What happens when people begin with listening rather than persuasion?
In an era of polarization, environmental conflict, and social fragmentation, meaningful one-to-one conversations remain one of the most powerful—and underutilized—tools for peacebuilding. Drawing on lessons from our Colorado-based Geographies of Hope podcast and field experiences spanning North America, Africa, and beyond, this interactive session explores how listening creates pathways for understanding, trust, and collective action.
Through stories shared by adventurers, community-based activists, Indigenous citizen scientists, OpenStreetMap contributors, educators, and environmental leaders, participants will examine how dialogue can bridge cultural, political, and geographic divides. Examples will highlight collaborative efforts surrounding natural resource management, citizen science, community mapping, environmental stewardship, and local resilience.
The session will combine storytelling, discussion, and practical exercises designed to help participants develop deeper listening skills and foster meaningful conversations across differences. Participants will leave with concrete strategies for building relationships, facilitating dialogue, and creating their own “geographies of hope” within communities, organizations, and networks.
Speakers:
- Dr. Karen S. Barton (Geography, GIS, and Sustainability, University of Northern Colorado) and Host, Geographies of Hope podcast
