Radical listening, radical leadership: historical case studies for a contemporary civics education framework

Purpose This article argues that listening is a central practice to civic-oriented character education, offering a model that prepares students to lead with empathy, generosity and a commitment to civic life. Design/methodology/approach This article provides an overview of three historical cases of listening: Quaker activist Benjamin Lay's interpersonal generous listening, which shows the importance of listening across difference and acting on it; the American Friends Service Committee's (AFSC) West African programming, providing examples of organizing equitable development in diverse contexts; and former Burkinabé President Thomas Sankara's (1983–1987) empowering of citizens through a radical institutional listening, providing an example of grassroots, citizen-centric governance. By using examples from these contexts, this article establishes a framework for students to engage with a diverse set of cross-cultural and cross-linguistic dialogic and listening exercises. Findings The cases represent important examples of listening, as well as concrete, practical examples to learn from and incorporate into classroom practices to develop and strengthen students' character virtues. By examining how the cases embodied these practices, the article demonstrates how educators can translate them into pedagogy which fosters democratic and civic engagement. The framework presented encourages students to see listening as not just receptive but also as a form of civic leadership. Originality/value In connecting character education to civic engagement amid a global historical context, the article offers a model for education that prepares students to lead with generosity, empathy and integrity.