Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Sidewalk Talk. We are a global movement of heart-centered people who donate their time to create social change. We are guided by a few principles that help our diverse global community maximize our impact on our lonely world.
We communicate with heart.
We assume positive intent.
We think globally while acting locally.
We give what we can while looking after our own wellbeing.
We include all faiths, identities, political affiliations, and perspectives - so long as they are inclusive.
How do I volunteer?
There are several ways to get involved; as a listener or chapter leader.
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How do I find out if there is a chapter in my city?
All Sidewalk Talk chapter leaders names and contact information are listed on our listener dashboard. Once you have become a listener you can reach out to them via email.
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Can I go out with friends and listen on my own without a chapter leader?
Yes. We have now made a “How to Listen on the Sidewalk Guide” to support you in gathering a couple friends and going out to the Sidewalk. Please take note: by engaging in this practice, you assume your own risk. While we're sharing our expertise with you, it's essential to understand that you are solely responsible for matters such as liability and insurance and you are in no way a Sidewalk Talk representative. We will teach you how to be safe and responsible. The rest is up to you.
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Am I qualified to become a certified Chapter Leader?
Leaders are 18 years or older.
Leaders have proven proficiency in email, the internet, Google Calendar, Zoom, and Eventbrite or are people who are good at figuring out technology.
Leaders have led people before and are kind, consistent, creative, and collaborative people who inspire and motivate others and are a joy to work with.
Leaders are the kind of people who thrive on the freedom to create their own initiative. At their core, they do not need or even want step by step guidance.
Leaders love meeting, inspiring, and caring about wise and like-minded leaders around the globe.
Leaders are motivated to pitch in and help fundraise every year to keep our impact and growth going.
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How do I find an event to listen with?
Once you have become a listener, you will have access to our listener calendar at the Listener Login button at the top right of the navigation bar or click here.
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Is listening on the sidewalk an ethical violation for therapists?
80% of our listeners are not therapists. For those of you that are therapists, it is important to check with your state boards to learn what your ethical obligations are to report while listening as a citizen. Some states have mandated reporting laws for therapists even when they are not performing therapy. In California, we do not.
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Can you bring Sidewalk Talk to my organization?
You can hire us to come to your organization to train members of your team and take them to the sidewalk to listen. Find out more here.
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What if I am listening to someone and they talk about harming themself or someone else?
In our online training and in our “How to Listen on the Sidewalk Guide” we talk about risk assessment to determine if you need to call the police. We also offer listening tips for difficult listening scenarios. At each listening event, your chapter leader will bring emergency numbers and crisis lines to give out to people. And don’t forget, there is a whole community of listeners who have your back in any situation or any response you have to a listening session. You are supported here. In nine years, and over 1000 listening events, we have had two crises where authorities were needed. It is rare and we are prepared.
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How do you keep people safe?
We offer basic crisis intervention training when you sign up to be a listener here, how to enter and leave a listening venue safely, and how to set boundaries or end a conversation with someone who stimulates a sense of feeling unsafe inside of you. We are peace activists. Activism and life cannot guarantee safety, so you assume your own risk and liability when you listen to any human on public sidewalks. We hope you take an inventory of your personal safety needs and honor them here at Sidewalk Talk. Do not engage or stop engaging in activities where you feel harmed. We have people from all faiths, all political viewpoints, all identities, and ways of moving through the world. If including people with radically different ways of seeing the world in your circle of interpersonal compassion does not feel right, there may be a better project for you. We listen to understand, even to people and ideas we vehemently don’t agree with.
Do you provide liability insurance for volunteers?
Sidewalk Talk, as an entity, is insured but chapter leaders are their own entities and must secure their own insurance if needed. Our listeners are not insured and must sign a release of liability waiver to participate in street events.
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Do you have any job openings or other ways to get involved that do not involve listening on the street?
Yes. Learn more about our;
Ambassador team.
Online Listening Events.
Advisory team.
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What do you spend money on?
Our budget and expenses are modest because we have very little paid overhead for an organization of our size.
10% Chapter leader support: leader background checks / leader training / leader onboarding / leader fundraising & expense reimbursement
50% Software: Email software/ website / database
20% Events: Special Events / Initiatives / Community Education
15% Content & Training: Blog / Podcast / Training / Social Media
5% Advertising: Adwords / PR / Graphics
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Are you affiliated with a religious group?
We are not affiliated with any religious groups. We welcome people from all faiths, backgrounds, races, identities, politics, and economic status to join.
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Do you have your materials translated into other languages?
Each chapter leader localizes material in their own native language as they desire.