Listening for a Change

12/02/2025

Listening for a Change is dedicated to amplifying the voices that often go unheard, weaving diverse perspectives into a collective narrative that enriches us all. In a time of deep division and fragile democracy, our commitment to dialogue and unity is more crucial than ever. Let’s work together to honor our differences while celebrating our shared humanity. Please consider supporting our work!
listeningforachange.org/donate/

06/04/2025

DEI may be considered de trop by the current administration, but that is not stopping Montgomery High School students from addressing their concerns and hopes about the school transitions. Listening for a Change's Youth Advisor, Seelah Kittlelstrom, is at the forefront of an impressive group of teens who are making student voices heard.

As the implementation of one of the most monumental changes in the history of Santa Rosa City Schools begins to shift the grade structure of its entire slate of secondary campuses impacting thousands of families, the students’ top concerns are instability, uncertainty, and feeling unheard. Listening for a Change's pilot program, Listening to Build Belonging, offers the opportunity to express concerns, share ideas, and work to build community.

Led by Seelah Kittelstrom, along with fellow seniors Jaxxton Reyes, Social Media Coordinator of Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán club (MEChA), Amanda Carlile, President of Best Buddies Club, Lulia Embaye, Associated Student Body (ASB) Co-President, Ysabelle Sibbu, President of the Asian Culture Club, and Sadie Sanders, President of Black Student Union (BSU) implemented Listening for a Change's Listening to Build Belonging program resulting in Montgomery High School's principal inviting them to present the results to the Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education.

When students feel heard and valued, they are more engaged in learning, and their unique perspectives can inform and improve educational practices. We are enormously proud of our Youth Advisor and the engaged teens who are the leaders of today and tomorrow. Kudos to you all and happy graduation!

05/14/2025

Student interview of Gabriela Gachet, School Counselor
by students at Healdsburg Jr High

12/19/2024

A 2017 study found that people who pledged to practice generosity showed greater increases in self-reported happiness — a connection that correlated on a neural level with changes in key brain activity. In the study, researchers concluded that “[g]enerous behavior is known to increase happiness, which could thereby motivate generosity.” Donate today at Listening for a Change!

Generous behaviour increases happiness, but the neural underpinnings of this link are unknown. Here, authors show that promising to be generous changes the neural response in the temporo-parietal junction, and that the connection between this region and the ventral striatum was related to happiness.

12/18/2024

Did you know that 30% of annual giving occurs in December? In fact, 10% of annual giving occurs on the last 3 days of the year.

77% believe everyone can make a difference by supporting causes. We know this is true! YOU make an enormous impact by investing in Listening for a Change. THANK YOU!

Please support us today.

Donate You may donate to Listening for a Change, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization by mailing a check to: Listening for a Change 703 2nd Street, Suite 257 Santa Rosa, CA… read more →

12/13/2024

In our diverse—and increasingly polarized—world, we must recognize that differences do not need to define or divide us. Listening for a Change works to promote empathy and understanding, find common ground, and identify shared goals and values. Please donate to help us continue our programs – in our schools and in our communities.

One of our major fundraisers is our end-of-year fundraising campaign. Our work is even more important now than ever. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Listening for a Change.

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Help support Listening For A Change by donating or sharing with your friends.

12/05/2024

We could not be more proud of our youth advisor, Seelah Kittelstrom! A terrific writer, a phenomenal runner, and, most importantly, a kind and engaged person, she signed her college letter of intent for Columbia. Seelah, we know you will go far. Congratulations!

Photo credit to Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat.

08/29/2024

Sunset Soirée - our annual fundraiser takes places on September 21, 2024. Cocktail hour with specialty drinks and wines, a delicious sit-down dinner, the presentation of this year's Connie Codding Humanist Award to 's Jennifer Gray Thompson, and a Give-to-Give paddle raise to support . And all of this while being surrounded by the natural beauty of ! Please join us to raise funds for Listening for a Change's impactful programs. Tickets available below!

Support Us Today Thank You to Our Sunset Soirée Sponsors! Envision Imagine Hope Listening for a Change is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

07/31/2024

Join us for Listening for a Change's 20th annual gala! This year's event - Sunset Soirée - will take place on September 21st at Pepperwood. Secure your tickets now.

Help us create connections - one story at a time Buy Your Tickets Now Buy Tickets Today! $100 per person includes cocktail reception, wine and dinner, and program. Why Support Listening for a Change?

07/11/2024

SANTA ROSA! Cristela Alonzo is coming to do a show at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts on July 13th for the first time! Cristela was the first Latina to create, produce, and star in her own network sitcom, Cristela, for ABC. Comedy at its best - come see her show - - this Saturday, July 13th. The first three people to leave a comment about Listening for a Change will win two FREE tickets!

07/08/2024

Look what came in the mail today!