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Sami Aaron
Mindfulness for a Resilient World
Sat. Jan. 16, 2021 10 am-noon CST on Zoom
***Note: The original speaker for this date, Visionary Activist AY Young, has laryngitis …watch our Event page for a rescheduled event!
More and more studies show the powerful benefits – for both physical health and emotional wellbeing – of mindfulness practices and time spent in nature. This event, bringing these two important concepts together, can nurture individual wellbeing while fostering community-wide resilience.
You’ll receive:
- an understanding of the benefits of nature-centered, community-based mindfulness practices to your physical and emotional health
- practice in the simple steps to nature-based mindfulness practice in an experiential, guided meditation session through the Five Essentials for a Resilient World
- small group support and insight through discussions about mindfulness practices and ways you can bring them into your everyday life
“Replenishing yourself will only make your activism stronger, more enthusiastic, more open-hearted, and therefore, more successful.”
~Sami Aaron
Sami Aaron is the Founder and Executive Director of The Resilient Activist, a Mindfulness Informed Professional through the Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness, a K-State Univ Extension Master Naturalist, a Climate Reality Leader, a Registered Yoga Teacher, and coordinating committee member of the Kansas City Conservation Equity Network.
Join us for a follow-up event to the
Visionary Activist Workshop
a new gathering
Visionary Activist Salon *
Sat. Feb 6th, 2021 10-noon CST
on Zoom – Register below
Co-hosted by Sami Aaron, Meredith McAllister, and Kayla Williams
As requested by participants in January’s Visionary Activist Workshops, we are following up with gatherings to support your journey as you continue to develop your VISION!
This event is open to those who participated in an earlier Visionary Activist Workshop.
Through a process of meditation, journaling, and informal group conversation, our first Salon* will focus on:
- Revisiting the Workshop: we’ll review the January workshop to hear what was beneficial and what would you have liked to experience differently?
- Personal Growth: since the workshop, what has transpired in your steps to bring your VISION to life?
- Moving Forward: what are your next steps and what support would be helpful? How can The Resilient Activist be of service?
*Salon (gathering): A conversational gathering. A salon is a gathering of people held by an inspiring host. During the gathering, participants amuse one another and increase their knowledge through conversation.
Register here:
Some of your comments after the workshop:
“This workshop had me sit and reflect on myself in a way that reminded me of my past achievements, my skills, my education, and – above all else – my passion. These reflections showed me that, yes, I actually AM able to make a difference!”
“The combination of Meditation and Journaling of my ideas on my own Vision for my Future Universe was enlightening and powerful.”
“Having others to reflect, brainstorm, and recapitulate with is so valuable to this work!”
“The workshop used mindfulness and meditation to bring forth authenticity and let me begin to craft a cohesive, practical vision for my next career direction.”
“So much of my own activism feels urgent and this workshop helped me take a step back, reflect, and realize how my mind, body, and spirit are necessary to achieve my vision.”
Join us for a follow-up event to the
Visionary Activist Workshop
a new gathering
Visionary Activist Salon *
Sat. Feb 10th, 2021 4-6 pm CST
on Zoom – Register below
Co-hosted by Sami Aaron, Meredith McAllister, and Kayla Williams
As requested by participants in January’s Visionary Activist Workshops, we are following up with gatherings to support your journey as you continue to develop your VISION!
This event is open to those who participated in an earlier Visionary Activist Workshop.
Through a process of meditation, journaling, and informal group conversation, our first Salon* will focus on:
- Revisiting the Workshop: we’ll review the January workshop to hear what was beneficial and what would you have liked to experience differently?
- Personal Growth: since the workshop, what has transpired in your steps to bring your VISION to life?
- Moving Forward: what are your next steps and what support would be helpful? How can The Resilient Activist be of service?
*Salon (gathering): A conversational gathering. A salon is a gathering of people held by an inspiring host. During the gathering, participants amuse one another and increase their knowledge through conversation.
Register here:
Some of your comments after the workshop:
“This workshop had me sit and reflect on myself in a way that reminded me of my past achievements, my skills, my education, and – above all else – my passion. These reflections showed me that, yes, I actually AM able to make a difference!”
“The combination of Meditation and Journaling of my ideas on my own Vision for my Future Universe was enlightening and powerful.”
“Having others to reflect, brainstorm, and recapitulate with is so valuable to this work!”
“The workshop used mindfulness and meditation to bring forth authenticity and let me begin to craft a cohesive, practical vision for my next career direction.”
“So much of my own activism feels urgent and this workshop helped me take a step back, reflect, and realize how my mind, body, and spirit are necessary to achieve my vision.”
Visionary Activist
Julie Koppen
Founder of Greenability Weekly
Julie Koppen, owner of Greenability Weekly, first began publishing the paper version of Greenability in 2007. The bi-monthly magazine featured in-depth stories about the sustainability efforts of individuals and organizations in the Kansas City metro area. Topics ranged from organic and local food to renewable energy projects and one-of-a-kind stories — like green burials.
