American Conversation Project

This is what listening looks like.

Yesterday at the Points of Light/ Conference, we watched something special unfold. Cameron Hickey and Rubén Álvarez Silva led an experiential American Conversation Project session that invited attendees to slow down, listen deeply, and connect across difference.

It was powerful to watch people move quickly from being strangers to engaging in meaningful conversation — proof that when we create the right conditions, people are often more ready for connection than we assume.

We were also glad to have Lisa Matthews from the NCoC team and Sarah Gesner from .ai there with us!

What makes it easier to talk across differences?

Connection across differences doesn’t happen by accident. It often begins with curiosity, listening, and a willingness to understand someone else’s experience. Reflecting on what helps people feel heard and respected can reveal what stronger community connection requires.

Conversations like this are happening all across the country. Learn more (link below).

One of the most powerful things we’re hearing is a simple truth: people are hungry for real connection.

A big thank you to Pottsboro Library/ in Texas for creating space where community members can step away from screens and into meaningful conversation.

As Dianne Connery shared: "Our community is better together than online. Actual conversation. Eye contact. Listening."

Libraries play a vital role as trusted community gathering spaces, and we're grateful to Pottsboro Library for bringing neighbors together through conversation.

Strong communities don't happen by accident. They're built by organizations willing to invest in people, relationships, and long-term change.

For more than 20 years, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque has done exactly that, working to advance education, civic engagement, economic mobility, housing, and sustainability initiatives across the region.

Their commitment to community connection also extends to the American Conversation Project, where they've already hosted four conversations — including two focused on women-led communities.

Thank you to the entire team for creating spaces where people can come together, share experiences, and strengthen the fabric of community.

Learn more about their work: https://dbqfoundation.org/

✨ACP Partner Spotlight ✨

More than 140 libraries across 45 states + D.C. have signed up to host conversations in their communities. Tag your local library in the comments — we’d love to welcome them to the American Conversation Project!

What helps you feel connected to your community?

At a time when many people feel disconnected, reflecting on moments when we feel pride and belonging in our communities is important. Not to gloss over real challenges, but to surface actual experiences.

Conversations including reflections like this one are happening all across the country. Learn more at https://www.americanconversations.org/

Wondering how ACP works? Here's the quick breakdown.

Our "why" in a nutshell: We need to rebuild a civic muscle that helps communities thrive — the practice of coming together in conversation, listening past assumptions, and finding common ground.

Thank you Caprock Public Library!

Are you interested in joining your community in conversation? Caprock Public Library will be hosting the American Conversation project! This project allows community members to come together and record small group conversations about what their communities love about where they live, what they would change, and what they hope to accomplish, and how they can take action doing so! How does this help your community’s library? Well, the library will receive a stipend of $750.00 that will go towards books, projects, and more for having 5 or more conversations! Interested in joining? Come to the library and check with us to see what days we have available for one or propose a day and time! This event will run from June 19th – August 31! The outcome for this is to bring the community more together and to accomplish goals as a community that we would like to bring out! Each conversation needs to be 60 – 90 minutes! These conversations will be uploaded to the ACP hub so that the project persons know that we are contributing our part! Reach out to CPL and help us by coming together as a community! Keep an eye out on our Facebook and next month’s newsletter for more information! American Conversation Project

As America marks 250 years, the American Conversation Project is bringing people together across the country to share stories, listen deeply, and strengthen the bonds that hold us together.

Through guided conversations hosted by trusted local partners, participants help surface shared experiences, hopes, and concerns about the future.

No debate, no agenda — just neighbors listening to neighbors.
Learn more: https://www.americanconversations.org/