Download the Fest4First Guide with festive "Free Speech Bubble" poster printouts. This easy, playful activity booth invites public conversation and the space to hear each other. 

Use a question or prompt such as
     "What makes a good neighbor" or
     "Something that matters to me--"
     "Right now I am grateful for--"
to guide the conversation toward open listening and an engaged atmosphere about a common interest. People have a lot to say; some may want to pull up a chair and engage in substantive civic conversation. ​​

The guide includes more ideas for creative acts of free speech and open mic on the commons, crowd-sourced from fellow AWP writers.
 
In the PDF attachment are all the festival tools + brainstorming extras you will need to hold your own public celebration of the right to freedom of speech. ​

For ways to listen, to be heard, and to navigate a conversation of differences, here is a quick intro to "non-violent communication" as developed by Marshall Rosenberg in "Nonviolent Communication - The Language of Life".
The book teaches effective listening and heart-centered speaking skills that can open up real dialogue between people. It is an essential skill for our time. The free full book is also online and is useful for pre-festival reading.