In a time when many people are finding themselves isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one organization is finding space both in-person and online to offer heart-centered listening. The organization Sidewalk Talk was established in 2014 by two San Francisco-based therapists who were heartbroken by the growing loneliness, violence and inequality they observed in their community.

Sidewalk Talk was established to create spaces of connection and belonging on the streets through a community of listeners trained to listen. Volunteers train to listen as equals in public spaces for anyone who needs a friendly ear.

This listening movement is almost entirely volunteer-driven and has grown to include chapters in more than fifty cities and fourteen countries. Listener volunteers practice reflection and empathy, are trained with skills to intervene in a crisis, and are supported by a background-checked chapter leader.

College of Social Work alumna, Cat Keen, felt particularly drawn to the idea of listening described in a book she read a book titled Heart Politics by Fran Peavy as an anthropology undergraduate at Florida State University (FSU). The author traveled the world spending time at train stations with a sign that read, “American willing to listen.” At the time Cat thought, “I will do that.”

The concept stuck with her for twenty years as she progressed in her career and completed her MSW at FSU (2005) and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.  Cat, who is now the National Service Programs Director for Volunteer Florida first learned about Sidewalk Talk in a magazine and felt like the article was written just for her.

Looking deeper into the organization, Cat learned there was only one Sidewalk Talk chapter in Florida. “I knew that Florida’s Capital City could benefit greatly from heart-centered listening,” said Cat. She set about establishing a Tallahassee Chapter, including an option for virtual listening.

After recently completing the steps to become the Tallahassee Chapter Leader for Sidewalk Talk, Cat is eager to welcome volunteer listeners to serve people in need of connection in Florida’s capital. “There are so many people that could benefit from listening now,” emphasized Cat. “Isolated seniors in need of connection, struggling caregivers balancing school and work, health care workers and first responders working to keep us safe, neighborhood and faith organizations looking for support.”

Cat added that we could all benefit from increasing our listening skills and connecting with others. She sees volunteer listening as a way to invest in self-improvement through improving one’s listening skills and safely connecting with others. A perfect fit for social work.

“The world loves to talk, but words aren’t enough. Listening helps people open up, share more, and reconnect in an increasingly lonely world. People long for connection,” concluded Cat. “It is so important to get involved with efforts that connect people despite their differences and that celebrate our shared humanity.”

To get involved with the Tallahassee Chapter, sign up at https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/become-a-listener or contact Cat at catherinemarykeen@gmail.com.

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