Compassionate Listening Project
The Compassionate Listening Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1990, that teaches a proprietary conflict transformation methodology called Compassionate Listening to individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide through workshops, facilitator certification, and immersive Journey programs to conflict regions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersIndianola, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Compassionate Listening Project does
The Compassionate Listening Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1990 (under the original name Mid-East Citizen Diplomacy, renamed in 1996) and headquartered in Indianola, Washington with a mailing address in Springfield, Oregon. It teaches self-inquiry and conflict transformation skills to individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide through a proprietary methodology called Compassionate Listening, which originated with Gene Knudsen Hoffman from the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and is structured around five core practices: Cultivating Compassion for Self and Others, Developing the Fair Witness, Respecting Self and Others, Listening with the Heart, and Speaking from the Heart.
The organization delivers its methodology through a portfolio of fee-based programs: introductory and advanced workshops (online and in-person), immersive multi-day Journey programs to conflict regions (Israel/Palestine, U.S./Mexico border, Alabama), a Facilitator Certification program that trains and credential practitioners, Compassion Circles and Practice Groups for ongoing skill development, and one-on-one Coaching & Consulting for organizations. Revenue is generated from program fees (e.g., Journey programs priced at $3,950 per participant), book sales through an online store and third-party retailers, organizational consulting, and tax-deductible donations. The operational footprint is small (1-10 employees), with leadership based across the U.S. and a Berlin-based Operations Manager supporting European activities.
Distribution is community-led and multi-channel: a global network of certified facilitators independently delivers workshops and practice groups, supported by content marketing via the website, blog, social media, YouTube, earned media in publications such as the Jerusalem Post and Seattle Times, and outreach events. The organization has run 34 international journeys to Israel and Palestine, founded the Jewish-German Compassionate Listening Project in 2002, and most recently launched a Borderlands Journey series for 2026, indicating continued program expansion against a 30+ year operational history.
Compassionate Listening Project firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Compassionate Listening Project
- Legal name
- The Compassionate Listening Project
- Website
- https://www.compassionatelistening.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Compassionate Listening Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1990, that teaches a proprietary conflict transformation methodology called Compassionate Listening to individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide through workshops, facilitator certification, and immersive Journey programs to conflict regions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Compassionate Listening Project industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Training
- NAICS
- Individual and Family Services (6241), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK)
Keywords
Where Compassionate Listening Project is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indianola
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Compassionate Listening Project business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Workshop Fees: Introductory and advanced Compassionate Listening workshops offered both online and in-person, providing foundational training in the methodology.
- Journey Programs: Multi-day immersive travel programs to Israel/Palestine, U.S.-Mexico Border, and Alabama, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and facilitation. Priced at $3,950 per participant.
- Facilitator Certification: Comprehensive training and certification program for individuals seeking to become Compassionate Listening facilitators and workshop leaders.
- Coaching & Consulting: One-on-one and organizational consulting services to help implement Compassionate Listening practices in personal and professional contexts.
- Book Sales: Sale of published works including 'Practicing the Art of Compassionate Listening' ($20 paperback, $9.99 Kindle), 'Listening with the Heart' ($20 paperback), and 'Conflict as an Evolutionary Force' ($24.99 hardcover, $14.99 paperback, $4.99 ebook).
- Donations: Tax-deductible charitable contributions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supporting the organization's mission and operational costs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Borderlands Journey 2026 |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Practicing the Art of Compassionate Listening Book |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Listening with the Heart Book |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Conflict as an Evolutionary Force Book |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Compassionate Listening and Other Writings Book |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Compassionate Listening Project product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Compassionate Listening Project teaches a conflict-transformation methodology centered on five core practices (cultivating compassion, developing the Fair Witness, listening with the heart, speaking from the heart, respecting self and others). It delivers introductory and advanced workshops, a Facilitator Certification program, Compassion Circles and Practice Groups, one-on-one and organizational coaching/consulting, and multi-day Journey travel programs to conflict regions (Israel/Palestine, U.S.-Mexico Border, Alabama). A small bookstore and published works extend the methodology to self-learners.
Product overview
The Compassionate Listening Project is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of educational and experiential programs centered on conflict transformation through compassionate listening practices. The core offerings include introductory workshops, Facilitator Certification training, Journeys (travel programs to conflict regions), Compassion Circles, Practice Groups, and Coaching & Consulting services. The organization also publishes books including 'Practicing the Art of Compassionate Listening' and 'Listening with the Heart' to support self-study and continued learning. The Five Core Practices of Compassionate Listening serve as the foundation across all programs: Cultivating Compassion for Self and Others, Developing the Fair Witness, Respecting Self and Others, Listening with the Heart, and Speaking from the Heart.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Coaching & Consulting One-on-one and organizational coaching and consulting services that help individuals and groups implement Compassionate Listening practices in personal and professional contexts. Targets organizations seeking to improve internal communication, team dynamics, and conflict resolution.
- Compassionate Listening Workshops Introductory and advanced workshops teaching self-inquiry and communication skills to individuals, communities, and organizations, covering the Five Core Practices of Compassionate Listening: Cultivating Compassion for Self and Others, Developing the Fair Witness, Respecting Self and Others, Listening with the Heart, and Speaking from the Heart.
- Journeys Immersive, multi-day travel programs to conflict regions combining Compassionate Listening practice with direct cross-perspective engagement. Includes Borderlands (U.S./Mexico Border, priced at $3,950 per participant for the 2026 journey), Israel & Palestine, and Alabama (civil rights) tracks. Includes accommodation, meals, transportation, site visits, and facilitation.
