As you refine the structure of your climate resilience group and plan each session’s flow, one of the most important questions is which themes and topics to explore. Earlier modules covered why to host a group, how to set goals, and practical considerations like venue and promotion. Now we turn to curating content that will resonate with participants, balancing immediate local concerns with broader global contexts. This module offers guidelines on identifying issues that are both relevant and engaging for your community.
Understanding the Participants and Their Context
Before finalizing topics, it’s helpful to consider the backgrounds, knowledge levels, and primary concerns of those you expect to attend. If your group draws a diverse crowd, you might need to start with foundational climate ideas—renewable energy basics, for instance—before diving into nuanced areas like climate policy or green technology. Where possible, gather preliminary feedback or conduct quick conversations to see which local or global issues potential participants care about most. This approach ensures your sessions speak directly to their interests and experiences.
Example Exercise: Finding and Understanding Personal and Communal Environmental Identities
In order to effectively engage in climate action within a community through a Climate Circle, it is crucial to first understand and appreciate the diverse environmental identities that individuals and the community as a whole hold. Environmental identities are the complex web of beliefs, values, and connections that shape how individuals and communities perceive and relate to their environment. This section will explore the concept of personal and communal environmental identities and how they intersect, followed by an interactive exercise to help participants delve into this topic.
Personal Environmental Identity:
Personal environmental identity refers to an individual's sense of self in relation to the natural world. It encompasses one's beliefs, values, experiences, and emotional connections with the environment. Understanding personal environmental identity involves reflecting on questions such as:
What personal experiences have shaped my environmental beliefs?
What environmental issues matter most to me?
How do I perceive my role in addressing climate change?
Communal Environmental Identity:
Communal environmental identity extends the concept of personal identity to the collective level. It relates to how a group, such as a neighborhood, town, or region, collectively identifies with and values its natural surroundings. Questions to consider when exploring communal environmental identity include:
What environmental assets and challenges does our community face?
How does our community's history and culture influence our relationship with the environment?
What are the shared environmental goals and values within our community?
Intersection of Personal and Communal Identities:
The intersection of personal and communal environmental identities is where individuals' values and beliefs align with those of their community. Recognizing this alignment can foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose within the Climate Resilience Group. It can also lead to more effective collaboration and mobilization of community resources for climate action.
Interactive Exercise: "Mapping Our Environmental Identities"
Preparation: Provide participants with blank sheets of paper and colored markers or pens.
Individual Reflection (10 minutes): Ask participants to take a few moments to reflect on their personal environmental identity. Encourage them to jot down keywords, phrases, or symbols that represent their beliefs, values, and experiences related to the environment.
Sharing and Discussion (15 minutes): Invite participants to share their reflections within the group. Each participant can briefly discuss what they wrote and why those aspects are significant to their environmental identity.
Creating a Communal Identity Map (20 minutes): Encourage participants to work together to create a communal environmental identity map. This can be a collaborative visual representation that combines elements of each participant's personal identity. Discuss common themes and values that emerge.
Intersection (10 minutes): Facilitate a discussion on where personal and communal identities intersect. How do participants' values align with the collective identity of the community? Encourage reflection on shared goals and aspirations for climate action.
Action Planning (10 minutes): Finally, guide participants in brainstorming concrete actions that align with both personal and communal environmental identities. These actions can serve as the basis for future climate initiatives within the Climate Resilience Group.
This exercise not only helps participants explore their personal and communal environmental identities but also establishes a foundation for collaborative action that resonates with their shared values and beliefs. It fosters a sense of unity and purpose within the Climate Resilient Group, making it more effective in addressing climate challenges in the community.
Balancing Local and Global Issues
A fruitful way to ground conversations is by examining climate impacts or sustainability efforts right in your own backyard. If your region faces flooding, extreme heat, or water scarcity, participants will likely find these issues personally meaningful. Once you establish a local anchor, connect it to broader trends like rising sea levels or drought patterns worldwide. The aim is to help the group see how local measures—such as tree planting or updated building codes—tie into larger climate solutions, bridging the gap between the immediate environment and the global ecosystem.
Learning from Indigenous Elders and Cultures
In addressing climate change, learning from Indigenous elders and cultures is invaluable. Indigenous communities hold a deep understanding of environmental stewardship, grounded in centuries of living in harmony with nature. Their perspectives and knowledge can offer profound insights into sustainable living and climate resilience.
Engaging with First Nations Communities
Respectful Engagement: Approach First Nations communities with respect and a genuine desire to learn. Acknowledge their history, culture, and experiences.
Building Relationships: Establishing a relationship based on trust and mutual respect is crucial. This involves listening, learning, and valuing Indigenous knowledge and practices.
Seeking Permission: Always seek permission and guidance from First Nations communities before incorporating their knowledge or practices into your Climate group
How to Contact First Nations in British Columbia
BC First Nations: Contact the local First Nations bands or councils in your area. Each Nation has its own protocol for engagement, which should be respected.
