This is a listening circle for a changing world. If you are worried about growing threats to climate protections, democracy, and civil liberties, and what that means for our ability to protect people and the planet — you’re not alone. Many of us are feeling fear, anger, grief, or uncertainty as we watch decisions that affect our lives being made with less accountability and care.

This is a simple, gentle space to share what’s coming up for you, listen to others, and feel less alone. The intention is to support one another through honest conversation, care, and connection.

This Climate Cafe is not a therapy group. This will be a regular offering to Third Actors and others in the area.

For February, our leader is Lisa Harkema, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with an interest in the emotional and social impacts of climate change and climate justice, including concern about how social and political shifts affect our shared future. As a parent and grandparent, she brings a personal stake in creating thoughtful, grounded spaces to talk honestly about what these times ask of us.

The first half-hour we will have coffee, tea and snacks while we meet and greet each other.