“I Love to Listen Day” Celebrates 20 Years
COLLEGE PARK, MD — May 16, 2025
The 20th anniversary of I Love to Listen Day blossomed into a truly international celebration on May 16, as listeners around the world joined in a unique observance of mindful connection and reflection. With the theme “We are Growing Listeners,” this year’s milestone event featured a vibrant Listening Garden Party held at the picturesque Listening Garden at the University of Maryland.
In an inspiring moment of unity, the Maryland celebration connected virtually with Calgary, Canada, where a second Listening Garden joined the festivities virtually. Denise McHugh, director of the Memorial Chapel at the University of Maryland, welcomed guests and shared the vision behind the garden as a space for peace, contemplation, and attentive listening. From Canada, Larry Wasyliw, president of the Canadian Listening Garden, shared how the Calgary space has become a hub for community events and personal reflection.
Marva Shand-McIntosh, founder of I Love to Listen Day, reminded attendees of the day’s deeper purpose: “This is not a day of silence,” she said. “It is the perfect time to listen. Anyone can create their own listening garden, share the listening poem, or write a listening proclamation. I Love to Listen Day is the premiere international listening day, and we are delighted to celebrate 20 years of listening awareness.”
Throughout the celebration, the importance of listening was affirmed by over 20 official proclamations issued in honor of the day. These included proclamations from the International Listening Association, the Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, and Jamaica’s Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen.
Among the distinguished guests, Dr. Emil Peeler and Dr. John Alberty, superintendent of schools for the Allegheny East Conference, read proclamations from their organization. Dr. Juwanza McIntosh brought a global dimension to the occasion by reading the Listening Poem, which has been translated into 18 languages and has served as a unifying tradition of the day for nearly two decades.
The celebration concluded with refreshments and the uplifting sounds of steel pan music, creating a joyful atmosphere for reflection and connection. Guests were reminded that cultivating listening is a lifelong practice, and this anniversary served as a reminder that through intentional listening, communities—and individuals—can grow stronger together.
As the garden paths echoed with laughter and music, one message rang clear: We are growing listeners.
Speak up for listening on "I Love to Listen Day - May 16th.
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