‘I Love to Listen Day’
CELEBRATED EVERY YEAR ON MAY 16th
Today I Will Listen
Embark on a transformative journey with “Today I Will Listen,” a journal curated by the remarkable Marva Shand-McIntosh, a true changemaker and visionary in the realm of communication.
Inside this journal – Today, I Will Listen: A Journal for Reflection, Inspiration, and Growth – you will find a listening poem, a collection of original listening quotes, and The Listening Affirmation.
These listening prompts are designed to encourage and inspire you as you explore your listening journey. The quotes can also be used to start meaningful conversations about listening. There’s plenty of space in the journal for your creativity and to mark your unique listening discoveries as they unfold.
I Love to Listen Day on May 16th, 2025!
In 2025, we proudly celebrate the 20th anniversary of I Love to Listen Day, a global event dedicated to fostering the power of listening in our homes, schools, and communities. Since its inception, individuals from numerous countries have embraced this day, reinforcing the vital role listening plays in building understanding and connection.
This year, we honor our theme, Listening Garden, by cultivating listening legacies worldwide. A special gathering will take place at the University of Maryland’s Listening Garden in College Park, Maryland, where participants will engage in reflective listening practices, interactive activities, and celebrations of listening excellence.
Over the past 20 years, I Love to Listen Day has received official recognition through Listening Proclamations from esteemed leaders, including:
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- The Governor General of Jamaica
- The Mayors of Washington, D.C., and Bowie, Maryland
- Senator Glenn Ivy’s representative in the U.S. Congress
Additionally, schoolchildren from Maryland, Jamaica, Nevis, and Michigan have engaged in meaningful activities, including writing and reciting poetry about listening, fostering a new generation of active listeners.
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This year’s theme is “Listening Proclamation,” which encourages families, organizations, municipalities, and countries to share the message of the value of listening. The Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, and the Mayor of New Carrollton, Maryland, Phelecia were the first to declare May 16th as Listening Day.
Don’t miss out on the chance to participate in this global celebration of listening. Share the Listening Proclamation with your loved ones, colleagues, and communities, and make a commitment to prioritize listening in your daily interactions.
Happy Listening Day!
Speak up for listening on “I Love to Listen Day – May 16th.
You are invited to join the families, organizations, municipalities and country that have declared May 16th, I Love to Listen Day
Listening Proclamation by country of Jamaica
Listening Proclamation by Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, DC
Listening Proclamation by Wes Moore Governor, The State of Maryland
Listening Proclamation by Phelecia E.Nembhard Mayor, New Carrollton, Maryland
Listening Proclamation by City Council of Bowie
Listening Proclamation by ILA
Listening Proclamation by AEC
Listening Proclamation by Geoffrey Marshall President, The Dorcas Marshall Association
Listening Proclamation by Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church
Listening Proclamation by Melina Ponak of Women’s Listening Space
Listening Proclamation by Lori Joubert
Listening Proclamation by Austin and Eva Schaefer
Listening Proclamation by Lucille B. Tompkins-Davis
Listening Tools
Listening can feel challenging at times especially when you are starting from scratch. Here are a few tools to help you enhance your listening skills
Listening
Activities
Listening
CHallenge
Listening
Poem
Listening
Proverbs
About I Love to Listen Day
Listening Day was established in 2005 by Marva Shand McIntosh, who emphasized that this is not a day of silence. Instead, it is an opportunity to commit to building a culture where listening is a core value. Let’s take this chance to reflect on how we can improve our listening skills, be present with one another, and create meaningful connections in our personal and professional lives.
Hardly a day goes by that I don’t hear from someone whose life has been changed by just the awareness of listening.
A call to listen is a call to action.
Let’s celebrate Listening!
Cheers!!!
Stories of I Love to Listen Day
Dr. S Lam-Phoon, Director, Northern Asia-Pacific Division, Republic of Korea
“Thank you Marva for all that you are doing to help “Advance Listening Around the World.”
Dr. Lynman K. (Manny) Steil, CEO of International Listening Leadership Institute.
Monkou from Maryland
We did celebrate “I Love to Listen Day” in my class at Florida Gulf Coast University
Dr. Maria Roca, President, International Listening Association