Our world is full of issues, topics that divide us. Our perspectives, as we, are diverse. And while these differences are necessary to ensure a healthy society, they become dangerous when we fail to listen to each other. The divide widens, and our society declines. Of course, this is nothing new, but lately it’s felt that we are more divided than ever, our perspectives further apart, our future less certain, and we are unable to come together around today’s pervasive and divisive issues.

Project Be A Voice is an attempt to address that divide by getting each of us to consider our voice and its power and place in our society. It is an attempt to learn to speak in a way that compels others to consider our views so that we may be understood. It is not an attempt to point fingers. It is not an attempt to determine right and wrong. It is not an attempt to change people or mute their perspectives. Indeed, but it is an attempt to put understanding as a matter of course back into our society. It is an attempt to help each of us be a voice that may be heard, that may be listened to, that may be understood. Let’s go find our voices.

 

Yesterday, this was my attempt to inspire my kids as we officially kicked off Project Be A Voice. It was my attempt to make relevant our work with argumentation and persuasion. I want them to find their voices. I want them to be voices. I do not want to simply go through the motions with them. I want them to dig deeply to find what matters, and then I want to help them speak in a way that compels others to consider their views so that they may be understood. I want them to be the generation that speaks and listens to each other. Of course that is perhaps a mission impossible, but if I can move the needle even a bit, it will be worth it.

We have to come to the table not only ready to speak but also willing to listen. It is thus, then, incumbent on us all to find our mouths so that we may find others’ ears, so that we may speak what is worth listening to. When people listen, they may understand. When people understand, they may come together. When people come together, they may change the world. Let’s talk. Let’s listen. Let’s understand. Let’s come together. Let’s change the world.

Below is the first Performance opportunity I gave my kids. I want them to be able to see an issue objectively, so I asked them to select an issue close to them, and then I challenged them to present it objectively.

This is just a small first step, but we are underway, seeking our voices. One step at a time.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will…

…begin with Smiles and Frowns.

…email Learning Reports to parents.

…complete the Performance.

…end with a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Tuesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.