The magazine won numerous awards for content and sustainability efforts, including second place in the national Green America’s Better Paper Project, which considers 17,000 magazines annually for sustainability efforts. In 2015, Julie transitioned Greenability from a paper to digital format and began publishing Greenability Weekly, a free online alternative to the paid subscription and newsstand options.
Julie also serves on the Kansas City, MO Environmental Management Commission.
“At the time, I took a chance that a free, digital Greenability could reach more people. It worked! Subscriptions went from about 3,000 to 15,000, and we now can reach readers across the country.”
Greenability’s Awards & Honors
Greenability has won several environmental, printing, and digital publication awards, including:
Top 75 Sustainable Living Blog by FeedSpot.com, 2017
Printing and Imaging Association of Mid-America Award of Excellence, 2014
Printing and Imaging Association of Mid-America People’s Choice Award, 2014
Arctic Action Teams and Polar Bears International Award, 2013
Green America Better Paper Project, Runner-Up, 2012
Bridging the Gap Environmental Excellence Award for Business, 2011
Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Centers Stars of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award, 2011
Sierra Club Award for Outstanding Achievement, Kansas Chapter, 2009
Visionary Activist AY Young
Musician | Entrepreneur | United Nations Global Young Leader
Sat. April 17, 2021 10-11 am CDT on Zoom
Watch Party for Earth Festival 2021 Online Earth Day Celebration
where AY will be the Keynote Speaker
Join us before the start of the Earth Festival to …
- meet AY, UN’s Global Young Leader from the USA, and learn about his upcoming sustainability projects
- learn about the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda and Global Goals for Sustainable Development (17 SDGs)
- explore topics you’re passionate about to nurture a sustainable planet and see how your ideas fit into the SDGs
- experience a preview taste of AY’s uplifting and joyful music as he creates his next album with 17 new songs for the planet
“It’s all about one action every day towards your dreams or goals or towards sustainability. If we all take one action, like outlets, we can change the world.”
~Visionary Activist AY Young
Register here:
AY Young, a Kansas City, MO singer-songwriter, dancer, producer, and sustainability advocate has been named by the United Nations as “1 of 17” 2020 World Youth Leaders, after having been selected from 18,000 nominations from 186 countries. AY is the only Youth Leader selected from the United States.
AY, who is one of the first artists in the world to power his concerts with 100% renewable energy, was recognized by a national energy publication, The Energy News, as one of the “40 Under 40” leaders and innovators from across the United States for their work to transition to a clean energy economy.
Connect with AY! Battery Tour AY-MusiK
Visionary Activist
Sheryl Hammontree
Founder of Thoughtful Threads
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 10 am-noon CDT on Zoom
Register here:
Sheryl Hammontree, owner of Thoughtful Threads Co: Expressive Apparel for Empowered People
Designer Sheryl Hammontree believes that what we wear can radiate positive vibes inside and out. That’s why she created Thoughtful Threads, which delivers heart-centered, expressive clothing for anyone who wishes to supercharge connection by spreading messages of empowerment, equality, love, and kindness.
Sheryl combines her mastery for creative, beautiful design with a fierce commitment to socially ethical and environmentally-friendly business practices. From the threads she chooses to the packaging she uses, she is focused on working with sustainable materials and fair trade, environmentally-friendly garments that respect people and protect our precious planet.
An active member of the Kansas City community, Sheryl has participated in events including the Win for KC Celebration, Central Exchange’s Midwest Leadership Summit (formerly Lyceum) and Advent Health’s Living in Vitality. When Sheryl’s not dreaming up new designs for Thoughtful Threads, you’ll find her outside. Whether in her garden or on a trail, she enjoys fresh air and an active lifestyle with her husband Joel and their rescue dogs Lilly and Rudy.
Want to be part of the movement sparking positive, thoughtful change? Visit ThoughtfulThreadsCo.com and discover all of the ways you can fearlessly express yourself while supporting a healthier, kinder, more optimistic world!
Register at this link
What important gift is bubbling up from your heart to benefit the world?
So many people long to join the movement to nurture the environment and bring harmony to all its beings. The Visionary Activist Program lets you imagine what you can do through your innate gifts to take actions that will make a vital difference.
Your VISION describes an injustice that tugs at your heartstrings. It is a cause you’ve talked about or donated to, but now you’re ready to do more.
Through guided meditations and journaling, supported by a deep nature connection, you will conceptualize your VISION and develop the tools to address it in ways you hadn’t imagined before.
The accompanying workbook will give you the perfect place to reflect, imagine, plan, and implement your dream.
You’ll explore tools for your personal resilience and wellbeing, because the more nourished you are, the more you’ll have to offer to your VISION.
This workshop will guide you to bring forth whatever is bubbling up from your heart in a way that feels joyous, safe, and uplifting starting right where you are right now.
This workshop will flow through meditation, journaling, and deep introspection as you examine your personal VISION through the introductory steps of the Visionary Activist Guide.
This workshop will be held on Zoom and we encourage participants to join us from a comfortable place either out-of-doors or indoors with a view of nature.
Fees:
- Supporting Donation: $90 (helps support others who are not able to pay full price)
- Sustaining Donation: $60 (this is the actual cost of the workshop)
- Supported Donation: $30 (for those needing support on the full ticket price)
- Full Scholarship: $0 (Requires pre-approval from the Visionary Activist Team. Contact us for scholarship information.)
