"If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life." 

—Barack Obama

Over the summer of 2018, we heeded Mr. Obama’s call and took our conversations outside—popping up at neighborhood festivals around the city of Philadelphia.

Some were confused—what were we selling? Nothing, just the need to slow down and talk with neighbors & strangers amidst the busyness of urban life.

"Know thy neighbor — it's not just a creed to live by, turns out it can save your life. Vibrant, tight-knit communities could fare better in a disaster.” 

 —Steve Inskeep

“It used to be that people were born as part of a community, and had to find their place as individuals. Now people are born as individuals, and have to find their community.” 

 —Bill Bishop

"Face-to-face encounters have become increasingly rare—and because they are rare, they may be more memorable and impactful.” 

 —Kenneth Sherrill

“We found that a single 10-minute conversation with a stranger produced large reductions in prejudice.” 

 —David Broockman

& Joshua Kalla

"The most important thing in all human relationships is conversation, but people don't talk anymore, they don't sit down to talk and listen. They go to the cinema, watch television, listen to the radio, read books, update their status on the internet, but they almost never talk. If we want to change the world, we have to go back to a time when warriors would gather around a fire and tell stories."

 —PAUL COEHLO

WHAT WE DO

• Invite locals & visitors for conversation about the city

• Connect newcomers, longtimers & visitors from diverse backgrounds

• Make introductions to city people, projects & places

• Encourage people to share urban ideas & solutions

• Capture input & insights

• Practice active listening & civil dialogue

WHAT WE BRING

• 10x10" Mobile Parlor

• Consulate travel kit with chairs, rug, trunk, globe, chalkboard & questions

• Question cards tailored to the location or topic

• A team of friendly Consulate hosts to engage guests, ask questions, capture responses & publish takeaways

WHERE WE GO

• Neighborhood festivals

• Public parks & sidewalks

• Building lobbies

• Food halls & markets

• Libraries & museums

• Vacant lots & storefronts

• Airports & train stations

• University campuses

• Conferences & events

OUR APPROACH

• Collaborate with host venue to define questions in need of greater awareness & engagement

• Identify a location with good visibility & foot traffic

• Ask questions, moderate dialogue & capture ideas

• Share insights with partners, followers & media