What happens when people decide to stop arguing and start listening? Philanthropist Greg Carr and Boise State University wanted to test a new response to divided times: A way to encourage people to engage in respectful listening and to get to know each other beyond labels or superficial impressions.
Last fall, eleven ordinary Idahoans shared stories about their lives and values, and the audience had to agree to listen silently, without interruption, without questions and without cheers or jeers. Idaho Public Television documented the Idaho Listens project and what the “listeners” took away from the project.
The public is invited to join Idaho Public Television for a screening of the documentary “Idaho Listens” followed by a panel discussion with the project’s participants. The discussion will be moderated by former Idaho State Senator and U.S. Attorney Bart Davis. The events is at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 20 in the Idaho State Capitol’s Lincoln Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public; RSVP encouraged. Email specialevents@boisestate.edu with questions.
The “Idaho Listens” documentary airs on Idaho Public Television at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 24. It will be available for streaming at video.idahoptv.org and through the PBS app.