Day 2 of Feedback+Bozeman was all about deepening the conversation—and the commitment—to listening that transforms.
The day began bright and early with powerful breakfast conversations. From a community-driven data collaboration in Florida’s arts education system to Congreso’s human-centered design toolkit for gathering client feedback, attendees explored how feedback can be built into the very DNA of programs and partnerships. Native Americans in Philanthropy reminded us of the value of reciprocity in fundraising, while Feedback Labs invited us to co-shape the future of the feedback field itself.
In the morning plenary, The Urgency of Funder Listening, we heard moving and practical reflections on what it really means for funders to listen—and how doing so shifts power to those most impacted. Panelists from Montana’s tribal, education, and mental health communities brought stories that challenged us to act with intention and humility.
Breakout sessions throughout the day took us even deeper. Participants grappled with big questions: How can community participation reshape philanthropy? What does it take to embed feedback in justice reform, from Flathead Reservation to pretrial detention practices? How can nonprofits use AI responsibly to scale feedback without losing human nuance?
We saw that empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a strategic necessity. In sessions on environmental justice, bilateral accountability, and listening in polarized times, the message was clear: when people feel heard, they become co-creators in the solutions that affect their lives.
The Movement Makers Lunch offered a much-needed pause for reflection and reconnection. Attendees shared their own experiences tackling systems change and explored how listening isn’t just a tactic—it’s a movement.
The afternoon breakout sessions delivered fresh insights and practical tools, from participatory data analysis and inclusive tech design to funding models that center frontline leaders. One recurring theme? Listening well takes work—but it’s the kind of work that builds trust, equity, and real impact.
We closed the day with Safety First: Listening Amidst Growing Risk, a powerful plenary on protecting and uplifting the voices of those facing the greatest threats. In a time when many are asked to speak up while navigating real risk, this conversation grounded us in practices that prioritize care, safety, and solidarity.
As we wrap up Day 2, one thing is clear: listening is not a moment—it’s a movement. And here in Bozeman, that movement is growing stronger with every story, every insight, and every act of shared purpose.
Stay tuned for our final recap—and thank you for being part of this extraordinary community.
