Changing the polarized, political landscape requires real listening.

How can YOU help make this happen?

We are so grateful for your support of our past programs! Let me share with you how your financial gift today can help deepen how folks listen to one another and strengthen democratic communities.

When you support Heathmere, you make it possible for us to create events where real listening can occur. Our creative and educational programs make space for diverse voices to be heard and help people talk so that others can really listen, and listen in a way that creates connection across differences. This is how democratic change happens!

Take our annual Race Amity Day Festival, where racially and ethnically diverse residents gather to learn about and celebrate a variety of cultures. One highlight of this festival is a panel  featuring youth of color talking about their experiences as racialized minorities in their schools. At this year’s event in Danvers, the 4 youth panelists responded to the question: “Why do you think more people are not talking about race?” High school student, Milo, shared: “It’s really difficult to talk about race because people don’t listen! And a lot of people are afraid they will say the wrong thing.” As a result, “people avoid the topic which leads to no change being made.” 

Middle schooler, Sean, added that he thinks “fear of being wrong causes people not to listen at all.”

So what’s the solution—how can we help people listen and talk across difference without fear?

When it comes to “being able to overcome racial and cultural barriers” college student, Alana, explained how import it is to enter into conversations with people from different races or cultures from “a place of understanding. We all need to work on trying to really listen to the other’s point of view and their experiences. For example, I can share my own particular experiences as a Black woman AND I can ask about their particular experiences of being someone from a different race or culture.”  

This is exactly the work Heathmere does: creating programs that foster deeper listening and mutual understanding across difference in order to strengthen democratic communities.  

But this vital work needs your support! Because you care about reducing problematic polarization, we are asking you to make a donation to help us continue this crucial work.

Thank you for your gift!