“We shall not be overwhelmed.” ~Britt Wray with Unthinkable
Climate Cafés … reimagined!
This is your invitation to join our Climate Café Gatherings! These events offer a warm and supportive space to explore the feelings surrounding climate change, like grief and anxiety. Drawing on training from the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America, we’ll guide inclusive conversations in a nurturing way. We hope you’ll join us! Climate Café Gatherings
Last Monday of the month, 6-7:30 pm Central on Zoom
Hot Times in the Heartland: A New Documentary
Exploring a local response to climate change in Kansas. Read more …
K.C. Area Nature-Connected Events
Embrace Kansas City’s wild side – join our nature-inspired gatherings today and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts. Click for upcoming events.
Four Steps for a Resilient Life
Schedule a private Four Steps for a Resilient Life Workshop for your organization, association, or cause.
Three Important Research Studies
Four Steps for a Resilient Life: Research Results from a Novel 6-Hour Workshop
Mindfulness and Resilience Training for Climate Activists: Pilot Data from a Novel 9-Week Curriculum
Join Us!
- 3rd Tuesdays every month 7:30 pm CT – join in for our JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Book Club!
- KC Area friends, join our upcoming Nature Connected events!
New On the Blog
- Promoting Well-Being and Community Through Action for Happiness by Naomi Latini Wolfe
- Four Steps for a Resilient Life: a simple guide to set intention in your life as an environmental activist by Indigo Gilmore
- Stories of Hope in our Changing Climate, a compilation of our most hopeful and uplifting blog posts
- Climate Activists and Psychological Distress by Sami Aaron
Learn more with our Media Kit
Participate!
We’d love to have you join us at our upcoming events.
Overwhelmed by Climate Change and the Other Crises of Our Time?
You’re Not Alone.
In times of political instability and widespread injustice, our Resilient Activist Conversations (formerly Climate Cafés) allow you to connect with an activist-minded community navigating many of the same challenges you are. Together, we’ll share space, restore our energy, and explore practical ways to stay resilient amidst the emotional weight of our times. Together, we cultivate strength as a united community of #ResilientActivists, empowered to create the change we wish to see in our world. Our shared mission transforms these simple gatherings into powerful forces for renewal as we face the polycrisis head-on.
Running for about 90 minutes, our Resilient Activist Conversations include an introspective meditation, exploration into the activist topics attendees wish to discuss (i.e., burnout, intense emotions, nature connection, etc.), breakout room conversations, and an ending group discussion. There is nothing for you to commit to except to gather your favorite beverage, a journal, find a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be you. Each session includes facilitators from The Resilient Activist as well as a Climate-Aware Therapist to guide the conversations in ways that are supportive and nurturing. Want to see our Resilient Activist Conversations flourish and expand? Your donation, if you’re able, empowers us to grow and reach even more people. Support The Resilient Activist today! Register here for our June Resilient Activist Conversation. 
Here are some musings from past participants: “Each time I attend [a Resilient Activist Conversation], I feel more connected to others, knowing that our communal love for Mother Earth is so strong and enduring. I come away more grounded, knowing that in the midst of so much chaos, there is compassion, care, and action for all living creatures.” “Community support is vital for dealing with anxiety around environmental issues. I’m so happy TRA has facilitated discussions like tonight’s [Resilient Activist Conversation] and I look forward to future conversations.” “I faced my problem, now I can work on it. This is huge.” “If you are looking for like minded people who are working in a positive way toward goals for climate advocacy, this is your group!” 
Roots & Remedies: An Exploration into Plant Medicine 🍄🟫
Date: July 12th, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT
Location: Kansas City (full address available after you RSVP)
Join The Resilient Activist community and Luke Welsh for a native garden tour, discussion on local medicinal plants, community connection, and a chance to take some promising seedlings home!
While walking through the garden, Luke will share the physical and emotional benefits of utilizing the medicinal plants we find that are currently in season. Once you leave the event with a seedling or two of your own, you’ll come away with an enhanced understanding and appreciation of what these native plants can offer.
The event location will be available once you RSVP.
