A Climate Café is a facilitated time to connect and talk about our feelings about the climate crisis and injustices in the company of engaged, supportive others.

Purpose

To gather and discuss our feelings and thoughts about the current climate emergencies and injustices. Given the magnitude of what we’re facing, it’s common to feel paralyzed by fear and hopelessness. When we talk together non-judgmentally about how the climate crisis is feeling for each of us, we can begin to look at truths which are too painful to face alone. 

Climate Cafés do not aim to have a specific outcome. We’re not gathering to solve problems, convince anyone or make decisions about action. Rather, we hope to genuinely connect with each other about climate injustice and the crisis we’re all facing, as a step toward engagement and action for a livable future for us all. 

How It Works

The Climate Cafe is an hour and a half facilitated discussion which gives a maximum of 10 participants the opportunity to answer two general questions: 

1. Introduction: Tell us something about yourself, how you are experiencing our climate crisis and injustices, and why you choose to come today. You may show or describe an object from nature that’s important to you as a way to introduce yourself. 

2. Reflection: Once everyone introduces themselves, each person speaks again to share what they noticed inside themselves as they listened to their fellow participants’ introductions.

Facilitators

Penélope Baquero.

Annabelle Winne has two children and works as a clinical social worker in private practice. 

Why It Works

Facing difficult things together builds resilience because some truths are simply too painful to face alone. When we join together respectfully, it allows us to begin to settle and make sense of the climate emergency and injustices we’re facing. This opens up the possibility that we can engage in action. 

What’s Next

A list of mental health resources and climate action groups will be provided to all participants. 

Suggested Donation

A $15 suggested donation is requested. Please attend even if you are unable to pay the full or partial fee. A third of the fees collected will be donated to Families for a Livable Climate, and the rest will be shared by the facilitators.