Traci Ruble has started a grassroots movement to help promote human connection. Coming from a therapy background, Traci was looking for a sense of connection that was missing from her therapeutic work, because of her need to listen in order to help someone. She wanted to create a space where she and others could practice just listening to other people without being utilitarian about it (listening with a purpose in mind, whether it be to get something out of the experience or to help someone), so she created Sidewalk Talk.
Setting up “impromptu offices” on city sidewalks in San Francisco originally and now around the world, volunteers ask people on the street, “Would you like to be listened to?” Traci guides the listening volunteers in workshops, asking that they frame their conversations with two purposes: “I want to know who you are” and “I deeply honor you.”
A majority of the chapter leaders are licensed therapists or coaches, but anyone and everyone is encouraged to participate and learn these listening skills.
Roughly 12,000 people around the country have been impacted by Traci and Sidewalk Talk’s work, and over 400 referrals have been given out to low fee and no fee counselors. Traci hopes that lesson in listening will help create a society where everyone feels heard. She hopes that we can get to a place where “society creates mental health instead of mental illness.”
Tracy also has a podcast, where she hosts weekly interviews about wisdom and human connection. She hopes to spread the idea that when we hear each other we change the world by creating belonging, inclusion, and wellness. We are excited to announce that George has been asked to appear as a guest on an upcoming episode, more information to follow about this exciting news!