and Ciaran welcome National Conversations Project and Listen First founder Pearce Godwin, Bridge Alliance founder Debilyn Molineaux and founder of The Village Square Liz Joyner to a conversation on the work of building bridges over the raging floods of American division. Each of these social innovators brings a deep perspective and experience to this vital work. You'll want to know their names and their stories. Join us at www.braverangels.org Follow: Twitter: @braverangels @USConvoProject @BrdgAllianceUS @VillageSquareUS @PearceGodwin @debilynm @ciaranjoconnor @JohnRWoodJr Facebook: @braverangels @NationalConversationProject @bridgealliance @thevillagesquare
Our guest, Pearce Godwin, founded and now leads the Listen First Project, and has been steadily building the Listen First Coalition—some 300+ member organizations all working to bridge divides and bring people in this country back together again. Pearce shares his insight about the challenges of coalition-building, the powerful impact that Listen First Coalition members have had by joining forces, and seizing on this moment of COVID-driven isolation to use social media and digital platforms to enable people to bridge rather than deepen divides.
If independent podcasts are to prosper and survive in this era of growing commercialization, big media, and multi-million dollar podcast investments, we need to grow our community: Share, collaborate and promote groups, individuals and podcasters who share many of our goals.In this first "How Do We Fix It?" episode of 2020, we include recent interviews with leaders and supporters of Bridge Alliance, Civic Hall, Heterodox Academy, Solutions Journalism Network and Listen First Project. We support their efforts to strengthen democracy, boost curiosity, find constructive solutions and emphasize the positive.We've included clips from our 2019 interviews with Debilyn Molineaux, Arthur Brooks, Micah Sifry, Jodie Jackson and Pearce Godwin. As we celebrate collaboration and sharing, we also want to give a shout-out to three more vital groups that we will be working with in 2020: The McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State University, Common Ground Committee, and New Books Network. All are working hard to promote the work of those who seek to make the world a better place.This week's recommendations from Jim and Richard...Book to read: "The Years That Matter Most" by Paul Tough.NiemanLab blog: "Podcasting Unsilences the Silent" by Joni Deutsch. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
A Thanksgiving Dinner Survival Guide: The Importance of Conversation with Pearce Godwin On today's episode, we have on Pearce Godwin, a UNC Alumnus and creator/CEO of the National Conversation Project. After receiving acclaim for his impromptu article titled ‘It’s Time to Listen’, he went on to create the 'National Conversation Project', which seeks to have people #listenfirst from all over the globe. His #listenfirst pledge has signees from all over mainstream media, politics, and sports. Signees include Van Jones, Fareed Zakaria, Dominique Wilkins, Johnathan Haidt, and Katie Couric. We discuss how to navigate politics in a contentious moment that approaches us all: thanksgiving dinner. In on this episode are Co-Hosts Noah Upchurch and Sina Shanizadeh, along with Chris West and esteemed guest Pearce Godwin. Citations: Listen First Project. (Nov, 2019). retrieved from, http://www.listenfirstproject.org/pearce-godwin Listen First Project. (Nov, 2019). It's Time to Listen. Retrieved from http://www.listenfirstproject.org/time-to-listen C.K. (Nov. 21st, 2018). Is Political Polarization Cutting Thanksgiving Dinners Short?. The Economist. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/democracy-in-america/2018/11/21/is-political-polarisation-cutting-thanksgiving-dinners-short Oliphant, J. (Nov. 20th, 2018). Most Say Their Family is Okay with Discussing Politics —But it Helps if the Family Agrees. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/11/20/most-say-their-family-is-ok-with-discussing-politics-but-it-helps-if-the-family-agrees
Today we have two special guests. Graham Bodie and Pearce Godwin are two colleagues who are doing good work to help our country listen across the divide. Graham Bodie is a listening scholar, educator, and consultant. Pearce Godwin is Founder & CEO of Listen First Project, Executive Director of National Conversation Project, and leader of the #ListenFirst Coalition of ~250 partner organizations. Together the two have incredible experience helping people to listen across divides. Today we will discuss how people can move from listening to understand towards working together for change. This is a conversation about how we have productive conversations, what compromise is and isn't and the roles both good conversation and activism play in any social movement. Connect with Graham and Pearce! Find Graham at his website and on Twitter and follow Pearce on Twitter! And be sure to check out the #ListenFirst Project. Find more here and follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Additionally take a look at the National Conversation Project. You can find information here and follow the movement on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Also mentioned in this episode: The Only Human Podcast: The Birth of Climate Change Denial Listen First Pledge
American democracy is in crisis, with a coarsening of our national conversation and an erosion of public trust that threatens the guardrails of self-government. Many citizens feel dislocated, disempowered and believe that remote institutions and government don't listen to their needs and interests.One way to bridge divides is to listen to a broader range of opinions, from people not like you.Our guest is Pearce Godwin, founder and CEO of Listen First Project, which has 250 partner organizations who have joined the #ListenFirst movement as well as the thousands who have signed the Listen First Pledge.Listen First sounds like a moderate idea, but "I think it really is radical," Pearce tells "How Do We Fix It?" Coming to conversations "with a spirit of curiosity is what will bring us to a place in which we are learning from one another and building greater connections, as opposed to throwing grenades and tearing each other apart."The four key ingredients of a listen first conversation include listening to understand, being curious, suspending judgement, and maximizing a diversity of perspectives. More tips here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Last year we talked with Pearce Godwin, a North Carolina native who had an experience on a bus ride in Uganda that changed his life forever. He started a national effort called Listen First designed to bring people who disagree with each other into conversation with each other. As the Institute for Emerging Issues continues its efforts to “reconnect NC,” we are launching a statewide effort called Civic Conversations. After listening to this week’s “throwback” episode with Pearce, we hope you’ll be inspired to go to our website at emergingissues.org/civic-conversations and commit to hosting a civic conversation of your own.
PEARCE GODWIN once worked at the heart of power in the United States political system. But as his country became more and more divided by politics, he set out for a new challenge. In this interview, he tells us why he launched the "Listen First Project", and how each time we make an effort to sincerely listen to people with whom we disagree, we help improve the health of our society as a whole. Help us tell more stories like this at patreon.com/arukahnetwork
Just listen to someone else. Hear what they are saying. Recognize that other people see things from a different angle, and it changes the way we see things ourselves and gives us a different perspective. That is what our First in Future guest, Pearce Godwin, founder and CEO of the Listen First Project discovered. He was riding down a bumpy road in Uganda in 2013 and saw something about the US that many of us were only beginning to realize. What he realized changed his life and he started the nonprofit and the National Conversation Project. Listen and hear what he is saying.
Jeff Powers spoke with a couple of the organizations involved in this week's National Week of Conversation, which runs until April 28th! Pearce Godwin with Listen First and Sandy Heierbacher with the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation join the podcast to discuss how they're involved in the National Week of Conversation across the nation this week.
In the wake of tragic events its easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of anger and confusion that almost assuredly follows. After the events of Charlottesville, it feels like tension has reached an all time high. In this episode, Ben sits down with Pearce Godwin of the Listen First Project to discuss what it’s like to listen to those who only seem to spew hate to cover up their hurt.