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.
10,000 buttons 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.
This project is sponsored by the City of Victoria (My Great Neighbourhood Grant) and the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association.
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 button 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.
The Fine Print:
Open to Conversation is a community initiative designed to offer tools that encourage connection between adults in public spaces. These tools include buttons, in-person events, and participating cafes displaying “Open to Conversation” signs. While these tools aim to spark connection, the conversations, interactions, and outcomes that follow are entirely the responsibility of the individuals involved.
This initiative is intended for individuals 16 years of age and older. However, due to the public nature of distributing buttons and materials around town, a child may find and choose to wear a button. While every reasonable effort is made to indicate these buttons are for adult use, Open to Conversation, its organizers, affiliates and West Coast Speaks Health Society assume no responsibility for how these materials are found, worn, or interpreted by the public.
Participants are responsible for their personal safety, discretion, and common sense in all interactions, whether in public, at in-person events or when wearing an Open to Conversation button. Conversations should be approached kindly and respectfully, with an understanding of personal boundaries, public etiquette, and safety practices.
Participating cafes and venues displaying “Open to Conversation” signs do so voluntarily and are not responsible for the actions, conversations, or experiences of patrons who choose to engage under this initiative. Café owners, staff, and venues assume no liability for the outcomes of any interactions that may take place.
By choosing to participate in Open to Conversation – whether by wearing a button, attending an event, or joining a conversation prompted by a café sign – you agree to hold harmless Open to Conversation, West Coast Speaks Health Society, its organizers, affiliates, and participating venues from any claims, demands, liabilities or damages arising from your participation. This includes but is not limited to, any physical, verbal, written, or online interactions initiated through this initiative.
Open to Conversation and West Coast Speaks Health Society do not assume any duty of care for participants and expressly disclaim any responsibility for monitoring, controlling, or vetting individuals who choose to engage through this initiative, whether in person, online, or in public spaces.
If you are under 16 years of age, participation is not recommended. For children-friendly ways to connect, please see the Kind Hearts Club instead.
These are tools to invite connection – but the conversations, choices, and interactions belong to you. Please engage with kindness, trust your instincts, and stay safe.
Any disputes arising from participation in this initiative shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada.