The Value of Listening in Community Work

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time volunteering, mentoring, and trying to make a dent in the world, it’s this: you can’t help anyone if you’re not willing to listen first.

It sounds simple. But in practice? Listening is one of the hardest and most transformative parts of community work.

Why Listening Comes First

When I first started trying to give back, I made the rookie mistake of thinking I had all the answers. I showed up to volunteer projects with solutions instead of questions. And I quickly learned that even the best intentions can fall flat when you assume you know what people need.

Listening isn’t passive. It’s not about standing there silently while someone talks. It’s about making space, suspending judgment, and respecting the lived experiences of others, even when they challenge your assumptions.

Whether you’re working with at-risk youth, supporting people in recovery, or helping out at a food pantry, the act of listening builds trust. And trust is the foundation of real change.

Practical Ways to Listen Better in Community Work

Here’s what’s helped me become a better listener:

• Ask before offering.

  Instead of “Here’s what we’re doing,” start with, “What would be most helpful right now?”

• Don’t assume your experience is universal.

  Just because something worked for you doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.

  
  

• Leave space in conversations.

  Silence can be uncomfortable, but sometimes people need a moment to figure out how to express what they’re really feeling.

  
  

• Show up consistently.

  People are more likely to open up when they know you’re not just passing through.

  
  

• Listen with the intent to understand, not to fix.

  Most folks aren’t looking for a hero. They want to be heard, seen, and respected.

What Listening Does for You, Too

Listening doesn’t just help others, it reshapes you.

It’s humbled me, challenged my worldview, and made me a more patient, compassionate person. It’s also helped me recognize when I’ve been part of the problem, and where I can do better.

When we listen, we connect. We learn. We grow.

And in a world that’s often louder than it is thoughtful, that might be the most radical kind of service there is.

— Mark Edgington

This article also appears on https://markedgington.medium.com, where you can learn more about Mark Edgington’s ongoing work.