Curiosity & CONNECTION TRAINing
We help people of all ages strengthen their communication skills and sense of belonging at work, at school, or in life- all through the sharing of life stories.
Partner With Us
The Challenge
Even before the pandemic, we had a soft skills deficit in this country. We’d forgotten how to listen to each other. We’d forgotten how talk to each other. It was affecting our ability to collaborate- at work, in school, and in the community.
Now, two years into the pandemic, it’s even worse.
Public health officials are describing a “loneliness epidemic” at work and in schools, with consequences for how well people and communities can thrive. Add to that the health risks—weak social connections and loneliness are associated with a reduced life expectancy similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day—and we’ve got a problem.
Our Solution
Curiosity and Connection Training
Everyday Boston’s Curiosity and Connection Training is designed to strengthen the listening and communication skills we all need to collaborate across difference, and to cultivate a culture of belonging- all through the sharing of life stories.
The experience
Through a series of interactive, story-based activities, participants practice active listening, framing effective questions, and asking follow-up questions as a group. Then, in a community-building exercise, they pair up to interview each other about their life experiences.
The Outcome
The training strengthens soft skills that are critical to surviving and thriving. Among them: Curiosity, creativity, problem solving, empathy, persistence and collaboration. Importantly, it also encourages connection between people who may not otherwise know or understand each other.
“After a few days, it was evident how impactful the session was. It really helped open up the channels of communication in an unexpected way.”
About The Instructor
Cara Solomon is the Founder and Director of Everyday Boston. A graduate of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, she was a reporter for several years, first at The Hartford Courant and later at The Seattle Times. Most recently, she worked as the Communications Manager for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School.
Past and Current Partners INCLUDE
Capital One
MassBay Community College
Greaster Boston YMCA
Boston Medical Center
Transformational Prison Project
Who would benefit from this training?
A company that wants to strengthen communication inside teams and between teams
A school trying to strengthen students’ soft skills and sense of belonging
A hospital looking to improve health outcomes through better listening.
A correctional institution focused on preparing people for post-prison life.
A cultural institution trying to strengthen its connection to the surrounding community.
In today’s distracted, divided times, we think pretty much everyone can use the extra training in listening, communicating, and using their curious mind. Maybe you do, too.