Native gardening can be a powerful form of self-care and activism. One of the best ways to support wildlife is to plant natives, because insects and birds have evolved alongside the plants they rely on. Without specific plants, we wouldn’t have specific insects. When we provide a healthy environment for insects to thrive, birds and pollinators get to eat, birds and pollinators pollinate, and humans are able to eat and be nourished!
Along with supporting ecosystem balance, the process of native gardening and connecting with the soil can lower our blood pressure, calm our mind, and nourish us on a deeper level.
Why Nature-Connection is Important 🍄🟫
We *are* nature but our culture and lifestyle can separate from our connection with our environment. Re-establishing our sense of awareness and belonging in nature by breaking down barriers and spending more time outdoors helps each of us in different ways. It can reduce anxiety and depression, improve physical health, inspire creativity, improve clarity of thought, facilitate problem-solving, and help us gain perspective.
In a society where loneliness is an epidemic, rediscovering our sense of belonging within nature can help us feel a little less adrift and provide comfort when relationships with others fall short.
Contact TRA Board Member Anna Graether at [email protected] with questions.
To learn more about how you can start your own native garden, read Anna’s informative blog post: “From Lawn to Wildlife Habitat: Conservation Starts in Your Own Backyard.”
“Using plants [facilitates] a biochemical conversation which is far beyond our comprehension or our understanding.” – Bevin Clare
Photo Credit: Sarah Mayerhofer
For our July 15th JEDI Book Club, we will be reading Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine.
To register, click here to email Anne Melia, JEDI Book Club organizer.
A provocative meditation on race, Claudia Rankine’s long-awaited follow up to her groundbreaking book Don’t Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric.
Claudia Rankine’s bold new book recounts mounting racial aggressions in ongoing encounters in twenty-first-century daily life and in the media. Some of these encounters are slights, seeming slips of the tongue, and some are intentional offensives in the classroom, at the supermarket, at home, on the tennis court with Serena Williams and the soccer field with Zinedine Zidane, online, on TV-everywhere, all the time.
Overwhelmed by Climate Change and the Other Crises of Our Time?
You’re Not Alone.
In the heart of summer, when the earth is at its fullest, we come together to celebrate the strength we’ve cultivated and the resilience that grows from our shared efforts. July is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and the impact we’ve made, while continuing to nourish our planet and ourselves.
Together, we empower each other to stay connected, rooted, and focused on building a more vibrant, equitable future. This Resilient Activist Conversation is an opportunity to recharge, renew, and continue our collective mission to nurture both our planet and our communities.
Resilient Activist Conversations offer a valuable opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, fill your cup, and gain resilience insights. Our community is full of folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
Running for about 90 minutes, our Resilient Activist Conversations include an introspective meditation, invitation to the topic of the evening (i.e., burnout, isolation, nature connection, etc.), breakout room conversations, and an ending group discussion.
There is nothing for you to commit to except to gather your favorite beverage, a journal, find a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be you.
Each session includes facilitators from The Resilient Activist as well as a Climate-Aware Therapist to guide the conversations in ways that are supportive and nurturing.
To sustain and expand our free Resilient Activist Conversations, we rely on the generosity of supporters like you. If you’re in a position to give, please consider donating to The Resilient Activist and help us cultivate a more resilient future.
Register here for our July Resilient Activist Conversation.
Here are some musings from past participants:
“Each time I attend a [Resilient Activist Conversation], I feel more connected to others, knowing that our communal love for Mother Earth is so strong and enduring. I come away more grounded, knowing that in the midst of so much chaos, there is compassion, care, and action for all living creatures.”
“Community support is vital for dealing with anxiety around environmental issues. I’m so happy TRA has facilitated discussions like tonight’s [Resilient Activist Conversation] and look forward to future conversations.”
“I faced my problem, now I can work on it. This is huge.”
“If you are looking for like minded people who are working in a positive way toward goals for climate advocacy, this is your group!”
The Resilient Activist: “The Dance of Opposites: Resilience in a Polarized World”
2025 Summer Programming at the African American Heritage House
The Resilient Activist is honored to offer two deeply transformative workshops as part of the 2025 summer programming at the African American Heritage House (AAHH) during Chautauqua’s Assembly Season. These sessions, led by Sami Aaron, founder of The Resilient Activist, will provide a space for personal reflection, connection, and growth in the face of today’s divisive challenges.
