The Listen First Project is a charitable nonprofit organization that focuses on fostering understanding and dialogue among diverse communities by promoting active listening and respectful conversation regarding polarizing issues. ¹ LFP claims to bridge divides and strengthen communities through various programs that encourage individuals to approach conversations with an open mind and willingness to listen. ² LFP’s initiatives encompass community listening circles, workplace communication workshops, and training programs for schools aimed at facilitating civic dialogue among primary and college students on divisive topics. ³

The Listen First Project also advocates research-based practices that strengthen interpersonal communication skills and address societal polarization. Through its “Listen First Pledge” campaign, the organization aims to create a movement of individuals committed to listening to understand others’ perspectives, particularly in contexts of political, social, and cultural divides. ⁴ By cultivating these values, the Listen First Project claims to reduce tension and improve civic engagement within communities. ⁵

Founding and Advocacy

Founded in 2017, Listen First Project originated as an effort focused on countering division and promoting listening as a fundamental skill in conflict resolution. ⁶ Directed by founder Pearce Godwin, who has a background in policy and communication, the organization has since grown into a national nonprofit engaging communities across the United States in constructive dialogue. ⁷ Godwin, a prominent advocate for empathetic communication, frequently speaks on the importance of listening in bridging divides and has represented the Listen First Project at national conferences, including the National Conversation Project and the American Council on Education’s convenings on civic dialogue. ⁸

The Listen First Project promotes its “Listen First Pledge,” an initiative that encourages individuals to commit to active listening to foster understanding across political and social divides. The pledge, which is presented as a public commitment, seeks to cultivate a culture of dialogue by encouraging signatories to prioritize listening to others with the intention of understanding their perspectives. ⁹ Godwin says he gained further insight during a trip to Africa with a relief organization. While traveling on a late-night bus between Uganda and Kenya, he contrasted the political vitriol prevalent in the United States with the “[incredible relational wealth]” he observed in impoverished communities abroad. This reflection prompted him to jot down ideas that ultimately contributed to the development of the Listen First movement. ⁹

Under Pearce Godwin’s leadership, the Listen First Project has expanded its reach by partnering with organizations such as the Fulcrum Democracy Forum to promote listening as a tool for reducing polarization and enhancing democratic engagement. ¹⁰

Finances

In 2023, the Listen First Project reported a revenue of $1,254,642, with expenses totaling $1,240,179, resulting in a net income of $14,463. ¹¹ The organization’s funding sources include private donations, grants from foundations focused on civic engagement and social cohesion, and corporate partnerships supporting programs that address communication challenges in diverse settings. ¹² Listen First Project’s total net assets were reported to be $30,699 at the close of its 2023 fiscal year. ¹³

1. Listen First Project. “About Us.” Listen First Project, accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.listenfirstproject.org/about.
2. Listen First Project. “Our Mission and Values.” Listen First Project, accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.listenfirstproject.org/mission.
3. Listen First Project. “Programs and Initiatives.” Listen First Project, accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.listenfirstproject.org/programs.
4. Listen First Project. “The Listen First Pledge.” Listen First Project, accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.listenfirstproject.org/pledge.
5. National Dialogue Institute. “Bridging Community Divides through Listening Practices.” National Dialogue Institute Report, 2023.
6.  Godwin, Pearce. “The Origins of Listen First.” National Civic Engagement Forum, 2023.
7. American Council on Education. “Listen First Project’s Contributions to Civic Dialogue.” ACE, 2023.
8.  Godwin, Pearce. “Reimagining Communication in Polarized Times.” National Conversation Project Summit, 2022.
9. “Pledge: I Will Listen First to Understand.” IVN. Accessed October 29, 2024. https://ivn.us/posts/pledge-i-will-listen-first-to-understand.
10. “The Fulcrum Democracy Forum Meets Pearce Godwin, Founder & CEO of Listen First Project.” CityBiz, November 10, 2022. https://www.citybiz.co/article/604857/the-fulcrum-democracy-forum-meets-pearce-godwin-founder-ceo-of-listen-first-project/.
11. Listen First Project. “Annual Report 2022.” Listen First Project, 2022.
12. Institute for Civic Engagement. “Funding Civic Organizations for Social Cohesion.” Institute Report, 2023.
13. ProPublica. “Listen First Project.” Accessed October 29, 2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/463889386.