Native Friendship Centres: The British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) can be a point of contact. They can guide you in connecting with local First Nations communities and elders.
Cultural Centers and Museums: Visit local Indigenous cultural centers or museums to learn and inquire about opportunities for engagement and learning.
Resources in BC for First Nations Knowledge
First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC): Provides educational resources and information on First Nations history, culture, and perspectives.
Indigenous Tourism BC: Offers insights into local First Nations cultures and may provide contacts for educational experiences.
Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC): A resource for understanding the political and social landscapes of First Nations in BC, which can provide context for environmental stewardship and climate issues.
Local Indigenous-led Environmental Organizations: Seek out organizations in BC that focus on environmental issues from an Indigenous perspective.
Inclusion in Climate groups
Invite First Nations Speakers: Consider inviting First Nations elders or representatives to share their insights at your Climate group.
Incorporate Traditional Knowledge: With permission, include traditional Indigenous knowledge and practices in your discussions and activities, emphasizing respect for this wisdom.
Continual Learning and Sharing: Encourage participants to engage in ongoing learning about First Nations perspectives on environmental issues.
In conclusion, integrating First Nations wisdom into Climate Resilience Groups not only enriches the dialogue but also honors the profound connection that Indigenous peoples have with the land. It's a journey of continuous learning, respect, and collaboration, contributing to a more holistic and inclusive approach to climate action.
Structuring Themes for Depth and Variety
Rather than scattering topics randomly, you might frame each session under a broader theme, such as climate action, policy, sustainable lifestyles, or emotional resilience. Each of these can then be broken down into more specific angles. Under “sustainable lifestyles,” for instance, you could explore everything from zero-waste grocery shopping to community composting initiatives. In a multi-session format, rotating through several major themes keeps discussions fresh and allows participants to gradually build on what they learned or felt in previous meetings.
Key Climate Change and Mental Health Concepts
Understanding climate emotions and climate mental health is crucial in addressing the psychological impacts of climate change. Below is a list of key concepts related to these topics and you can also learn more about these and other important ideas by visiting our Climate Emotions Course:
Climate Anxiety: The emotional distress and anxiety experienced by individuals due to the perceived or actual impacts of climate change. It may result from concerns about environmental degradation, extreme weather events, or a perceived lack of action to mitigate climate change.
Climate Grief: The emotional response to the loss of natural environments, species, and ecosystems due to climate change. Climate grief can be experienced by individuals who mourn the changes they see in their environment.
Solastalgia: A term coined to describe the distress experienced when one's home or familiar environment is negatively impacted by environmental changes, such as climate-related events. It reflects a sense of loss and disconnection from a changing landscape.
Climate Hope: Climate hope refers to the optimistic and positive outlook that individuals and communities can have in the face of the challenges posed by climate change. It represents the belief that, through collective action, innovation, and determination, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change, transition to a sustainable future, and protect the planet for current and future generations.
Resilience: The ability to adapt and bounce back from the emotional and psychological impacts of climate change. Resilience-building strategies help individuals and communities cope with climate-related stressors and uncertainty.
Psychological Distance: The concept that the perceived proximity of climate change impacts can influence emotions and actions. People may feel more emotionally connected and concerned about climate change when they perceive it as personally relevant and nearby.
Climate Communication: Strategies for effectively communicating climate change information and risks while considering the emotional responses of the audience. It aims to engage and motivate individuals to take climate action without inducing excessive fear or despair.
Eco-therapy: A therapeutic approach that incorporates nature and the outdoors as a means of improving mental health and well-being. Eco-therapy can help individuals cope with climate-related stressors by fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
Climate Coping Strategies: Techniques and practices that individuals use to manage their emotional responses to climate change. These may include seeking support from others, engaging in climate action, or practicing mindfulness.
Climate Justice: The concept that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized communities. Recognizing and addressing climate injustice can have a positive impact on mental health by promoting a sense of fairness and equity.
Environmental Empowerment: The belief that individuals and communities can make a positive difference in addressing climate change. Feeling empowered to take action can enhance mental well-being and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
Climate Action Efficacy: The belief that one's actions and efforts to mitigate climate change will lead to meaningful change. A sense of efficacy can contribute to a more positive emotional response to climate issues
Keeping Discussions Engaging and Diverse
When participants sense that discussions only skim the surface, they may lose interest. Offering a blend of recent developments in climate science, local success stories, and ethical considerations can keep the conversation lively. Some groups benefit from occasional guest speakers—local environmental activists, scientists, or public officials—who can provide firsthand expertise. Others incorporate short case studies that show how towns or cities elsewhere have tackled similar challenges. Mixing practical examples and conceptual debates invites participants to see these issues from multiple angles, fostering empathy and curiosity.
