In between campaign signs touting Tillis or Hagan, you may have spied a simple blue sign asking you to “Listen First, Vote Second”. That’s the brainchild of Pearce Godwin, creator of the Listen First Project.

“We can move beyond slander and seek common ground with a new respect and appreciation for the other side,” says Godwin. “That’s the message we’re hoping to deliver with these campaign signs, for folks to turn down the volume a little bit and really consider the divergent perspective.”

In the midst of a contentious mid-term campaign season, Godwin is urging voters to turn off the attack ads and try to make a human connection instead.

“I’m encouraged that all of us, working together in our everyday conversations can change the level of discourse and tone down the rancor that’s gripping American politics and society.”

Godwin cites the recent debate over gay marriage as an example of a social issue where dialogue might help both sides find common ground.

“Folks in the gay marriage debate often talk past each other, invoking concepts that, to the other side, ring hollow and may even sound ridiculous. What does a non-Christian care what the Bible says? And how is one who sees gay marriage as counter to their religious and moral code to understand an analogy to the Civil Rights Movement?”

He’s formed a nonprofit dedicated to sharing diverse points of view, and invites supporters to sign a pledge promising to take a moment to listen to others.

“The fastest path to a positive change in the tone of the discourse in our nation will be individuals making that commitment to themselves. The Listen First Project pledge is that I will fully listen to and consider your views before sharing my own.”

You can find out more at http://www.listenfirstproject.org/