2019-01-26 Climate

Empathy Cafe: Bridging Political Divides with Empathy Circles

Everyone is invited, open to all. We divide into smaller breakout rooms and Empathy Circles.

Date: Saturday, January 26 at 10 AM – 12 PM PT

Topic: How do you feel about Climate Change?

Cafe Facilitator: Jessica Vogt

Producer: Edwin Rutsch

Register Facebook Event Page: You can sign up on Facebook events or just show up.

Location: Zoom Meeting Room URL: https://zoom.us/j/9896109339

Participants

  1. Jessica Vogt

  2. Edwin Rutsch

  3. Kirstin Heidler

  4. Ali Amad

    1. Hal

  5. William Filler

  6. Evan Magor

    1. Michael

VIDEO

Bridging Divides Empathy Circle: Climate Change

(VIEW: Video on YouTube and on Facebook

I really liked the way the conversation unfolded and how everyone build on each other. I felt a sense of deepening in a way.

"I really liked the way the conversation unfolded and how everyone build on each other. I felt a sense of deepening in a way."

Wish "I'm aware that the structure doesn't touch on emotional depth and I'm thinking about how to bring more emotional depth".

― Kirstin Heidler

The biggest impact for me, it really helped me expand on my own thoughts about climate change and what action need to be done.

"It was a very interesting experience. These are topics I talk with my friends and it was interesting to see that I had some intimacy with complete strangers about this topic."

"The biggest impact for me, it really helped me expand on my own thoughts about climate change and what action need to be done."

Wish: "I'd be very curious to see what it would be like a circle with people who's opinions are not different that mine".

― Ali Amad

Super excited to do an empathy circle

on this topic.

Super excited to do an empathy circle on this topic. To feel connected and to hear other's activism, actions and hopes on climate change from around the world.

Wish we could have regular EC on that topic.

― Jessica Vogt

"I enjoyed the conversation, lots of insights came up. I found it supportive and connecting. I'm feeling hopeful."

Like: "I enjoyed the conversation, lots of insights came up. I found it supportive and connecting. I'm feeling hopeful."

Wish: "I'd want more variety in the opinions, with more extreme positions. + continuing the dialogue on this topic, the social actions that's happening in Canada and in Germany, and co-designing a tool kit/a process to keep the conversation going."

― Edwin Rutsch

I've done empathy circles for a while now, and the experience of sharing intimate feelings with strangers is very common in those circles.

"I've done empathy circles for a while now, and the experience of sharing intimate feelings with strangers is very common in those circles. I think it speaks to the power of the circles and the process. I'm very appreciative of it".

― William Filler

I really felt comfortable to opening up with the people in my group. I opened up in a way that I rarely do with people.

"It was my first empathy circle, and I really enjoyed the experience. I really felt comfortable to opening up with the people in my group. I opened up in a way that I rarely do with people. I appreciated listening to the people in the group.

I enjoyed hearing other perspectives. "

― Hal

IMAGES

MEETING NOTES

Circle Co-Design Notes

    1. We need a simpler introduction.

    2. Too much instructions.

    3. Tip: Circle may Starts a bit awkward.

    4. Tip: Raise your hand - if your designing to speak 1 - 5

    5. Topic of bridging divides may have more pull.

      1. Have topic specialists.

      2. - pro choice - life

      3. - Climate Change

The system isn’t working. Don’t rely on government.

    • The system is so broken.. The changes will not be made.

    • Even voting doesn’t do it.

    • Just do something on our own..

    • We make the change.

    • How to do it?

What are motivators for change?

    • Fear - is a motivator

    • Struggle - Suffering. A motivator

    • Beauty -

    • Joy -

    • Empathy - as motivator? What would that mean.

      • Empathy with nature?

      • Empathy A gateway to people's needs.

A new mindset - that we are all connected.

    • Take action for solutions.

    • Away from duality.

    • Marijuana, - a sacred thing, a ritual..

Solution - systemic thinking

We need long term empathy, inter-generational, systemic mindset

A culture of empathy

    • the mindset is important. we are all connected.

    • We are interconnected. It’s a mind set,, non dual thinking.

    • Think of everyone. Not acting of fear, self interest, but for joy.

Topic: How to take political empathic actions?

Extinction rebellion - regenerative culture, connection between people.

Caring for each other.. Makes me hopeful.

Be aware of power dynamic.

Nicely asking doesn’t work if people have power. People will not listen

Nonviolence is a way to demand being listened to.

Having change on all levels.

Doing something different. Do things to take change..

Consciousness change. To see our connections

Next Steps

We will do: Facilitator training.

Co-design the process.