A weekly space for youth concerned about climate change from around the world to come together, share, listen, learn from each other, and grow together the courage, hope, resilience, and community we need to create regenerative and climate-resilient futures.
As a student studying public policy and regularly involved in climate justice activism, I find it incredibly beneficial to have spaces like a Climate Circle where I can share my own personal feelings and anxieties while connecting with other people who are experiencing similar emotions as I am. It helps me feel less alone, and fosters a sense of community amongst people who are working towards a common goal. – L, 19, Canada
The Circle provides a safe, virtual space for individuals to offload some of the emotional weight related to climate change that we take on during our daily activities, and cannot always talk about in our workplaces, schools, or with friends and family.
It provides an opportunity to share openly about injustice, exhaustion, frustration, grief, but also joy, hope, and critical experiences within a supportive community of purpose.
Inspired by the practice of Indigenous talking circles from lands now known as North America, the circle builds upon the following principles:
- Creating a space for deep listening and being heard
- Honoring all voices equally
- Telling stories and sharing experiences
- Generating mutual understanding, respect and support
- Honouring the gifts, knowledge, talents and experiences of each member
- Building community
In practice, the Youth Climate Circle gathers every Wednesday at 2pm EST / 8pm CET, for one hour, to share stories, to listen, and to hold space. No questions asked. No feedback beyond gratefulness for taking part.
The Youth Climate Circle is hosted by Autumn Trainor (they/she) who is a mental wellbeing and climate justice advocate, researcher, activist from Mi’kma’ki and residing in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal, Canada). They have been active in the climate and social justice movements for over a decade. They have taken the knowledge they have gained from their studies and activism, and are working to raise awareness of the effects of the climate crisis on mental wellbeing.
The Youth Climate Circle has been paused for now but will resume soon. Interested youth are welcome to contact us at: contact@oneresilientearth.org.
Youth are welcome to participate in any of the other Climate Circles that we are offering weekly.
The Youth Climate Circle can be accessed for free, so as to provide emotional support to all those who feel the need to participate. However, if you can support our work and help us run Circles more often each week, please donate.
Photgraph by Bryn Parish
Disclaimer
The Climate Circles are peer-support spaces dedicated to emotions felt in relation to the climate crisis and to climate action. Climate Circle hosts do not provide health care, medical care or therapy services, nor do they attempt to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or cure any physical, mental or emotional issues. The information provided by the Climate Circle Host is for informational and educational purposes only: it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider. Participants should always seek advice of their own Medical or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concern they have about their own health. Participants should not disregard medical advice, delay seeking medical advice or start or stop taking medication because of their participation in the climate circle or because of information that was shared by the Climate Circle host. If participants suspect they have a medical or mental health problem, they should contact their Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider promptly.