Workshop goals:
- You’ll answer the question “what is yours to do?” Of all the social justice and environmental issues you care deeply about, you’ll determine the specific VISION that is right for you.
- You’ll journal a mindful remembrance of your strengths, education, experiences, communications, and connections around this VISION to show how the world is ready to support you and your mission.
- Through an exploration of your most heartfelt emotions – inner heart and outer heart – you’ll recognize the gifts that you are able to give to others in ways that will support you to remain grounded and stable.
- You’ll visualize and clarify your future action steps through imaginative storytelling and simple-to-follow guidelines.
- Imbued with the knowledge of what you need for long-term resilience and the guideposts in the accompanying workbook, you’ll embrace your personal power as you become a Visionary Activist.
Register at this link
Wherever you are on the Visionary Activist continuum, right now is the perfect time for you to begin to clarify and design just what is yours to do.
Presenter:
Sami Aaron is the founder of the nonprofit, The Resilient Activist, whose mission is to build resilience, optimism, and hope in response to the impact of the climate crisis by providing community, stress-relief, and nature-connected programming that supports positive ecological change.
She is a Climate Reality Leader, one of the thousands of volunteers in 126 countries who have been trained by Nobel Laureate Al Gore to educate the public about climate change.
Her experience as a County Extension Master Naturalist has broadened her understanding of the interconnectivity between nature and humanity, with an eye towards restoration and protection of natural areas and the wildlife that inhabit them.
Sami is a yoga and meditation teacher who focuses on the emotional and physical benefits of time spent in nature and the important connection we humans have with the natural world.
She is the author of “The Gift of Compassion” in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Grieving and Recovery.
Through Sami’s studies in meditation and yoga, along with her desire to guide others into a life rich in nature connection, she has created The Resilient Activist programs to nurture, uplift, and support those who strive to live in conscious harmony with Earth.
Read more about the Visionary Activist program.
If you haven’t yet watched our Visionary Activist interviews – take time to listen in at that link. You may be inspired by these activists’ stories and the joy they exude as they reflect on their Visionary Activist journeys.
Join us for an engaging
Climate Conversation
with Visionary Activist
Carl Stafford
Founder of MY REGION WINS!
Saturday, June 19, 2021
10 am-noon CDT
In-Person!
Join us in the empty lot at the NE corner of 72nd St. & Indiana in Kansas City MO
for a unique and joyful WORKDAY to bring the vision for a
project to life!
This site is an interactive-functional art piece/contemporary community garden.
Register here:
This program will give you a glimpse into the heart and mind of a neighborhood community activist and coach. You’ll learn how Carl melds activism with art through his passion for environmental and social justice while you give some hands-on volunteer time at the site. Click the video above to see the future of this project.
At this event, held on Juneteenth, a day to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States, Carl will share his perspective on the intersection of racial and social inequities and how they are impacted by climate change and the environment.
Event information:
- Look for the white tent and The Resilient Activist signs
- Park on the street
-
The June 19th workday could consist of:
- Spreading topsoil
- Moving gravel rocks, prepping for future workdays
- Edging the south side of the property
- Litter abatement
- Cutting down honeysuckle and low-hanging limbs.
- Documentation, taking pictures and video clips (using camera phones).
Please bring:- A pair of work gloves, water, a chair, if interested in taking notes something to write with
- Sunscreen, sun-visor or sunglasses
- Wear close-toed shoes
Participants will need to sign a volunteer waiver.Watch your emails for inclement weather alternate plans.Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Carl Stafford is the Founder & Visionary of MY REGION WINS! (MRW!). Carl has 12+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Carl holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Kansas City Art Institute, received his Community Coaching Certification from Fowler International Academy of Professional Coaching.
“If your Bruce Wayne has a Batman or Diana Prince has a Wonder Woman, let MY REGION WINS! be your Alfred.” – Carl Stafford – Founder, Visionary, Certified Community Coach
Creating Pollinator Habitat at Home
With the NE Kansas Beekeepers Association’s Fun Day!
This is an all-day event featuring everything you ever wanted to know about beekeeping.
Sami Aaron with The Resilient Activist will offer a one-hour presentation from 11-noon central on Creating Pollinator Habitat At Home.
This presentation offers simple ideas on how your home garden can be modified to support not just honeybees, but solitary bees, bumblebees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators! Attracting a wide variety of pollinators will bring more birds at the same time. You’ll learn step-by-step gardening information from planning to implementation and maintenance.
Take a look around your yard before the Fun Day and have an idea of an open, sunny area that might be suitable for some pollinator habitat!
Gardening For Pollinators
Come join The Resilient Activist and Stitching Change at the First Baptist Church of KCK to learn all about how to garden for wildlife, taught by the gardening aficionado and Extension Master Naturalist, Anna Graether!
Anna is on The Resilient Activist’s Board of Directors and has successfully created, planted, and maintained many native gardens in her time–including her backyard and detailing a gardening plan as laid out in her blog post.
Bring your questions and she will be happy to guide you!