Climate + Community

For some, modern concerns like climate change and extreme weather, species and habitat loss and pollution are impacting livelihoods. Economic and social inequity, mental health struggles and other big topics also play a role.

Tough emotions about these big challenges can often keep us from engaging and action.

However, local people, businesses and governments are working to meet these challenges and restore a balance in our shared biosphere here on Earth. With many hands, heads and hearts, cooperation and change can happen!

Wil and SPW hope to contribute to this evolution through community-based climate and environmental wellness programs. This is all about bringing local people together to share experiences, build strong connections, conserve environments and learn how to collaborate and create positive change. See more information below on this programming which includes Climate Cafes and a Climate Connections.

Also - please see the Resources + Research page for a Climate Well-being and Support document.

Climate Cafes

What is it?
- A climate café is a casual, hospitable, empathetic space where tough feelings about the climate crisis and societal challenges can be safely expressed and shared with others.
- Model created by Climate Psychology Alliance and informed by One Resilient Earth. *Wil was trained by both of these organizations in 2024.
- Climate cafés focus on feelings rather than action, and are not meant to discuss climate policy, science or action.
- Based on Death Cafés, where people grieving can come together and connect.

Why participate?
- Communicate and connect with others to help sort out what global and social challenges mean for our lives and what we might want to do about it.
- Sharing with others can provide understanding and support for tough emotions and experiences. It can also help build community resilience and togetherness.
How does it work?
- The purpose is for participants to share, with the support of a trained facilitator. There are no guest speakers or educational topics, and it is an advice-free zone. Each participant will have multiple opportunities to share while also listening to others.

Are you interested in training to facilitate Climate Cafes, or know someone who might? Soft Pine Wellness, Healthy Minds Cooperative and Dartmouth Christ Church Cafes, are offering FREE Climate Psychology Alliance training!

In-person at Dartmouth Christ Church (50 Wentworth St, Dartmouth NS)
Tuesday, October 22nd from 7-8:30pm
Signup here!

Join Virtual Community Climate Cafes
on Zoom!
- Hosted by Wil, trained Climate Psychology Alliance Climate Cafe Facilitator
- No cost
- Every first Thursday of the month, 7-8:30pm.
- Visit the Eventbrite Page to register

More Local Climate Cafes:

Healthy Minds Cooperative
- Hosted virtually by trained staff
- Free!
- Every second Thursday of the month, 6-7:30pm.
- Visit HMC's Eventbrite Page to register

Dartmouth Christ Church
- Hosted in-person by various trained facilitators, including Nancy Blair, RCT
- Free!
- Every third Thursday of the month, 7-8:30pm.
- Email Nancy Blair ([email protected]) for more information

Climate Connections

What is it?
- Workshop and course materials were created through How We Thrive and a set of knowledgeable Nova Scotians including Mi'kmaq elders and knowledge holders, scientists, teachers and community champions. Wil was trained as a facilitator by How We Thrive and Halifax Regional Municipality staff in May 2024.
- The content is very detailed and gets to the root of how to help solve climate, social and economic challenges that are impacting communities. It features first hand Nova Scotian stories of history, science and intimate connections to the land and it's beings.
- It is very influenced by Mi'kmaq ways of knowing including the concepts of Netukulimk and Etuaptmumk, stories and re-authoring, and Joanna Macey's the Work That Reconnects.
Why participate?
- The goal is to boost your awareness about challenges that face your specific community and how to take action together with your friends and family, neighbours, businesses and government.
- You will learn how to find common ground and connect with your community is a big step towards building resilience and adapting to climate change. Learning how to help others and share your unique knowledge and gifts. Knowing that even the smallest actions contribute to change.

How does it work?
- In-person workshops by a trained facilitator are great way to bring folks into the conversation and strengthen your communities connections and ability to work through challenges.
- The course content can also be completed independently and online to boost your knowledge about climate impacts and how to take action together with others in your community.

Check out the Climate Connections website here.

An in-person course is being offered with the Halifax Regional Municipality in October at the MacPhee Centre for Creative Living in Dartmouth. Find more information and registration here!

Wil & Soft Pine Wellness is very interested in facilitating in-person courses for communities in the Annapolis Valley. If your local village, town or country or community group is interested in receiving this course,
please email Wil, [email protected].