Is the latest IPCC report keeping you up at night?
Join our next Climate Café for a safe space to process it.
The Resilient Activist offers our own interpretation of these gatherings, based on training we have received through the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America, and other resilience practices we incorporate into our programs including short meditations, journaling, nature connection, and breakout rooms.
This is your best opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, with folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
There is nothing for you to commit to except to gather your favorite beverage, a journal, find a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be you.
Each session will include facilitators from The Resilient Activist as well as a Climate-Aware Therapist to guide the conversations in ways that are supportive and nurturing.
The Resilient Activist JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Book Club
Are you interested in learning more about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in America with a group of like-minded and open-hearted people?
Do you enjoy reading and discussing books that expand your understanding of yourself and the world?
If these questions touch a chord, then The Resilient Activist JEDI Book Club is for you!
The Pulitzer Prize–winning, bestselling author of The Warmth of Other Suns examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions.
“As we go about our daily lives, caste is the wordless usher in a darkened theater, flashlight cast down in the aisles, guiding us to our assigned seats for a performance. The hierarchy of caste is not about feelings or morality. It is about power—which groups have it and which do not.”
In this brilliant book, Isabel Wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings.
Beyond race, class, or other factors, there is a powerful caste system that influences people’s lives and behavior and the nation’s fate. Linking the caste systems of America, India, and Nazi Germany, Wilkerson explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, bloodlines, stigma, and more. Using riveting stories about people—including Martin Luther King, Jr., baseball’s Satchel Paige, a single father and his toddler son, Wilkerson herself, and many others—she shows the ways that the insidious undertow of caste is experienced every day. She documents how the Nazis studied the racial systems in America to plan their out-cast of the Jews; she discusses why the cruel logic of caste requires that there be a bottom rung for those in the middle to measure themselves against; she writes about the surprising health costs of caste, in depression and life expectancy, and the effects of this hierarchy on our culture and politics. Finally, she points forward to ways America can move beyond the artificial and destructive separations of human divisions, toward hope in our common humanity.
Please feel welcome to attend, even if you missed earlier meetings. This is an open group, and we understand that our lives are busy and not everyone will be able to attend each month!
The JEDI Book Club is facilitated by Resilient Activists Brenda Bennett-Pike and Anne Melia. We hope you will join us!
Are you wondering if we are able to balance the wildness of Nature, the effects of Climate Change, and Civilization?
Join our next Climate Café with a cozy drink inside your own home to have a conversation about it!
January’s presenter, David Mitchell, is a volunteer with a variety of environmental groups, serving on the executive committee of the Kansas City THB Sierra Club, a volunteer with 350KC, leader and co-leader of Citizens Climate Lobby KC, and a volunteer with Climate Action KC. He has been involved in a variety of environmental events and protests, including assistance with a Keystone XL protest in Washington, D.C., and the 2014 People’s Climate March in New York City. He was an interview host on KKFI’s RadioActive Magazine for several years, focusing primarily on environmental and political issues, and a contributor to Eco-Radio.
The Resilient Activist offers our own interpretation of these gatherings, based on training we have received through the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America, and other resilience practices we incorporate into our programs including short meditations, journaling, nature connection, and breakout rooms.
This is your best opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, with folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
There is nothing for you to commit to except to gather your favorite beverage, a journal, find a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be you.
Each session will include facilitators from The Resilient Activist as well as a Climate-Aware Therapist to guide the conversations in ways that are supportive and nurturing.
Come join our reflective, wintry atmosphere this Climate Café on Mighty Networks to talk about Our Simple & Kind Acts for Earth.
We will be uplifting each other about our positive acts for the Earth and explaining our philosophies behind them. Whether it be living in simplicity, active choices, or creating new habits; we welcome all to share and learn from each other.
This is your best opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, with folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
There is nothing for you to commit to except to gather your favorite beverage, a journal, find a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be you.
Each session will include facilitators from The Resilient Activist as well as a Climate-Aware Therapist to guide the conversations in ways that are supportive and nurturing.
Meet your friends. Speak your #ClimateTruth.
The idea is simple
Meet with other people and take turns expressing how climate and ecological breakdown makes you feel.
What is a Climate Café?
A gathering of people meeting with facilitators to share their responses to the climate crisis – a thinking and feeling space.
A confidential, warm, friendly, hospitable occasion – involving cake, hot drinks, maybe a glass of wine or beer.
Talking about what our changing climate means for us, exploring whatever feelings we have.
No lectures, no advice, no commitment, an action-free space. Come to one Climate Café or several.
The focus is our thoughts and feelings about climate change, rather than what we’re doing about climate change.
