GO OUTSIDE #14: CLIMATE THERAPY MEETS COFFEE
Have you been outside today?
Climate Report:
Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Mexico spiraled from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in 24 hours (called “rapid intensification”), something we’re going to have to prepare for on a warmer planet.
Founders Intro:
I have to admit, when I first heard of a Climate Cafe, I thought it was equivalent to a networking sesh with coffee.
It wasn’t until I talked with Max from the Climate Psychology Alliance that I learned how intentional Climate Cafes were in providing a space to express, be heard, and feel safe amidst the tensions and anxiety of the climate crisis.
We’re so grateful to have partnered with Isaias of Queer Brown Vegan for our first Climate Cafe, bringing our communities together in Los Angeles.
Sitting in solidarity under the shade of the palm trees at Elysian Park - friends, strangers, digital friends meeting IRL for the first time - it became clear how special these gatherings truly are. How often are we given an opportunity to show up as fully ourselves and be honest about how we’re feeling, without the pressure of driving forward conversation or seeking agreement? I was inspired by the openness and empathy this group was gifting each other (and ourselves).
If your interest is piqued, read on to learn more about Climate Cafes and how you can get involved!
One world,
Steward Olivia
About Climate Cafe
Climate Cafes are facilitated conversations that exist to bring people together to discuss climate change and social issues, their thoughts, and their feelings without fear of judgment. While we need and have groups working through activism, protest, or advocacy, the Climate Cafe model fills an additional need: a space not about action where thoughtful discussion, repressed emotions, and solidarity can emerge.
Guidelines
Focus on reflection rather than action
Prioritize “I” statements from your own experience instead of “we” statements speaking for others
These are advice-free zones, no need to “fix”
Newcomers are welcome, you don't need to be a climate expert!
Climate Cafes typically begin with an introduction, open space to share, and end with a closing
Reflections
I appreciated a safe space for us to be present with our feelings and be in community with each other. Everyone was honest, supportive, and it encouraged me to continue developing words for my emotions which is a learning process for me! - Margaret
It was a great experience to decompress and share thoughts and feelings that come from the aftermath of working in the environmental space. The opportunity to pause, embrace the moment, and engage in meaningful conversations about our shared reality was truly gratifying. Departing the climate cafe, I left with a renewed sense of hope and inspiration, reassured by the knowledge that I am not alone in the battle. - Sara
This climate café provided a space for me to ground after learning the horrific stories of what my country is supporting overseas. It allowed me to hear from other leaders in the climate justice space about how they'd been feeling recently and allowed me to feel in community. I felt heard and acknowledged for my feelings and thoughts, and grateful to have made the time to attend this. - Gayatri
Keen to learn more about Climate Cafes or facilitate your own? Check out the Climate Psychology Alliance!
What’s going on in Climate 3.0?
The 2023 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony is happening Tuesday, November 7th in Singapore to celebrate the 5 winners with a gathering of environmental advocates and world leaders. The Earthshot Prize was launched by Prince William to scale the most innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. Several members of the STEWARD community will be there, let us know if you’re attending!
Steward Spotlight:
It was awesome to meet Cindy Villaseñor of @cerowastecindy at the Los Angeles Climate Cafe. She is a champion of low-waste living and accessibility in outdoor experiences, sharing tips for waste-free camping, leading composting workshops, and inspiring her community to cherish our natural world.
Lucky links:
Follow us on instagram, threads, twitter, linkedin & check out our website
Want to become a STEWARD?
1. have a digital wallet (step-by-step guide)
2. join and share this Substack community
3. get ready to buy a piece of digital art for our second mint wave in November!