LISTENING TO AMERICA
AS ONE WORLD
“The America I want Is…” program is about individual expression, collective listening and citizen involvement. It’s an idea as important now as at any time in our country’s history. We at Linley Foundation want to inspire and support a national conversation about our country - from our climate challenges to an America that lives up to its promise for all.
Our Goals
For over 70 years America has been brilliant at tackled great challenges both at home and abroad. Today America faces two challenges like none before—a heating planet and domestic divisions. These challenges are intertwined. We must meet one if we hope to meet the other. Yet our national crisis is impeding us from tackling our existential crisis. “The America I Want is…” focuses on our domestic divisions. It’s a challenge well within our grasp and ready-made for American leadership.
Our Inspiration
Our inspiration comes from the Native North American tradition of the Talking Circle - our continent’s original example of participatory governance. Members gather to consider a question. Only the person holding the stick may speak. There is no argument or crosstalk — just listening. It is a way for each tribal member to understand what others are thinking and feeling. It is listening with the heart. We will respectfully bring this rich tradition to the country as a whole.
First Nations' Leaders DiscussTalking Circles and The Indigenous Worldview
INTRODUCING
AMERICA'S
DIGITAL CIRCLE
America is a very large tribe. To include everybody, we have digitized the Talking Circle. We can now invite all Americans to hold the talking stick. And the rest of us will listen. We want to know what you want for America. It is an opportunity to embrace the great diversity of points of view, of backgrounds, and ways of being an American. It’s how we’re going to get to know each other.