Guidelines for a good Climate Café
Take risks. Say what you really, actually feel. Whatever that is. This is the most important rule.
We take it in turns to speak – be mindful of how much space you are taking up, and try not to interrupt others.
Confidentiality.
We listen and are interested in each other’s views, and we don’t try to impose our own.
Silence is fine. So is rage, and tears also have a place.
At March’s Climate Café on Mighty Networks, there will be time to reflect on our own imperfect activism.
Imperfect activism is a broad topic, including (but not limited to):
giving up
forgiving yourself and moving forward
mistakes of the past
lack of knowledge
pushing past your limit
self-criticism and guilt
not appreciating small victories
picking the lesser of two evils
The sun rises and it sets. The water keeps moving. We too must follow the paths of the current of our life. Let’s talk about those sticks in the mud, the rocks, and the falls that we have had to endure while finding our way past.
Painting by Indigo Gilmore, Titled Loss
This discussion will be guided by a climate-aware therapist, Ashley Radtke, who is on a mission to support change-makers as they pursue ambitious work while honoring their playful, messy, explorative self. Ashley uses the lens she cultivated as a system-focused therapist to find patterns and context that can boost change or maintain stability in the work of environmental stewardship. (https://www.radtkecounseling.com/ )
This is your best opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, with folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
There is nothing for you to commit to except to gather your favorite beverage, a journal, find a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be you.
Meet your friends. Speak your #ClimateTruth.
The idea is simple
Meet with other people and take turns expressing how climate and ecological breakdown makes you feel.
What is a Climate Café?
A gathering of people meeting with facilitators to share their responses to the climate crisis – a thinking and feeling space.
A confidential, warm, friendly, hospitable occasion – involving cake, hot drinks, maybe a glass of wine or beer.
Talking about what our changing climate means for us, exploring whatever feelings we have.
No lectures, no advice, no commitment, an action-free space. Come to one Climate Café or several.
The focus is our thoughts and feelings about climate change, rather than what we’re doing about climate change.
Guidelines for a good Climate Café
Take risks. Say what you really, actually feel. Whatever that is. This is the most important rule.
We take it in turns to speak – be mindful of how much space you are taking up, and try not to interrupt others.
Confidentiality.
We listen and are interested in each other’s views, and we don’t try to impose our own.
Silence is fine. So is rage, and tears also have a place.
This joyous meeting will be for the opening of our voices to each other through storytelling, poetry, and song (voice or instruments).
This meeting will last 2 hours instead of the normal hour and a half. Everyone will have time to share at least 1-2 original pieces (or more!), depending on time. You also are welcome to simply come and listen.
We are excited to express our creativity this month and sing joyously for the coming of spring!
Photo by Indigo Gilmore
Guidelines for Climate Café Open Mic
Take risks. There is no judgment here.
We will have time for reflection and conversation after each performance.
We will popcorn from act to act and once everyone has performed, we will have another chance for more to be shared.
We are respectful of others’ unique voices.
We listen and are interested in each other’s views, and we don’t try to impose our own.
Silence is fine. Performance is not required.
Tears and all emotions have a place.
Performances are not recorded.
This is your best opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, with folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
There is nothing for you to commit to except to gather your prepared piece, find a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be you. We can’t wait to share and connect with you.
Come connect with a Like-Minded Community! Register on Mighty Networks Here!
The Resilient Activist offers our own interpretation of these gatherings, based on training we have received through the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America, and other resilience practices we incorporate into our programs including short meditations, journaling, nature connection, and breakout rooms.
This is your best opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, with folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
There is nothing for you to commit to except to gather your favorite beverage, a journal, find a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be you.
Each session will include facilitators from The Resilient Activist as well as a Climate-Aware Therapist to guide the conversations in ways that are supportive and nurturing.
Here are some comments from our first gathering held on March 1st:
“I enjoyed this gathering and feel like this group is very welcoming & compassionate. “
“Community support is vital for dealing with anxiety around environmental issues. I’m so happy TRA has facilitated discussions like tonight’s Climate Cafe’ and look forward to future conversations. “
Want to know more about the Climate Café concept? Here’s the overview from the Climate Café’s website:
This is your best opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, with folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
Climate Café Gatherings are community-based supportive gatherings to nurture and enhance the emotional well-being of those who are experiencing the negative emotional impacts of climate change, severe weather events, drought, wildfires, environmental destruction, and more.
Each session will include facilitators from The Resilient Activist as well as a Climate-Aware Therapist to guide the conversations in ways that are supportive and nurturing.
Who should attend?
