Mission: To advance the practice, teaching, and research of listening throughout the world.

Vision: To be the international leader of listening practices, teaching, and research. The mission and vision of the Association shall be accomplished in the following ways:

1.   The Association shall establish a network of professionals committed to promoting the study and development of effective listening.

2.   Members shall exchange information by sharing teaching objectives, learning activities, promotional methods and materials, and additional professional experiences.

3.   Members are encouraged to pursue listening research as listening affects humanity on multi-levels of economics, education, race, culture, and international relations.

4.   Members shall pursue management strategies and efforts promoting effective listening in government and business.

(These above Mission and Vision Statements are taken directly from the ILA Constitution.) The International Listening Association (ILA) was formed in 1979. Since then, we have grown into an international community working in more than 25 countries. We are involved in listening in education, business, healthcare, hospitality, spirituality, music and many other fields. We promote the study of listening, exchange information, and pursue research into the ways in which listening can develop understanding in our personal, political, social and working lives. The International Listening Association serves as a dialogue space, a resource network, a news source and a worldwide community.
 

"The most basic of human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them."  

Dr. Ralph G. Nichols