The calendar shows events we are part of and events we are sponsoring. Do you have an event we should know about? Send us a message.
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!”
Nature Connection Event – Hug a Tree at Linda Hall Library
Date: Saturday, August 9th, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Linda Hall Library, 5109 Cherry St, KCMO 64110 (Meet at the front entrance)
Hosted by: The Resilient Activist
Event Overview:
Join us for a peaceful morning immersed in nature at the Linda Hall Library on the UMKC campus. This stunning urban arboretum is home to fourteen of Greater Kansas City’s Champion trees, and we’ll take a leisurely walk among the 300 trees that adorn the grounds—perhaps even giving a few a hug along the way! 🌳
Following our tree-filled adventure, you’re welcome to explore the Linda Hall Library, which is open from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays. Current exhibits include “Life Beyond Earth?” and “Follow the Recipe.”
What to Bring:
-
Comfortable walking shoes
-
A sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world
Optional Reading to Pair with the Event:
-
The Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard
-
Overstory by Richard Powers
-
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
-
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
-
When I Am Among the Trees by Mary Oliver
What Makes a Champion Tree?
Champion trees are the largest of their species in Greater Kansas City, measured using a formula based on tree height, spread, and trunk circumference.
About the Champion Trees
The Linda Hall Library Arboretum is home to 16 Kansas City Champion Trees. Champion Tree status is determined using a mathematical formula based on tree height, spread, and trunk circumference. Trunk circumference is measured in inches four and one-half feet above ground. Tree height and spread are measured in feet. One point is given for each inch of trunk circumference and each foot of height. One quarter point is given for each foot of spread. The three measurements are added together to determine a tree’s point total. The designation of Champion Tree is assigned to the tree of a given genus and species with the largest point total.
Background on the Arboretum:
The Linda Hall Library’s grounds have been managed as an urban arboretum for over 75 years, featuring 51 genera and 130 species of trees. This living space was a gift from Herbert and Linda Hall, who envisioned the trees adding beauty and dignity to the Library grounds.
Come join us and reconnect with nature—this is a wonderful opportunity to recharge and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us!
Common Name: Shumard Oak
Family: Fagaceae
Collection: Champion Trees
Year Planted: 1968
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.”
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!”