Make space to feel the climate crisis, together.
A warm, practical guide to hosting climate resilience groups: climate cafés, listening circles, and community gatherings where feelings about the changing climate are welcome, and where connection grows into strength.
The feelings are already in the room
“I think about it at night, but it never comes up at dinner.”
“Everyone I know feels something. Almost no one says it out loud.”
“I don't want tips right now. I want company.”
Climate resilience groups exist for exactly this. They put emotional support first, ahead of debate and data, so that isolation turns into community. Learn what these groups are →
An evening at a climate resilience group
From the sample agenda in Module 9. Every group adapts it; none of it is mandatory.
Arrive and settle
Tea, hellos, the evening's intentions, an acknowledgement of land, and a grounding breath.
Small circles
Quiet reflection on a prompt, then sharing in pairs or threes while others simply listen.
One conversation
The whole group reconvenes to reflect on what surfaced and what it means for this place.
Close and care
A closing word from each person, ideas for the next gathering, and ways to look after yourself.
Explore our climate resilience and mental health initiatives library
Discover programs, tools, and trainings from across Canada that support mental health in a changing climate, and add your own initiative to the collection.
Find your way through the guide
Each module answers one question facilitators actually ask. Walk the trail in order, or jump to the question keeping you up at night.
Understanding climate resilience groups
What these groups are, where they come from, and why hosting one is worth your evening.
Planning and logistics
Set intentions, pick a shape and a room, invite people in, and plan a session you feel good about.
Facilitation in practice
Hold the circle: welcome every voice, work with feelings and friction, and keep the thread.
Follow-up and support
Learn what changed, show the difference it makes, and take care of yourself for the long run.
Templates and activities, ready to lift
The guide hides nothing behind theory. These worked examples open directly inside their modules.
Sample session agenda
A full 90-minute evening, timed and adaptable.
Open it →Icebreaker activities
Twelve gentle ways to open a room.
Open it →Group agreements
Five example agreements to adapt with your group.
Open it →Outreach email
Invite a local organization to take part.
Open it →Promotional materials
A ready-to-adapt poster and event blurb.
Open it →Instagram starter guide
Six steps to a simple social presence.
Open it →Environmental identities exercise
A one-hour mapping activity for groups.
Open it →Phrases for hard moments
Words that help when conflict arises.
Open it →Support behind every facilitator
Community of Practice
Facilitators meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM (Pacific Time) to build skills, swap stories, and troubleshoot together.
Ask to join →Hosts’ Slack channel
A quiet corner of the internet where MHCCA group hosts share agendas, resources, and encouragement between meetings.
How to get access →Module 19 also lists trainings from other organizations, from Force of Nature to the Good Grief Network. See all support options
Contributors
Written and reviewed collaboratively by community facilitators, clinicians, and researchers with the Mental Health and Climate Change Alliance.
Your community is closer than you think
You don't need to be a climate scientist or a therapist; you just need empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to bring people together.