This pilot event is for two audiences:
Anyone who would appreciate being in a supportive space to explore how climate change and ecological destruction make you feel.
Librarians who would like to experience a Climate Café to learn what it is all about. This event is the first of a pilot project to introduce librarians around the U.S. to our Climate Café gatherings via Zoom to envision hosting future in-person “watch party” Cafés in their local libraries.
So gather your favorite beverage and a journal, settle into a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be yourself.
This is your invitation to join others as they express their fears, learn coping skills, be inspired to increase their environmental activism in ways that are healthy and sustainable, and build a community of others – locally and online – who are experiencing many of the same concerns.
I really value a space where we can feel all the intensity of feelings around where we are in the climate and extinction crisis: dread, rage & grief are allowed, and nobody thinks you’re overreacting by focusing on activism. ~Michelle M.
This community is special to me because it is a place where I can share my concerns and strong emotions about climate change knowing I will be understood and accepted. ~Anne M.
Community to me means connection to others and fostering a sense of belonging with my fellow beings. It also means holding space with others… to “allow” them to speak their truth and to “understand” their perspectives. And I love the guided meditation! ~Vic P.
As a woman, I feel more empowered to take better care of my emotional, spiritual, mental, & physical well-being. That way I can be more centered and present for myself and for others. ~Maria P.
This is your best opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, with folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
Climate Café Gatherings are community-based supportive gatherings to nurture and enhance the emotional well-being of those who are experiencing the negative emotional impacts of climate change, severe weather events, drought, wildfires, environmental destruction, and more.
Each session will include facilitators from The Resilient Activist as well as a Climate-Aware Therapist to guide the conversations in ways that are supportive and nurturing.
Who should attend?
This pilot event is for two audiences:
Anyone who would appreciate being in a supportive space to explore how climate change and ecological destruction make you feel.
Librarians who would like to experience a Climate Café to learn what it is all about. This event is part of a pilot project to introduce librarians around the U.S. to our Climate Café gatherings via Zoom to envision hosting future in-person “watch party” Cafés in their local libraries.
So gather your favorite beverage and a journal, settle into a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be yourself.
This is your invitation to join others as they express their fears, learn coping skills, be inspired to increase their environmental activism in healthy and sustainable ways and build a community of others – locally and online – who are experiencing many of the same concerns.
I really value a space where we can feel all the intensity of feelings around where we are in the climate and extinction crisis: dread, rage & grief are allowed, and nobody thinks you’re overreacting by focusing on activism. ~Michelle M.
This community is special to me because it is a place where I can share my concerns and strong emotions about climate change knowing I will be understood and accepted. ~Anne M.
Community to me means connection to others and fostering a sense of belonging with my fellow beings. It also means holding space with others… to “allow” them to speak their truth and to “understand” their perspectives. And I love the guided meditation! ~Vic P.
As a woman, I feel more empowered to take better care of my emotional, spiritual, mental, & physical well-being. That way I can be more centered and present for myself and for others. ~Maria P.
This is your best opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, with folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
Climate Café Gatherings are community-based supportive gatherings to nurture and enhance the emotional well-being of those who are experiencing the negative emotional impacts of climate change, severe weather events, drought, wildfires, environmental destruction, and more.
Each session will include facilitators from The Resilient Activist as well as a Climate-Aware Therapist to guide the conversations in ways that are supportive and nurturing.
Who should attend?
This pilot event is for two audiences:
Anyone who would appreciate being in a supportive space to explore how climate change and ecological destruction make you feel.
Librarians who would like to experience a Climate Café to learn what it is all about. This event is part of a pilot project to introduce librarians around the U.S. to our Climate Café gatherings via Zoom to envision hosting future in-person “watch party” Cafés in their local libraries.
So gather your favorite beverage and a journal, settle into a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be yourself.
This is your invitation to join others as they express their fears, learn coping skills, be inspired to increase their environmental activism in healthy and sustainable ways and build a community of others – locally and online – who are experiencing many of the same concerns.
I really value a space where we can feel all the intensity of feelings around where we are in the climate and extinction crisis: dread, rage & grief are allowed, and nobody thinks you’re overreacting by focusing on activism. ~Michelle M.
This community is special to me because it is a place where I can share my concerns and strong emotions about climate change knowing I will be understood and accepted. ~Anne M.
Community to me means connection to others and fostering a sense of belonging with my fellow beings. It also means holding space with others… to “allow” them to speak their truth and to “understand” their perspectives. And I love the guided meditation! ~Vic P.
As a woman, I feel more empowered to take better care of my emotional, spiritual, mental, & physical well-being. That way I can be more centered and present for myself and for others. ~Maria P.
