Tomorrow Talk: Courageous Listening - The Bravery to Really Hear Each Other
- Tom Tom Foundation Staff
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Wed. Dec. 3
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Tom Tom Foundation, 100 W. South St
As we prepare for the 14th Annual Tom Tom Festival (April 22–26, 2026), whose theme is COURAGE, the Tomorrow Talk series invites us to explore what courage looks like—in our personal lives, our neighborhoods, our communities, and our society.
How do we bridge divides and build understanding?
In a moment when differences can so easily divide us, true leadership requires the courage to listen — especially when it’s uncomfortable. This Tomorrow Talk invites the community to join
Mayor Juandiego Wade for a candid dialogue on Courageous Listening: what it means to engage across differences, approach tough conversations with empathy, and work together toward shared solutions.
Drawing on his experience as Mayor of Charlottesville, Wade will reflect on how listening — deeply, openly, and respectfully — can be one of the most powerful tools for civic change. Participants will explore practical approaches for cultivating curiosity instead of judgment, and learn how open dialogue can spark trust, connection, and progress in our community.
Because courage isn’t only about speaking up. Sometimes, it’s about staying present long enough to truly hear one another. As with all Tomorrow Talks, this session is focused on building relationships in the community, and attendees can expect to leave the session with new friends and connections.
All tickets are donation based on a sliding scale ($15 - $35). Please pay what you can to support the series.
FACILITATORS
Mayor Juandiego Wade was elected Mayor of Charlottesville in January 2024 and has been a member of City Council since January 2022. He was a member of the Charlottesville School Board. First elected in 2006, he has served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Board. He is past President of the Virginia School Boards Association. He is involved in numerous community non-profit organizations. Juan has a deep passion for mentoring youth in the greater Charlottesville community and has been a mentor to many youth over the past 35 years.
Paul Beyer is the founder of the Tom Tom Foundation and Tom Tom Festival, and in his role as executive director, is responsible for its strategic vision and community partnerships. Beyond Tom Tom, Paul works on a variety of gatherings and events ranging from festivals, dance parties, dinner series, meditations, men's groups, conferences, seminars, and concerts.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Tomorrow Talks are a year-long series that picks up critical themes from our April Festival and continues the conversations to create impact in Charlottesville. Each session is facilitated with an emphasis on participation, connection, and new collaborations. Tomorrow Talks begin with a connection exercise or meditation, and proceed into a presentation and breakout activities. They aim to impart knowledge that is practical and relevant to people's lived experience; combining academic or theoretical insights, alongside pragmatic tools, and experiential and somatic learnings.