Sidewalk Talk

Feeling overwhelmed by all the political noise and cruelty out there? Trust me, you're not alone—I feel it too. It’s tempting to just tune it all out, but here's the thing: if we don’t start showing up and modeling healthier ways to talk about politics, we’re silently letting the cycle of extremism, retaliation, and harm continue. Imagine this: what if you could shift the way these conversations happen, protecting not just your mental health but also your relationships? What if, by simply engaging differently, you could actually help stop the normalization of extremism? Our upcoming workshop is a space to learn just that. In 90 minutes, you'll gain tools to dialogue in ways that are communal, supportive, and—dare I say—healing. You'll walk away feeling lighter, more connected, and less alone in the madness. Oh, and here’s the best part: by signing up, you’re supporting Sidewalk Talk’s mission to keep this important work going. We operate on less than $5k a year (seriously!), and your participation makes a direct impact. Ready to help build a better way forward? Join us! 💬✨ Sign up here or through the link in our bio: https://lnkd.in/eNuiwvHe #PoliticalDialogue #HealthyConversations #BetterTogether #MentalHealthMatters #HealingConversations #BridgeTheDivide #ListenToUnderstand #EmpathyInAction #PreventExtremism #SidewalkTalk #CommunityHealing #KindnessMatters #DialogueForChange #TogetherWeCan #CompassionateLeadership

Don’t let disagreements keep you apart. Our ‘We Can Do Better Than This’ workshop isn’t just another PowerPoint presentation—it’s an experiential and emergent space where you'll engage, move, and connect in ways that make dialogue both fun and meaningful. 🎶🗣️💃 Join us for a dynamic 90-minute journey with Sidewalk Talk founder Traci Ruble, where we’ll go beyond politics and propaganda, break down barriers, and learn how to communicate with compassion—even when we disagree. You’ll leave feeling empowered, not just with new skills but with a sense of connection and possibility. 🌟 If justice and peace truly matter to you, learning to dialogue across differences is not just an option—it’s a moral duty. It takes more than calling people out to create real change. It takes heart, listening, and understanding. Let’s rise above division, build bridges, and commit to connecting with those we may not always agree with. ❤️ Sign up now and take a step toward better conversations and stronger relationships. We owe it to ourselves, and to each other. Sign up / learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eNuiwvHe Workshop fee: $99, supporting Sidewalk Talk’s mission of heart-centered listening. Thank you for 10 years of support! 🙏 #WeCanDoBetter #CompassionateConversations #StrongerTogether #EmergentDialogue #SidewalkTalk

Don’t let politics and propaganda make you hate people who are more like you than you think. It’s easy to get caught up in the division, but we have a moral duty to rise above that and connect with the people we care about—even when we disagree. 💬❤️ Having the courage to engage in better dialogue, to listen with heart, and to find common ground isn’t just a skill—it’s a responsibility. When we truly understand one another, we can bridge divides and strengthen our relationships. Join us for the 'We Can Do Better Than This' 90-minute workshop with Sidewalk Talk founder Traci Ruble and learn how to have healthier, more compassionate political conversations. Together, we can change the way we engage with each other for the better. Sign up today and take a step toward meaningful connection. Let’s do better. We owe it to ourselves and the people we love. 🌟 Sign up / learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eNuiwvHe The fee for this workshop is $99, and every penny goes to support Sidewalk Talk's mission of heart-centered listening in public spaces. Thank you for your your generous support of Sidewalk Talk's work. Ten years now so many of you have been supporting this communal effort with listening, dollars, and time. #WeCanDoBetter #CompassionateConversations #HealthyDialogue #StrongerTogether #SidewalkTalk"

Are political disagreements straining your relationships with the people you care about? It’s easy to get caught up in arguments or try to “win” a debate, but that often leaves us feeling disconnected and frustrated. Constant conflict can hurt not just our mental health but also the close relationships we value most. What if you could have conversations that deepen your connection and help you truly understand where your loved ones are coming from? In 'We Can Do Better Than This,' Sidewalk Talk founder Traci Ruble, a 20-year couples therapy veteran, will teach you how to listen with heart, explore shared values, and find common ground. You’ll learn how to turn conflict into an opportunity for intimacy, strengthening your relationships rather than tearing them apart. Join us for this transformative workshop and support Sidewalk Talk’s mission to bring heart-centered listening to communities across the country. Let’s create stronger bonds with the people we love, one conversation at a time. 100% of all monies earned is a donation to Sidewalk Talk.🌟 Sign up here: bit.ly/WeCanDoBetter2024 #HealthyConversations #BetterTogether #CompassionateListening #WeCanDoBetter #SidewalkTalk

💬 ‘Most people are not clear about the values that drive their politics. Values-based dialogue helps us understand where we stand, where they stand, and allows us to get things done—together.’ 💬 In today’s climate, political conversations often focus on persuading, debating, or proving a point—but this approach can take a real toll on our mental health and strain our relationships. What if, instead, the goal was to connect and honor the humanity and values of the people we engage with? Our workshop, 'We Can Do Better Than This,' teaches you how to foster conversations that build bridges, not walls. By focusing on shared values rather than trying to influence or coerce, you’ll protect your well-being and strengthen your connections. Let’s learn how to communicate in a way that uplifts everyone involved. 🌟 Join us today! https://lnkd.in/eNuiwvHe or link in our bio! #ValuesBasedDialogue #HealthyConversations #WeCanDoBetter" This version highlights the importance of connecting rather than debating and ties it to mental and relationship health, making the workshop even more relevant and compelling.

