Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · 23d

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...

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.

www.philanthropy.com

1

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Sep 10

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.

1

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Sep 8

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...

1

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Aug 29

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...

Bridge Grades: A report card for Congress [explainer video]

YouTube video by Bridge Grades

www.youtube.com

1

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Aug 25

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...

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.

www.deseret.com

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Aug 21

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...

Understanding the other | George W. Bush Presidential Center

www.bushcenter.org

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Aug 17

“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...

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.

www.unasbtheclub.com

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Jul 23

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

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Jun 20

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/

1 1 2

Reposted by Listen First Project

Builders @buildersmvt.bsky.social · Jun 18

If you’ve never changed your mind on anything, you’re not evolving.

You’re just rooting for a team.

1 1

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · May 30

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...

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · May 6

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/...

2 1

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · May 1

Thanks for this thoughtful comment. We agree: dialogue requires nuance. Not every space allows for meaningful engagement, and defending core values matters. Our aim is to support sincere conversation where it’s possible, not flatten real dangers. Appreciate you complicating the narrative with care.

1 1

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Apr 28

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...

A Truth Universally Acknowledged: Blessed Are the Peacemakers - Word&Way

wordandway.org

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Apr 24

“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...

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...

thefulcrum.us

1

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Apr 24

“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...

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.

www.usatoday.com

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Mar 28

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

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.

vimeo.com

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Mar 21

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...

www.youtube.com

1

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Mar 20

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/...

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.

moreincommonus.com

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Mar 7

📣 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

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...

bit.ly

1 2

Reposted by Listen First Project

Civic Health Project @civichealthproject.bsky.social · Mar 1

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.

The Verge @theverge.com · Feb 25

The future of the internet is likely smaller communities, with a focus on curated experiences

As brands look to hold onto the internet of the past, the term “community” will become a loaded word.

buff.ly

2 2

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Feb 28

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

#ListenFirst Friday: Urban Rural Action

YouTube video by Listen First Project

youtu.be

1

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Feb 27

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...

The Case for a Return to "Pluralism"

Re-thinking America's ideological tug-of-war. We are pulling the wrong rope.

bridgegrades.substack.com

1

Reposted by Listen First Project

Dr. Tania Israel @drtaniaisrael.bsky.social · Feb 24

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...

1 2

Listen First Project @listenfirstproject.bsky.social · Feb 24

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.

1