Wellness Impact Lab: Climate Café

What is a Climate Café?

Climate Cafés are free, friendly, and informal gatherings where students and community members can discuss the impact of the climate crisis in a supportive and respectful space. While your voice is important and wanted in these meetings, you’re welcome to say as much or as little as you feel comfortable with on any given day!

While talking about the climate crisis can bring up strong emotions, this is a conversational space, not a form of therapy. However, if you need a moment to transition back into daily life, or you have any questions about your experience in our Climate Café, our facilitators are more than happy to sit with you.

How Do I Join?

To join our next Climate Café, all you need to do is save yourself a seat. Our upcoming Cafés are listed below. Just click on the date(s) you’d like to join us and save yourself a spot. Everyone is welcome, and there’s no need to prepare anything in advance—just bring yourself (and maybe a friend)!

What Can I Expect?

Great question! Climate Cafés normally begin with a few minutes to settle in. You’ll write out your name tag, share your pronouns, and get to know the Wellness Impact Team and your café-mates before you dive in.

Next, you’ll hear more about the Wellness Impact Lab and it’s mission, learn more about Climate Cafés and what they’re all about, and help set some ground rules for the meeting so everyone feels supported and safe throughout the discussion.

Once the group is on the same page, the Café facilitators will lead you through an activity meant to help spark a climate-related conversation. Once the activity is complete, you’ll be part of a lively discussion on eco-emotions, the personal and community impact of the climate crisis, or wherever the discussion takes you.

Remember, everything you say in the group will be confidential, and you’re welcome to say as much or as little as you like. You also won’t be pressured into taking a specific action, agreeing to any specific ideology or plan, or being led to a specific outcome. Simply come and share your thoughts with like-minded people!

I Have A Question

I’m not sure if I have anything valuable to contribute.

Your perspective is valuable even if you want to keep it to yourself. The goal of a Climate Café is to create a supportive environment for open conversations, so you’re welcome to share as much or as little as you want.

I’m worried it will be too emotionally intense

Each Climate Café will begin by setting group ground rules to create a safe and supportive space for all group members (old and new). While talking about the climate crisis can evoke strong emotions, this is a conversational space, not therapy. However, if something unexpected comes up for you, our facilitators will be there to support you, and you can always step out if you need to.

I don’t know anyone else attending

Climate Cafés are a welcoming and friendly space where you’ll meet like-minded individuals. It’s a great opportunity to connect with new people who share your concerns! So even if you don’t know anyone when you arrive, it’s very likely you’ll know someone friendly when you leave.

Can I network with other professionals?

While networking isn’t the focus of Climate Cafés, this space can absolutely provide a platform for networking with other like-minded professionals.

How can I incorporate what I learn into my workplace?

Because Climate Cafés focus on exploring our thoughts and feelings around the climate crisis, actionable ideas and strategies are often part of the conversation. While the information shared within each Café space is confidential, you’re welcome to bring any ideas or actionable items you find meaningful or inspiring back to your workplace for more discussion!

Have More Questions?

>>Click right here or email hskinner@yorku.ca to send us a message and a team member will reach out to you!