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The Listening Post, Inc.

"A Place to Talk"

After the Columbine tragedy in Colorado, "Nobody listens to us" was a recurring theme expressed by young people in the media. The Nation's high divorce rate, blended families and single-parent households have resulted in a lack of communication.

For 27 years, The Listening Post has provided a safe space for students of all ages to express feelings of joy, anger, rejection, failure and confusion. Each person is respected and accepted just as they are at the moment, with the opportunity to discuss options without judgement and without advice.

Listening Posts are established in lunchrooms, busy walkways, hallways or entrances of schools and universities. The environment is simple: A table, a cheery checkered tablecloth, and a bowl of fruit or snacks and a sign reading: THE LISTENING POST - A PLACE TO TALK welcome individuals of any age or race to stop by.

Making a difference

Two carefully trained adult volunteers from the community are present one day weekly to listen and respond with clarifying questions. They are trained to listen and to ask non judgemental clarifying questions, but do not give advice. If a 'serious' issue arises, they refer students to counselors and/or administrators. In addition to the free snacks, bookmarks and dozens of informational 'issue-related' booklets are scattered on the table, right at hand and free for the taking. Students, administrators and faculty or citizen passers-by, gravitate to the homey setting, returning week after week. No Appointment is necessary; no application form; no membership fee; no age restriction; no time limit; no discrimination and no advice... Just respectful listening, and non-judgemental, clarifying questions.