This guide has walked through the core elements of running a climate resilience group—from choosing a format and venue, to leading sessions, and helping participants navigate strong emotions. As you continue facilitating these vital conversations, remember that your efforts help foster collective courage and hope in the face of environmental challenges. To bolster your work and keep momentum high, we offer two ongoing resources: a monthly Community of Practice for Climate Resilience Group Facilitators, and a dedicated Slack channel. Both are designed to cultivate deeper skills, spark fresh ideas, and forge supportive networks among facilitators.
Continuing Support: Community of Practice
We invite all climate resilience group facilitators to join our monthly Community of Practice. These virtual gatherings take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM. Each session offers a structured yet relaxed environment where facilitators can build skills, share experiences, and exchange resources. Typical agendas include a short welcome, a skill-building exercise or guest presentation, and ample time for open discussion of challenges and successes. The goal is to ensure that no facilitator feels alone in their work, and that everyone leaves with renewed energy and actionable ideas. If you would like to be part of this community, please reach out to us at team@mhcca.ca.
Climate Resilience Group Facilitators Community of Practice
We are excited to announce our monthly Community of Practice, specifically tailored for facilitators of Climate Resilience Groups. This gathering is an opportunity for facilitators to come together, share experiences, learn from each other, and enhance their skills in leading effective and supportive climate resilience discussions.
Meeting Details
Frequency: Monthly gatherings
Day and Time: First Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM
Format: Virtual meetings on Zoom
Objectives
Skill Enhancement: Our sessions aim to equip facilitators with new techniques and approaches for guiding discussions on climate change, focusing on emotional resilience and constructive dialogue.
Experience Sharing: Facilitators can share their experiences, challenges, and successes, fostering a learning environment where everyone benefits from shared knowledge.
Support Network: The meetings serve as a support network, providing a space for facilitators to discuss common challenges and find collective solutions.
Resource Sharing: Each session will include a segment for sharing resources, such as discussion guides, meditation techniques, and educational materials relevant to climate resilience.
Typical Agenda
7:00-7:10 PM: Welcome and Introductions
7:10-7:30 PM: Skill-building Exercise or Guest Speaker Presentation
7:30-8:00 PM: Experience Sharing Roundtable
8:00-8:20 PM: Discussion on Specific Facilitation Challenges
8:20-8:30 PM: Resource Sharing and Planning for Next Meeting
Who Should Attend
This Community of Practice is designed for individuals who are currently facilitating or interested in facilitating Climate Resilience Groups. Whether you are new to the role or have been leading discussions for a while, this community will provide valuable insights and support.
Joining the Community
If you're interested in joining our Community of Practice, please reach out to us via email at team@mhcca.ca. We welcome all who are passionate about fostering resilience and facilitating meaningful discussions on climate change.
Connecting Online: Slack Channel for Hosts
Another avenue for year-round collaboration is the MHCCA Climate Resilience Group Hosts Slack Channel. Here, facilitators can ask questions, post about upcoming events, and share resources—from sample discussion guides to useful articles or meditation techniques. Because challenges often arise between official meetings, this online space offers a convenient way to brainstorm solutions, offer moral support, and stay informed of new developments in climate-related conversations. You’ll find a vibrant network eager to exchange knowledge and strategies that help groups thrive.
Slack Channel for Climate Resilience Group Facilitators
The Mental Health and Climate Change Alliance (MHCCA) is committed to promoting climate resilience and fostering community engagement. As part of our efforts, we have established the MHCCA Climate Resilience Group Hosts Slack Channel, a dedicated online platform that serves as a hub for hosts involved in our climate resilience group initiatives. This Slack channel provides a supportive and collaborative space where hosts can connect, share resources, access sample agendas and exercises, and coordinate their efforts effectively.
Support and Community Building
Hosts play a critical role in facilitating MHCCA climate resilience groups. This Slack channel offers hosts a virtual community where they can connect, exchange experiences, and provide mutual support. It serves as a platform for hosts to seek advice, share successes, and discuss challenges related to hosting climate resilience group sessions.
Resource Sharing
The Slack channel serves as a repository for a wide range of resources related to climate resilience group hosting. Hosts can share articles, research papers, toolkits, and educational materials to enhance their understanding of climate-related topics and stay updated on the latest developments.
Collaborative Problem-Solving
Hosting climate resilience groups may present unique challenges. Hosts can collaborate with peers in the Slack channel to brainstorm solutions, address participant concerns, and refine their hosting strategies. This collaborative approach ensures that hosts have access to a wealth of collective knowledge and experience.
Event Coordination
The Slack channel provides a space for hosts to coordinate upcoming climate resilience group events. Hosts can share event details, schedules, and logistical information, facilitating efficient planning and communication among the host community.
Host Sign-Up Section
Are you interested in becoming a host for MHCCA's Climate Resilience Groups? We welcome dedicated individuals who are passionate about climate resilience and community engagement to join our hosting team. To sign up as a host, please send the following information to team@mhcca.ca:
Your name
Your location (city and state/country)
A brief statement about your interest in hosting climate resilience groups
Once you've signed up, you'll receive information and guidance on getting started as a host and gain access to our valuable host community on Slack.
Becoming a Host
If you’re not already facilitating a group but feel inspired to start, we warmly welcome new hosts. Simply contact us at team@mhcca.ca with your name, location, and a brief statement about why you want to lead a climate resilience group. Once you sign up, you’ll receive information on getting started, including an invitation to join the Slack channel and attend the Community of Practice gatherings.
By tapping into these ongoing supports, you’ll not only enrich your own facilitation skills but also contribute to a wider community committed to building resilience and hope in a time of environmental uncertainty. Whether you host intimate living-room discussions or larger community forums, remember that each gathering is a step toward collective well-being and creative climate action. Through shared learning, open hearts, and practical collaboration, we can strengthen our capacity to face the challenges ahead—together.
Key Messages
Relevant Resources