“Let’s Talk Climate” – Why?
The climate crisis is in the news and on our minds but often feels too big to face. That’s why most people don’t talk about it or take new action to contribute to solutions. Yet talking about it can lead to relief, to feeling connected, and to taking inspired action. Even though it’s common to think that our actions will make no difference, it turns out that individual actions matter greatly and we need each of us to help turn the tide.
Climate Circles provide a kind, courageous, facilitated place to connect with others, share our fears and hopes, build resiliency and move into engagement for the climate and each other. Participants learn elements of the “coach approach” as they truly listen and practice being present, curious and holding others with unconditional positive regard. This “relational presence” helps turn fear into caring and stuckness into action.
“Something shifted in me during the first session. It felt like I was more open
to how I could engage in a more direct or healthy way. It was a relief. “
Single Session: Organizations or groups of 5 or more can start the process of a “coach approach”of inquiry and sharing that lead to new awareness and shifted energy in a single session.
The Series: 3-5 additional sessions take the Circle participants through a journey of tweaking their inner narratives, looking more deeply at blocks and emotions, naming what truly matters and clarifying values, exploring hopes and vision, considering “the spectrum of engagement” and experimenting with individual contributions to the green transition. Each session is facilitated and offers participants new learning and practice in basic elements of the coach approach to help shift out of “stuck” and into satisfying engagement. Engagement could be a new action like taking the bus once a week or joining a climate action group or using compassion or resiliency practices. Circles help you find what works for you.
On-going Community: If the participants want to continue beyond 5 sessions, 1 or 2 participants can become trained facilitators for the “Let’s Talk” to keep the learning and connection and support for action and resiliency going.
Our vision: A growing network of “Let’s Talk Climate” Circles creating a movement of people building community, resiliency and a wave of engagement that helps fuel the Green Transition.
Past Single Sessions have been facilitated for organizations such as Sustain Dane and CORE, as well as for groups of friends or acquaintances. We’d love to bring it your group!
Meet your facilitators:
Ken Leinbach Community Builder, Author, Speaker, and nationally recognized science educator, Ken is best known for his work to grow the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ken brings playfulness, candor and deep experience with facilitating change. kenleinbach.com
Sharon Barbour Leadership coach, educator and facilitator for 20 years. Climate activist.
Super Power: Facilitating the movement of emotion, inner wisdom and vision to produce positive change. Delights in:Wild and colorful flower gardens; playing music with others; the cold and wild waters of Lakes Michigan and Superior.
Sharon Lezberg Trained facilitator and community engagement practitioner, community activist, and nonprofit organization capacity builder. Super Power: Listening with compassion; facilitating group engagement; activating body, mind, & heart for social change. Delights in: outdoor physical activity; growing and cooking food; writing experimentation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-lezberg/
For more information or to schedule: 608-225-0404 or sharon@sharonbarbour.com
*Partially funded by a grant from the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy and the Wisconsin Climate Action Network