Éco-Motion

Program & Host Organization

Éco-Motion is a not-for-profit initiative based in Sherbrooke, Quebec. The program supports individuals and communities in processing eco-emotions and strengthening emotional resilience through education, collective care practices, and community-building activities.

Location & Scope

The initiative operates across Quebec through a hybrid model. Activities take place online and in person in schools, community organizations, parks, and other public spaces, with additional reach to French-speaking participants across Canada through virtual offerings.

Who It Serves

Éco-Motion serves youth, young adults, and adults affected by ecological and social crises. Participants include students, educators, community workers, activists, and individuals seeking supportive spaces to navigate eco-anxiety and build meaningful engagement in climate action.

Climate & Mental Health Focus

The initiative addresses eco-anxiety, ecological grief, overwhelm, and a sense of powerlessness linked to climate disruption, biodiversity loss, and wider social inequities. It responds to growing emotional distress in Quebec, particularly among youth who face extreme weather impacts and systemic barriers to wellbeing.

Activities & Format

Activities include monthly online and in-person workshops, public support circles, thematic group sessions, youth-focused interventions, and seasonal community gatherings. Sessions last about 90 minutes and incorporate science-based content, somatic practices, guided discussion, creative exercises, and tools for emotional regulation. Additional programming includes a three-month facilitated program and consulting support for organizations.

Inclusion & Accessibility

The initiative promotes inclusion through tiered pricing, prioritization of marginalized communities, French-language programming, trauma-informed facilitation, and collaboration with local organizations. Online delivery with low-bandwidth options increases accessibility for participants with limited resources or geographic constraints.

Outcomes & Evidence

Éco-Motion aims to build emotional resilience, collective agency, and supportive community networks. Short-term outcomes include improved emotional literacy and grounding. Medium-term outcomes include reduced eco-anxiety, stronger coping skills, and clearer personal direction. Long-term goals involve strengthened community resilience and replication of the approach in new settings. Evaluation uses surveys, facilitator observations, participant feedback, and periodic follow-ups.

Guiding Principles

The initiative reflects principles of climate literacy, emotional processing, optimism, social connection, nature bonding, emotional resilience, climate justice, trauma-informed practice, community-led adaptation, and collective responsibility. These principles inform session design and the program’s emphasis on collective care and empowerment.

Resources & Sustainability

Details not provided.

Team & Partners

The program is led by founder Isabelle Béliveau, who has training in environmental psychology, somatic practices, trauma-informed facilitation, and environmental education. A small team of trained facilitators and volunteers supports workshops, live sessions, and community events.

Challenges & Context

Details not provided.