“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
Audre Lorde
Do you want to bring more listening to the world? Take The Pledge Now and become part of #PledgeToListen.
#PledgeToListen is inspired by the documentary Free Trip to Egypt. The film brings people together from completely different backgrounds, religions and political affiliations to see what can happen when people connect at a human level.
While making the film, we discovered that the power of listening with respect was transformational: now we want to connect everyone who would like to listen more. If that’s you, simply take the pledge:
I pledge to listen to you. Will you listen to me?
I pledge to listen to others who hold different opinions, views or beliefs. I will try to understand their reasons and their perspectives and will respectfully express my own in return. That’s it.
This is a commitment to yourself. It is also a chance to convey to others the change you want to see. Add your voice to the growing number of people who want to promote civility, deep listening, and authentic conversation. Together, we will show the world and our leaders that it’s time we start listening.
How your #PledgeToListen works
- Join #PledgeToListen to add your voice to the growing network of individuals who believe that the world can be a better place if everyone took the time to listen and understand.
- Why not record a video about why you think it is important to listen? You can also come back and add this later.
- The pledge doesn’t stop with you. Spread the message to the people in your community, so that they too can #PledgeToListen.
Through the awareness that you help to generate, we and our partner Millions of Conversations can organise special events and screenings of Free Trip to Egypt, bringing people together to experience the movie’s powerful, personal journey. Don’t miss out on the events happening in your area!
Background
A beauty pageant queen, a preacher and a Marine veteran were among those who traveled from America to be met in Egypt by a group of equally diverse locals – including a young revolutionary, a dancer and an orthodox Muslim family. Despite the differences in ethnicity, age and personality, they were all able to exchange their ideas, assert their beliefs and ultimately discover common ground.
Just as taking part in Free Trip to Egypt united these people, allowing them to share their differences and ultimately form human connections, #PledgeToListen encourages people from all over the world to come together to gain a better understanding of the cultures that surround them.