Since its founding in 2005, I Love to Listen Day has grown into a global movement encouraging people to recognize listening as one of the most powerful tools for connection, understanding and peacebuilding.
Observed annually on May 16, the international initiative was established by Marva Shand-McIntosh, a certified speech-language pathologist and communication advocate, who created the day to inspire individuals, families, schools and organizations to make listening a core value rather than an overlooked skill.
“I Love to Listen Day is not a day of silence,” Shand-McIntosh said. “It is a day to inspire, inform, practice and create a heightened sense of awareness of the importance and power of listening in our lives.”
The first official celebration took place on May 16, 2005, bringing together participants from countries including Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Africa, the United States, Malaysia, Peru, Canada and Brazil. Organizers distributed “I Love to Listen” buttons and established what would become an annual worldwide observance.
Over the years, the initiative has expanded through listening proclamations from leaders such as the governor general of Jamaica, the mayors of Washington, D.C., Bowie and New Carrollton, Maryland, and representatives from Congress. Schoolchildren from Maryland, Jamaica, Nevis and Michigan have also participated by writing and reciting poetry about listening and engaging in classroom activities centered on communication and empathy.
Past themes have included “Yes Listening Matters,” “Listening to Our Children,” “Frontline Listening to Champions,” and in 2025, the 20th anniversary theme, “Listening Garden: We Grow Listeners.” That milestone celebration included a special gathering at the University of Maryland’s Listening Garden in College Park, where participants practiced reflective listening and celebrated listening excellence.
A central part of the observance is the poem “Today I Will Listen,” which has been translated into multiple languages and shared internationally as a reminder to practice intentional listening in homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Participants are encouraged to recite the poem, host listening circles, write listening proclamations and thank someone who has made them feel heard.
I Love To Listen Poem
Suggested activities also include visiting an elderly person and simply listening, creating family listening traditions, recognizing good listeners in the community and teaching children the value of patient, respectful communication.
Now entering its 21st annual celebration on May 16, 2026, I Love to Listen Day continues to unite people around the world under one message: listening is not passive — it is powerful.
Organizers are encouraging supporters to speak up for listening by sharing the message #YesListeningMatters and visiting www.ilovetolisten.com for activities, proclamations and participation resources.
