#ListenFirst Commentary
The #ListenFirst movement began with a commentary written on an overnight bus ride across Africa that was published in dozens of newspapers across America reaching millions of readers. The message has been amplified by many voices since.
America Talks: Toxic polarization threatens our nation's future. Here's how we can save it. (USA Today)
Launching the groundbreaking America Talks event in partnership with USA TODAY, Pearce asks those who reject the idea of engaging across differences, what’s your endgame?
It feels like the American experiment is failing. Here's how we can still save it. (USA Today)
Amidst pandemic and protests, Pearce casts a vision of transforming the tide of rising rancor, deepening division and increasing isolation into a wave of respect, connection and belonging.
Let's fight for America by learning to listen first (USA Today)
Pearce and Dr. Graham Bodie encourage hope for 2020 even as the election season foments division and rips at our social fabric. Americans have a chance to subvert those forces and forge a different path.
Resolve to Listen First in 2018 (The Hill)
In a column shared by thousands, Pearce encourages a fractured nation that each person who sets aside interpersonal conflict for conversation and pledges to listen first tips the scales toward a new direction.
Colleges, the First Amendment isn't protection from offensive speech (The Hill)
Pearce discusses experiencing intolerance of listening at a campus protest and the alternative view of the First Amendment now precluding listening first at schools.
Listen First Reflections on the Tragedy in Charlottesville
LFP Founder Pearce Godwin shared the Listen First perspective on the violent clash in Charlottesville in the days following the tragedy, with several posts on the Listen First Blog:
Charlottesville hatred and violence a disgrace to the United States of America
The limits of the Listen First ideal as it relates to violence & racism
Charlottesville: A story of terror or turnaround? Up to you.
Listen First Reflection on the Charlottesville Tragedy
Grappling with Charlottesville and Racist Extremism
Listen First after Charlottesville—How we can save America