Example Email for Contacting an Organization Who You Would LIke to Participate in Your Climate Resilience Group
Engaging with local organizations can significantly enhance the impact of your Climate Resilience Group. Collaborating with groups already active in climate action and sustainability can provide valuable resources, knowledge, and support. Below is an example email that you might use:
Subject: Collaboration Opportunity with Your Organization for Our Climate Resilience Group
Dear [Organization's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Sally, and I am the lead organizer of a local Climate Resilience Group, a community-based initiative that brings together individuals passionate about environmental issues and climate action. Our groupserves as a platform for open dialogue, education, and community engagement regarding climate change and sustainability.
Having come across the inspiring work that [Organization's Name] is doing in [specific areas of work, e.g., environmental stewardship, climate justice, sustainable practices], I am reaching out to explore the possibility of collaborating with your esteemed organization. We would be honored to have someone from your team share their expertise and insights with our group, either through a guest presentation at one of our upcoming Climate Resilience Group sessions or by arranging a visit for our members to learn directly about the impactful work you are doing.
Our Climate Resilience Group meetings are typically held [provide details about the frequency, e.g., weekly/monthly, and the usual day/time], and we have a dedicated and diverse group of individuals who are eager to expand their knowledge and actively contribute to environmental initiatives. We believe that having a representative from [Organization's Name] join us would greatly enrich our discussions and provide our members with valuable perspectives on how they can be more involved in local sustainability efforts.
Alternatively, if it is more feasible, we would be delighted to organize a visit to your location, where our members can witness firsthand the incredible work your team is undertaking. Such an experience would undoubtedly be educational and inspiring for everyone involved.
Please let us know if you would be interested in this collaboration and what dates might be convenient for you. We are flexible and would be happy to work around your availability. Additionally, if there are any specific topics or aspects of your work that you would like to highlight in your engagement with our group, we are open to suggestions.
Thank you very much for considering this opportunity. We are excited about the prospect of learning from and collaborating with [Organization's Name] and look forward to the possibility of working together to further our collective mission of promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.
Warm regards,
Sally
Lead Organizer, [Name of Climate Resilience Group]
[Contact Information: Email, Phone Number]
Preparing Participants for the Conversation
To encourage depth, consider sharing background materials a few days before each gathering. These might include short articles, videos, or infographics that outline the session’s focus. For those new to climate discussions, an introductory reading can lower anxiety about not knowing enough. If your group size permits, you can also solicit topic suggestions from attendees. This strategy not only helps shape discussions around their personal concerns but also empowers them to feel more invested in the group’s direction.
Resources for Planning Climate Content
Books:
"Climate Change and Community Resilience: Insights from South Asia" by A. Rahman and S. Gain – Offers insights into community-driven responses to climate change, relevant for understanding the grassroots nature of Climate Resilience Groups.
"The Climate Crisis: An Introductory Guide to Climate Change" by David Archer and Stefan Rahmstorf – A comprehensive guide to understanding the science of climate change, useful for facilitators and participants.
"This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate" by Naomi Klein – Provides a broader socio-economic context of climate change, sparking deeper discussions in Climate Resilience Groups.
Research Papers and Journals:
"The Role of Informal Community Resilience in Climate Change Adaptation: Perspectives from the Global South" – Useful for understanding how community dialogues like Climate Resilience Groups contribute to resilience.
Journal of Environmental Psychology – Contains articles on environmental behavior and climate communication, offering theoretical backing for Climate Resilience Group discussions.
Websites and Online Platforms:
The Climate Reality Project (climaterealityproject.org) – Offers a wealth of resources on climate advocacy and education.
NASA’s Climate Change and Global Warming (climate.nasa.gov) – Provides scientifically accurate information and multimedia resources on climate change.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (ipcc.ch) – For comprehensive scientific reports on climate change.
Documentaries and Films:
"An Inconvenient Truth" and "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power" by Al Gore – Documentaries that have played a significant role in public climate education.
"Chasing Ice" – Showcases the visual impact of climate change through time-lapse photography of glaciers.
Podcasts:
"Outrage and Optimism" – Explores solutions to climate change with a balance of urgency and hope.
"Climate Cast" by MPR News – Provides discussions and updates on climate issues.
Organizations for Collaboration or Information:
Local environmental NGOs and advocacy groups – Partnering with these groups can provide additional resources and speakers for Climate Resilience Groups.
Universities and Research Institutes – Collaborating with academic institutions can bring scientific expertise to the discussions.
Online Courses and Webinars:
Coursera and edX – Offer various courses on climate change, sustainability, and environmental policy from leading universities.
These resources offer a broad spectrum of information and perspectives, from scientific understanding to community action, enriching the content and discussions of Climate Resilience Groups.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing topics that hit the sweet spot between local relevance and global awareness lays a solid foundation for meaningful dialogue. Participants are more likely to stay engaged when they can see how these discussions connect to their own lives, yet also broaden their understanding of the bigger picture. Whether your group delves into policy proposals, explores emotional coping strategies, or brainstorms community sustainability projects, aligning themes with real-world challenges and participant interests is key. Over time, these thoughtfully chosen topics can galvanize a sense of shared purpose, making the climate resilience group a place of both learning and collective empowerment.
Key Messages
Relevant Resources