Newsletter April 2025: Conversations

Dear Friends,

We've all experienced challenging conversations—whether about a romantic relationship or differing political beliefs. These conversations often feel uncomfortable because they touch on emotionally charged, high-stakes topics and make us feel vulnerable. Although such discussions are often avoided, when approached with empathy and curiosity, they can be transformative, leading to deeper understanding and personal growth.

In honor of the power of open dialogue, we celebrate the National Week of Conversation (April 21–27). This nonpartisan campaign is supported by over 500 organizations that are part of the #ListenFirst Coalition. It is a week dedicated to bridging political, social, and cultural divides in America through open conversations rooted in active listening and mutual understanding—whether in person or online. We are inspired by the collective effort to foster meaningful dialogue and encourage you to explore the website, including its videos, films, and podcasts.

Building on this theme of conversation, this newsletter highlights the concept of conflict tolerance in navigating difficult discussions. We also explore the importance of creating safe spaces for conversation within digital platforms and share a recent event at the University of Michigan about technology within our information environment.  

These are some of the ideas and themes that motivate us!  As always, we are open to questions and ideas on how to apply digital technology to support community mobilization and deliberation. Write to us at info@commongoodai.org.

All the best,

Victoria Stanski, Managing Director

With Founders, John Seely Brown, John Clippinger, John Cordier, Tom Kehler, and Kim Polese