Session 1: Explore how to cultivate harmony and compassion in a polarized world. Sami will share her personal journey, including her experiences of grief and joy after the loss of her son, and how these lessons are interconnected with the larger issues of climate change and social injustice. Participants will learn how The Resilient Activist addresses the complexities of climate anxiety, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the political divide. This session will also introduce participants to key resilience tools used in The Resilient Activist community.
Session 2: This two-hour interactive workshop will deepen participants’ engagement with resilience practices. Through meditation, journaling, and nature-based exercises, attendees will foster a stronger connection to themselves, their communities, and the natural world. The goal is to help participants cultivate compassion and kindness within, transforming divisiveness into paths of healing and connection.
These sessions are designed to empower individuals to navigate the challenges of our time with resilience and compassion. Attendees will leave with practical tools to continue fostering inner strength and contributing to positive change within their communities.
About The Resilient Activist ✨
The Resilient Activist is built on the belief that resilient activists are key to a sustainable world. We support those working in environmental justice by offering tools to address eco-anxiety, burnout, and emotional exhaustion through mindfulness, community-building, and nature-based practices.
For our August 19th JEDI Book Club, we will be reading Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob.
To register, click here to email Anne Melia, JEDI Book Club organizer.
Anne notes: “I read this several years ago, and found it to be a unique and imaginative way to share difficult conversations. Since then, it has been on my list for us to read in the JEDI Book Club. While the content is poignant and heavy at times, the graphic memoir format is a refreshing departure from other books we have read.”
Liminal Spaces Retreat: A Strategic Planning and Resilience Workshop for the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Team 🌿
Liminal Spaces All-Day Retreat for the City of Flagstaff, Arizona
In today’s rapidly changing world, professionals working at the intersection of sustainability and climate change often face a unique set of challenges. Tightening budgets, shifting political landscapes, and the emotional toll of tackling environmental and social justice issues can create an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. For the City of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Team, this one-day retreat is specifically designed to help staff step away from the pressures of daily responsibilities, find clarity, and recharge both personally and professionally.
On August 22, 2025, the Resilient Activist team will host a transformative retreat at Camp Colton that will offer Flagstaff’s Sustainability Team the opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate, and reignite their passion for sustainability. Set amidst the peaceful backdrop of nature, the retreat will combine nature-based meditations, enneagram assessments for self-reflection, and strategic planning exercises to support the team’s work moving forward.
This offsite retreat provides a much-needed sanctuary for healing, reflection, and connection. It’s designed as a space for team members to pause, reflect, and find grounding in the face of uncertainty. With facilitated mindfulness practices and group discussions, participants will explore how to navigate the emotional complexities of their work and cultivate resilience, both individually and as a team.
Led by The Resilient Activist team, the retreat will provide tools to overcome eco-anxiety and burnout while fostering collaboration and clarity of purpose. Together, the group will create actionable strategies for strengthening their collective impact and charting a path forward in their sustainability efforts.This event reflects the ongoing work of The Resilient Activist in supporting sustainability teams and organizations through transformative experiences that promote well-being, strategic clarity, and long-term resilience.
About The Resilient Activist ✨
The Resilient Activist is built on the belief that resilient activists are key to a sustainable world. We support those working in environmental justice by offering tools to address eco-anxiety, burnout, and emotional exhaustion through mindfulness, community-building, and nature-based practices.
Overwhelmed by Climate Change?
You’re Not Alone.
As we approach the late summer, we find ourselves in a season of transition—reflecting on the progress we’ve made and preparing for the changes ahead. August is a time to honor the growth we’ve experienced and deepen our commitment to resilience, both personally and as a community.
Together, we come to celebrate the strength we’ve built and the shared mission that drives us. This gathering is an opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and reinforce our collective efforts to nurture the planet and each other, ensuring we move forward with intention into the season ahead.
Our Resilient Activist Conversations offer a valuable opportunity to connect with a community that gets you, fill your cup, and gain resilience insights. Our community is full of folks who are experiencing many of the emotions that climate change has brought out in your heart and mind.
