North Carolina leads the nation in listening first

2017 has been a tough year for conversations. Following a deeply polarizing presidential election, we’ve experienced a year of serial controversy, often hinging on identity fault lines. Among other flashpoints, we saw marches escalate to murder in Charlottesville as enduring elements of hate and darkness were thrust into August light. It feels like divisions are deepening and rancor is rising with no relief in sight. According to the latest Civility in America survey, 75 percent of Americans now believe the lack of civility has reached a crisis level.