- Facilitator Certification Advanced training and certification program for individuals seeking to become Compassionate Listening facilitators and workshop leaders. Includes mentorship from experienced facilitators, advanced training tracks, and access to an international community of facilitators. Cohorts are launched biannually, with the Spring 2026 cohort accepting applications.
- Practicing the Art of Compassionate Listening (Book) A practical how-to book by Andrea Cohen with Leah Green and Susan Partnow covering introductory-level curriculum and exercises for practicing Compassionate Listening in daily life. Available in paperback ($20), Kindle ($9.99), and eBook PDF ($10).
- Listening with the Heart: A Guide to Compassionate Listening (Book) A guidebook by Carol Hwoschinsky providing philosophy, theory, and practical exercises for Compassionate Listening practitioners. Available in paperback ($20) and eBook PDF ($10).
- Conflict as an Evolutionary Force: A Personal Journey (Book) A book by Carol Hwoschinsky chronicling her journey in conflict transformation and the early evolution of the Compassionate Listening Project, with focus on Journeys to Israel and Palestine (1996-2005). Available in hardcover ($24.99), paperback ($14.99), and eBook ($4.99).
- Compassionate Listening and Other Writings (Book) Collection of writings by Gene Knudsen Hoffman, the originator of Compassionate Listening, edited by Anthony Manousos. Sheds light on her approach to peacemaking and conflict resolution. Available in paperback ($15).
Quantifiable outcome
- Participants report transformative experiences that shift their understanding of conflict and their capacity for empathy
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Compassionate Listening Project
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Compassionate Listening Project technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Compassionate Listening Project partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Jewish-German Compassionate Listening ProjectcoreCo-founded in 2002 by Beate Ronnefeld and Leah Green to advance Jewish-German reconciliation and healing. The project brought together Jews, Germans, and those affected by World War II to explore experiences, beliefs, and humanize the 'other' through Compassionate Listening training and personal sharing. Additional delegations led by Brian Berman and Andrea Cohen established it as a living reconciliation model.
- No More Deaths/No más muertesminorHumanitarian organization working to end death and suffering in the Arizona/Mexico borderlands. The Border Songs CD Project raised nearly $100,000 for this organization. Border journeys include visits to their shelters and programs supporting migrants.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Compassionate Listening Project competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Search for Common Ground: The world's largest dedicated peacebuilding nonprofit, operating conflict transformation programs globally. Comparable to Compassionate Listening Project in mission focus on dialogue and reconciliation, though at vastly greater scale and with more programmatic breadth.
- Peace Direct: International nonprofit supporting local peacebuilders and conflict transformation initiatives globally. Comparable mission to scale peacebuilding impact, though focused on funding and amplifying local partners rather than direct training delivery.
- Quaker United Nations Office / American Friends Service Committee: Historic peace and justice organization running conflict transformation, peacebuilding, and accompaniment programs with faith-rooted methodologies. Comparable in peacebuilding mission and training delivery, though at substantially larger scale.
Direct peers
- Karuna Center for Peacebuilding: Small nonprofit offering peacebuilding training, restorative practices, and contemplative-based conflict transformation programs. Directly comparable methodology rooted in mindfulness and dialogue skills for individuals and organizations.
- Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC): Organization founded on Marshall Rosenberg's nonviolent communication methodology, sharing Compassionate Listening's contemplative and empathic communication roots. Offers workshops, certification, and trainer programs with global reach.
- Essential Partners: Nonprofit providing dialogue and conflict training programs for communities and organizations navigating difficult conversations and polarization. Directly comparable in delivering structured dialogue-based training and certification pathways.
- Mediators Beyond Borders International: Global nonprofit training and deploying volunteer mediators in conflict-affected regions. Comparable in delivering volunteer-driven conflict resolution training and international fieldwork, though using formal mediation rather than contemplative listening.
Others
- International Crisis Group: Global conflict analysis and policy organization working in the same conflict regions (Israel/Palestine, Mexico, etc.) where Compassionate Listening operates. Adjacent peer in mission focus on conflict, though focused on policy analysis rather than experiential training.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Compassionate Listening Project social profiles
Digital presenceCompassionate Listening Project financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Compassionate Listening Project leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Compassionate Listening Project funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Compassionate Listening Project M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Compassionate Listening Project
What does Compassionate Listening Project do?
The Compassionate Listening Project teaches a conflict-transformation methodology centered on five core practices (cultivating compassion, developing the Fair Witness, listening with the heart, speaking from the heart, respecting self and others). It delivers introductory and advanced workshops, a Facilitator Certification program, Compassion Circles and Practice Groups, one-on-one and organizational coaching/consulting, and multi-day Journey travel programs to conflict regions (Israel/Palestine, U.S.-Mexico Border, Alabama). A small bookstore and published works extend the methodology to self-learners.
Is Compassionate Listening Project a public or private company?
Compassionate Listening Project is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Compassionate Listening Project founded?
Compassionate Listening Project was founded in 1991. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Compassionate Listening Project based?
Compassionate Listening Project is headquartered in Indianola, United States, in the North America region.
How does Compassionate Listening Project make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Workshop Fees are the primary driver. The others are journey Programs, facilitator Certification, coaching & Consulting, book Sales and donations.
Who are Compassionate Listening Project's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Search for Common Ground, Peace Direct and Quaker United Nations Office / American Friends Service Committee. Direct peers are Karuna Center for Peacebuilding, Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC), Essential Partners and Mediators Beyond Borders International. International Crisis Group is listed as an others.
Does Compassionate Listening Project have an API?
No public API is recorded for Compassionate Listening Project.
What industry is Compassionate Listening Project in?
Compassionate Listening Project's product category is Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAEAK, Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming. Its NAICS code is 6241 and its SIC code is 8300.