Running for about 90 minutes, our Resilient Activist Conversations include an introspective meditation, invitation to the topic of the evening (i.e., burnout, isolation, nature connection, etc.), breakout room conversations, and an ending group discussion.
There is nothing for you to commit to except to gather your favorite beverage, a journal, find a comfortable spot with your Zoom window open, and just be you.
Each session includes facilitators from The Resilient Activist as well as a Climate-Aware Therapist to guide the conversations in ways that are supportive and nurturing.
Help us nurture a stronger, more connected #ResilientActivist community! Your donation to The Resilient Activist directly supports our free Resilient Activist Conversations and their positive impact on activist communities.
Register here for our August Resilient Activist Conversation.
Here are some musings from past participants:
“Each time I attend a [Resilient Activist Conversation], I feel more connected to others, knowing that our communal love for Mother Earth is so strong and enduring. I come away more grounded, knowing that in the midst of so much chaos, there is compassion, care, and action for all living creatures.”
“Community support is vital for dealing with anxiety around environmental issues. I’m so happy TRA has facilitated discussions like tonight’s [Resilient Activist Conversation] and look forward to future conversations.”
“I faced my problem, now I can work on it. This is huge.”
“If you are looking for like minded people who are working in a positive way toward goals for climate advocacy, this is your group!”
Spirit of Activism Retreat ✨
2025 Spirit of Activism Retreat – October 12th
(Rain Date: October 19th)
Join us for the 2025 Spirit of Activism Retreat, a transformative day of connection, reflection, and nature immersion designed for environmental activists and those seeking to deepen their connection to the natural world. Co-hosted by Patti Ragsdale of Botanical Belonging and Sami Aaron with The Resilient Activist, this retreat will take place at a serene forested location and offers a peaceful space to step away from the demands of daily life, slow down, and nurture your spirit.
Throughout the day, you’ll be guided through mindful practices that help you reconnect with yourself and the earth. 🌏The retreat will include a mix of activities such as guided walks through the woods, opportunities for solitude and contemplation, and engaging group discussions. These practices will support your journey toward emotional resilience, helping you process grief, stress, and eco-anxiety while gaining clarity and strength for continued action in the fight for
environmental justice.
Participants will bring a sack lunch, designed with zero waste principles in mind. There will be plenty of time for personal reflection and sharing. 🍜Participants will be invited to explore nature through both structured activities and solo time, where you can journal, meditate, or simply sit in stillness, connecting with the land and allowing the wisdom of nature to guide you. ✨
Whether you’re looking for a space to recharge, seek clarity, or simply deepen your relationship with nature, this retreat offers the tools and community to help you find balance and resilience. As we navigate challenging times, the Spirit of Activism Retreat is a powerful opportunity to step into a space of healing, renewal, and community with like-hearted individuals who share your passion for the earth. 🌞
Details:
- 📅 Date: October 12th, 2025 (Rain Date: October 19th)
- ⌚ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Lunch provided)
- 📍 Location: [To be provided upon registration]
Registration Information (registration opens July 15, 2025):
- Pay-It-Forward: $100
- General Registration: $70
- Students/Seniors: $30
- Pay What You Can: Available for those with financial need
This retreat is limited to 25 participants to ensure an intimate and supportive experience, so be sure to register early. Whether you are an experienced activist or new to the journey of connecting with nature, this day will help you reconnect with your personal power and the deep wisdom of the earth.
We look forward to sharing this special day with you! 🌱
What We Do
We offer uplifting and nurturing community-building activities, articles, stories, and programs to reduce the immense overwhelm and burnout many experience in these unprecedented times.
For our presentations, workshops, and community gatherings, view our list of Services.
Speakers Bureau Presentations
The Resilient Activist’s Speakers Bureau offers educational and inspiring presentations and workshops designed to help audiences better understand how they can be a part of creating a healthier planet in ways that also support our well-being. Check out our Speakers Bureau Presentations page for a detailed list of topics.
Thich Nhat Hanh, The Sun, My HeartThe best way to take care of the environment is to take care of the environmentalist.
“Activism is the art of taking action to support, nurture, and protect what we hold dear.” ~The Resilient Activist