Listen Up

Get Inspired: The Listening

Listen Up. The Listening asks “If you had a room full of people willing to listen to you, what would you say?” We all have the power to use our voice to make change. Today, we're inviting your family to practice listening and speaking out about the issues you care about. Watch this video about The Listening Inc: Freedom Schools and see how students are using their voices to make a difference.

The Listening Inc. engages youth in expressing their voices creatively with regular events like open mic sessions, movie screening, and special performance showcases. By celebrating youth voices, The Listening encourages and mobilizes youth to speak out and become activists in their communities.

This film was produced by Small Forces, a creative impact studio here in Chicago dedicated to amplifying the work of purpose-driven organizations through cinematic storytelling. We love their inspiring work!

Let’s Talk

After watching The Listening, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family:

• What is unique about The Listening's approach to activism? What did you find interesting about their program?

• Founder Nicholas Steven George talks about compassion and community. What is compassion? Why it is important in community building?

• Would you consider yourself to be a good listener? When is it hard for you to listen to others? What could you do to improve?

• Bonus! Practice using your voice and listening skills. Share something that you care about with a friend or family member and then switch roles! Practice listening and repeating their words as they do yours.

Do Something: Movement Moment

Let's dig deep! The Listening's work is rooted in understanding history. Spend time together as a family researching a movement that inspires you.

Think about an issue you care about and spend time learning more about the origin of that movement. What were the goals? What were the challenges? How has the movement changed over time? What questions need more research?

By taking time to understand the history of a movement, you become a more informed advocate. And when you're informed, you can spread your message with clarity!

Community Connections: Youth Voice

Youth voice and participation matter. Social media is a popular outlet for activism, but there are many ways we can share our views and ignite lasting change. The Anti-Defamation League has put together this list of 10 Ways Youth Can Engage in Activism, many of which you can do right from home. 

• Educate others

• Advocate for legislation 

• Run for office

• Demonstrate

• Create a public awareness campaign 

• Do a survey about the issue and share the results

• Raise money

• Write a letter to a company

• Engage in community service

• Get the press involved

Share your passion with others! Honeycomb youth across the city are stepping up to host supply drives, attend protests, educate their peers, and raise funds. How can you use your skills and talents to make an impact on the issues you care about?