open to conversation: summer 2025
What is Open to Conversation?
Aiming for a Summer of 2025 roll out, Open to Conversation is a social movement designed to shift the narrative surrounding talking to strangers. The number one thing I've learned from conducting all these social projects, is that people want to connect ... they just need an invitation to start a conversation. To put it simply, Open to Conversation is that invitation.
Thousands of pins with the symbol on it, will be given for free to any stranger in Victoria who wants to show others that they are open to being approached for a conversation.
This project will rely heavily on volunteer and community support to share the buttons around Victoria. We will be hosting at least two 'button parties' over the summer to attach thousands of buttons onto information cards. Stay tuned for more information on Open to Conversation in the coming months to find out how you can volunteer to help be a part of this social movement to help inprove our collective social health.
The three avenues of connection:
Open to Conversation aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness in Victoria by making talking to strangers fun again! Using three different methods of connection, it's never been easier to strike up a conversation with a stranger!
Firstly, the aforementioned buttons will be left by volunteers around the city. If you're lucky enough to find one, and the project appeals to you, then please wear the pin to show others that you are open to being approached for conversation. It's a low-risk, low-effort way to invite a conversation with a stranger.
A second method will be the monthly Meet a Stranger events in Fairfield. Come join us, and be paired at random with a stranger to share a one-off, one-hour platonic conversation in a safe, welcoming environment.
The final part of the Open to Conversation movement, will include outfitting participating cafes in Victoria with table signs. When a customer requests to use the sign, and places it on their table, it acts as an open invitation for any other customer to join them - sharing both a table, and a conversation.
Who created the symbol?
This symbol was designed in 2018 by Sean Palmer, to make it easier for people to identify opportunities to socialize with strangers.
Sean generously donated the use of his symbol to be used by Meet a Stranger as well as Open to Conversation. To learn more about his symbol, email Sean at letterbird.co/sean.