The Movement
We believe that, as a society, we are better when we understand what someone else’s life is like, what they think, why they think the way they do, and what they think needs to be done to make this a better world.
The Start a Conversation movement seeks civility in conversation, not argument or confrontation. The primary reason to talk is so that we can listen, learn, and add to our collective of knowledge. We know that everyone has a story to tell and that everyone’s story matters.
We need to believe in each other, to understand our differences, and to reveal our common bonds. People need to start talking again, and that is being activated through this movement which encourages students across the country to disconnect from social media, even if it’s just for a minute, so that they can stop and say “hello” to their classmates.
We cannot let technology become greater than our humanity.
Read moreSo, please, join the movement and make it a point to say hello to more people, more often. Research shows that making a habit of saying hello changes your disposition; it opens your eyes, mind, and heart to those around you. Receiving a hello – especially an unexpected one – immediately disarms the mental and emotional barriers we erect to protect ourselves in what we often perceive to be a cold, competitive, and dangerous world.
Our goal is to sow seeds of understanding, empathy, and genuine human connection that will grow and spread throughout our communities. Conversation can uplift spirits, alleviate loneliness, and remind us all of the power of genuine human interaction.
Please join us in the movement by agreeing to initiate more conversations.