Choose to be Curious
Ep. #271: The Transformative Power of Curiosity & Deep Canvassing, with Sulma Arias
Mar 20, 2025
Sulma Arias is the Executive Director of People's Action and has two decades of experience advocating for immigrant rights and economic justice. She discusses deep canvassing as a transformative approach centered on listening and building rapport rather than conventional persuasion. Sulma highlights how curiosity facilitates understanding in divisive conversations, fostering genuine connections. She also explores creative analogies that illustrate the joy and unpredictability of curiosity, emphasizing its power to enhance personal growth and community dialogue.
28:00
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Deep canvassing fosters transformative conversations by prioritizing active listening and genuine engagement over traditional messaging methods.
- The process not only influences public opinion but also enriches the canvasser's perspective through empathy and personal growth.
Deep dives
The Importance of Curiosity in Conversations
Curiosity plays a central role in fostering meaningful conversations, particularly in the context of deep canvassing, where the focus is on building connections rather than merely pushing a political agenda. Deep canvassing emphasizes the value of active listening and genuine engagement, aiming to understand the perspectives and experiences of others. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional campaigning methods, which often prioritize delivering a message over fostering dialogue. By starting conversations with an open mind, individuals can create a space for transformative exchanges where curiosity leads to mutual understanding and empathy.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