🗣️ As political tensions rise ahead of tonight’s big debate in the USA, are you ready to navigate the conversations that follow? Debates spark passionate discussions, but they don’t have to lead to conflict. In 𝙒𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝘿𝙤 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨, we’ll show you how to engage in political conversations that protect your relationships and your mental health. Let’s turn the volume down on division and turn it up on understanding. Let's do better together. By signing up for this workshop you are not only doing better for yourself, your loved ones, and democracy, you are supporting the Sidewalk Talk mission of creating healthy humans and just world through heart-centered listening. 100% of the proceeds from this workshop support Sidewalk Talk heart-centered listening on sidewalks around the world. 👉 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: bit.ly/WeCanDoBetter2024 #PoliticalConversations #HealthyDialogue #WeCanDoBetterThanThis #BridgeTheDivide

We sure get proud of our opinions, perspectives, beliefs, and that "I'm a good person" mindset, don't we? Social media has trained us like little dogs to shout our views at others, and when we get angry, it harms our mental health. It’s easy for that kind of communication to become a habit. But here’s the thing—research shows we have more in common than we think. When you dig deep, we share many of the same desires and values. Unfortunately, big propaganda machines tell us “others are evil,” and we start to believe it, sending our mental health spiraling. Want to know why listening on the sidewalk is amazing for both the listener and the person being heard? Because you discover, “Wow, people are really freaking good, loving, and wonderful!” Yes, even people who look, think, vote, partner, or pray differently than you. You'll realize how wrong those narratives are when you get to know them without all the influencer-driven nonsense. Imagine the world we could create if we all set aside our "self-righteous," "influencer-peddled" shenanigans and started seeking the hearts of gold inside each person. I dare you to listen this way for the next seven days. Stay tuned—Sidewalk Talk has a 90-minute training on listening across differences to help you rediscover the hearts of gold in others. This will be a fundraiser for Sidewalk Talk to keep our mission alive. Yay! Love you all. ❤️ #sidewalktalk #mentalhealth #commonground

Together with Paramount, we have just launched the World Mental Health Day Community Fund, a new multi-region mental health and well-being focused community fund. The initiative, which is funded by Paramount, will support communities to start or expand projects that positively impact mental health and well-being. With grants of up to $2,000 available, the World Mental Health Day Community Fund will support up to 200 community projects across 10 countries (the UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Netherlands, France and Chile). The fund is part of Paramount’s ongoing commitment to foster awareness and support mental health and well-being around the world. Communities can apply for funding until September 22, to encourage action to commence on World Mental Health Day on October 10. Find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/dNCn6aSA #MentalHealthisHealth Sidewalk Talk OpenSeat Born This Way Foundation

We've heard from folks, especially in the US and UK, that the political climate impacts their lives. It's not just the issues themselves but how conversations are happening—between neighbors, family members, and even spouses who see things differently. Which part of your life has been most affected by these political conversations? ➡️ Your physical health ➡️ Your relationships ➡️ Your mental health Share in the comments... ❓ How well do you listen and connect with someone who holds different views? Could you do so without judgment or shutting down the conversation? If Sidewalk Talk hosted a "We Can Do Better Than This" live training next month to help improve political dialogue, would you join? We'll provide an invitation, guide, and worksheet to help you engage better and a 90-minute training on how to remain calm, open, and with boundaries. This workshop is great for anyone—friends, family, coworkers, even canvassers—to find common ground while protecting your mental, physical, and relationship health. After 9 years, we've seen how open dialogue can improve mental health, reduce loneliness, and strengthen connections. Stay tuned for more details. PS: This is a fundraiser, and 100% of the proceeds will support Sidewalk Talk’s mission. #politicaldifferences #conflictresolution #sidewalktalk

Holy smokes everyone! TWENTY FOUR chapters have applied to start a Sidewalk Talk chapter in places worldwide. In Australia, The Netherlands, Chile, Argentina, Canada, The UK, France, Germany, Spain...how exciting is this? Funds will run out so if you are in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and the UK, just in time for Global Mental Health Day on October 10th! How many chapters will form and be out listening to show the world that when we hear one another's stories we elevate our collective mental health? We cannot wait to see what you create! ¡Los fondos se agotarán, así que si estás en Argentina, Australia, Canadá, Chile, Francia, Alemania, México, Países Bajos, Singapur, España y el Reino Unido, justo a tiempo para el Día Mundial de la Salud Mental el 10 de octubre! Die Mittel werden knapp, also wenn du in Argentinien, Australien, Kanada, Chile, Frankreich, Deutschland, Mexiko, den Niederlanden, Singapur, Spanien oder dem Vereinigten Königreich bist, dann gerade rechtzeitig zum Welttag der psychischen Gesundheit am 10. Oktober! Les fonds seront épuisés, alors si vous êtes en Argentine, Australie, Canada, Chili, France, Allemagne, Mexique, Pays-Bas, Singapour, Espagne ou Royaume-Uni, ce sera juste à temps pour la Journée mondiale de la santé mentale le 10 octobre ! Explainer video here: bit.ly/ParamountGrant Apply Here: https://lnkd.in/eF-vF6CB As always - we believe that listening changes the world and we hope, you might take listening to a sidewalk near you. Remember - we share our knowledge democratically. Head to the Sidewalk Talk website right now and add your email and receive a "How To Listen on the Sidewalk Guide" if you want to go out with you and a couple of friends and don't want to create a big event. www.sidewalk-talk.org #freelistening #listeningtogether9years #grants #sidewalktalk