Listening Labs at the Wing Luke Museum
Background
The Wing Luke Museum, the Washington State Jewish Historical Society, and the Black Heritage Society came together to collaborate on Confronting Hate Together—a project aimed at fostering a unified response to bias and bigotry while calling the community to action. The initiative seeks to break down barriers that divide communities and promote meaningful dialogue across different cultural and historical perspectives.
Recognizing the importance of deep listening in addressing bias and fostering cross-community understanding, the organizations invited Isabel Mata to lead a Listening Lab for their staff members. The goal was to create a space where participants could openly share experiences, practice active listening, and strengthen their capacity for empathy and collaboration.
The Listening Lab Approach
The Listening Lab was designed to:
Foster open dialogue between staff from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
Provide tools for deep listening to enhance understanding and collaboration.
Create a safe and supportive environment for meaningful conversations about bias, identity, and shared struggles.
Strengthen the foundation for ongoing partnership between the three organizations.
The Event
Held at the Wing Luke Museum, the Listening Lab brought together 15 staff members from the three partnering organizations. Isabel Mata facilitated the session, guiding participants through structured listening exercises that encouraged vulnerability, curiosity, and reflection. Attendees engaged in paired and group activities designed to build trust, deepen connections, and practice listening without judgment.
Participants explored themes of identity, historical and contemporary challenges, and personal experiences with bias and discrimination. By sharing their stories and listening with intention, they were able to find common ground and appreciate the richness of different perspectives.
Outcomes & Impact
The Listening Lab created a powerful space for connection and understanding. Participants expressed several key takeaways:
"It was a great experience to bring people of different backgrounds together."
"Listening deeply helped me recognize both shared struggles and unique perspectives."
"I felt heard and valued in a way that doesn’t always happen in cross-cultural discussions."
"This experience reinforced the importance of slowing down and truly engaging with one another."
The session not only deepened relationships among the three organizations but also reinforced the core mission of Confronting Hate Together—building bridges across communities and fostering a collective response to bias and bigotry.
Conclusion
The Listening Lab at the Wing Luke Museum demonstrated how intentional listening can serve as a powerful tool for unity and collaboration. By creating a structured space for staff members to engage in authentic conversations, the session helped lay the groundwork for stronger inter-organizational partnerships and deeper community impact.
As Confronting Hate Together continues its work, incorporating deep listening practices will be essential in strengthening relationships, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering a culture of understanding and action.
