Find the words. Start the conversation.

Knowing something needs to be said is often easier than knowing how to say it.

When it comes to family culture, technology, and attention, many people feel the same tension — but hesitate to speak up. Not because they don’t care, but because they don’t want to sound alarmist, judgmental, or unclear.

These conversation templates are here to help.

They’re simple, thoughtful starting points you can copy, paste, and personalize — designed to open doors, not force conclusions. Feel free to copy, paste, and modify based off how you want your conversation to be navigated.

Choose the Direction of the Conversation

Every conversation moves in a direction.
Select the one that fits your situation.

Speaking Up

Opening a thoughtful conversation with a leader

Use these templates when you want to raise a concern, invite discernment, or surface an important topic with someone who holds influence or responsibility — a pastor, school administrator, or community leader.

Speaking Across

Talking peer-to-peer

Use these templates when you want to normalize the conversation among equals — another parent, friend, or family member — without pressure or persuasion.

Speaking Out

Inviting a community into conversation

Use these templates when you’re in a leadership role and want to gather people together — clearly, calmly, and responsibly — around shared questions and next steps.

  • Hi [Name],

    I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to reach out because I’ve been thinking more intentionally about family culture and the role technology is playing in our homes and communities.

    Recently, I came across the Canary Project (www.thecanaryproject.org), which approaches this topic in a grounded, community-centered way — not from a place of fear or control, but with an emphasis on formation, presence, and shared responsibility. It prompted me to wonder whether this is a conversation worth having more openly within our community.

    I’m not coming with a specific ask or agenda — just a desire to surface the question and invite your perspective. You have a good sense of this community, and I’d value your thoughts on whether exploring this topic together might be helpful.

    Thank you for the care you bring to your leadership, and for taking the time to consider this.

    Warmly,
    [Your Name]

  • Hi [Name],

    I wanted to share something we’ve been thinking about lately.

    We’ve been having more conversations around family culture — especially how technology shapes our attention, habits, and relationships — and we recently came across the Canary Project (www.thecanaryproject.org). What stood out to us is that it isn’t anti-tech or extreme, just very practical and thoughtful about presence and intention.

    We’re considering giving it a try and thought of you, since these are questions many of us are quietly wrestling with. No pressure at all — I just wanted to pass it along in case it’s helpful or sparks conversation.

    If you’re curious, I’m happy to share more about what we’ve learned so far.

    Take care,
    [Your Name]

  • Hello everyone,

    I wanted to share an opportunity for our community to come together around an important and timely topic: family culture and the role technology plays in shaping our daily lives.

    We’ll be hosting a conversation centered on the Canary Project (www.thecanaryproject.org), which offers a thoughtful framework for addressing technology without fear, shame, or mandates. The goal isn’t to tell families what to do, but to name the challenges clearly and offer a shared path forward rooted in presence, formation, and community support.

    This will be a space to listen, learn, and consider next steps together. More details will be shared soon, but I wanted to extend the invitation early and encourage your participation.

    I believe this is a conversation worth having — together.

    Warmly,
    [Name]

Because Change Starts with Conversation

Big shifts rarely begin with policies or programs.
They begin when someone is willing to speak — thoughtfully, honestly, and at the right level.

These templates exist to make that first step easier.