What can happen when two people from different cultures sit down and simply talk?

Confidence can grow. Friendship can begin. Cultures can connect. And peace can take root.

The Rotary Club of Atlanta Brasil is launching Two Rotarians. Two Cultures. One Conversation., a new initiative connecting English learners with English-speaking Rotarians for informal conversation and cultural exchange. The project pairs an English learner with an English-speaking Rotarian from another Rotary club and encourages regular meetings over coffee, lunch, walks, community service, Rotary events, or virtually.

This program is not a traditional English class. Our Rotarian volunteers are not English teachers. They are listeners, encouragers, friends, conversation partners, and peace partners. The focus is on creating a safe, welcoming space where English learners can practice communication without fear of embarrassment or judgment.

Many immigrants understand English but hesitate to speak because of fear of making mistakes, being misunderstood, or feeling embarrassed by an accent or limited vocabulary. Those barriers can contribute to isolation and make it harder to fully participate in workplaces, communities, volunteer organizations, and social environments. Rather than asking English learners simply to become more confident, Two Rotarians. Two Cultures. One Conversation. was developed to create an environment where confidence can grow.

How the project works

• Participants are matched in pairs based on interests, availability, location, and communication goals.
• Each partnership is encouraged to meet approximately once per month for six months.
• Meetings may take place over coffee, lunch, during a walk, at a Rotary event, through a community service activity, or virtually when necessary.
• English-speaking Rotary volunteers are asked to allow participants to speak freely, avoid unnecessary correction, explain unfamiliar expressions when appropriate, and create an environment where making mistakes is accepted as part of learning.

Optional monthly conversation themes

• My Story and My Journey
• Culture and Traditions
• Family and Community
• Career and Leadership
• Rotary and Service
• Understanding Differences
• Peace and Belonging

Promoting peace through everyday conversation

The project approaches peacebuilding at the interpersonal and community level. Communication is a foundation of understanding; when people cannot comfortably communicate, language and cultural differences can contribute to misunderstanding and separation. Intentional intercultural conversations help transform unfamiliarity into understanding and understanding into friendship.

Through these one-to-one relationships, One conversation builds confidence. One friendship builds understanding. Together, we build peace.

Pilot Project Day 1

Pilot Project Day 1 included Rotary president Jennifer from the Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland and Poliana from the Rotary Club of Atlanta Brasil.

Interested? Contact the Rotary Club of Atlanta Brasil at atlantabrasilrotaryclub@gmail.com to learn about becoming a Conversation Partner or participating as an English learner.