Facing into the Climate Crisis

Outline

‘To indigenous peoples, the basic tenets of deep ecology are just a reinvention of very ancient principles that they have been living by for millennia before their ways were disrupted, and in many cases destroyed, by colonial forces’ – bell hooks

This one day in-person and creative workshop, for participants of all races, is a response to the urgent call to address the climate crisis. It will offer an inclusive space where participants will be invited to unravel some of the oppressions relating to the climate crisis. A safe and supportive space will be created to explore and expand participants’ understanding of the role of white patriarchal supremacy in creating the ecological crisis, with the ethos of a black empathetic approach.

Participants will be encouraged to engage with how the Global North has historically, and continues to, benefit from the ecological exploitation of the Global South, including the impact of colonisation/post colonisation. Stereotypes of Global South populations creating the current climate crisis will be challenged.

Activities include poetry, free writing, large and small group sharing, drawing, small group presentations and the use of visual cards. A take-away personal action point, of any size, will be invited.

‘When we really understand that the earth is alive, and know ourselves as part of that life, then we are called to live our lives with integrity, to make our actions match our beliefs, to take responsibility for creating what we would have manifest, to do the work of healing’ – bell hooks

Aims of this training

• To explore the impact of the Global North’s power and oppression of indigenous populations through time.
• To enter individual and collective processing of the hurt, confusion and trauma of the climate crisis.
• To challenge the adverse effects of systematic white patriarchal supremacy on the mental health of us all.
• To be proactive in empowering the voices of BIPOC and allies in challenging power and oppression.

Who should attend this training

This workshop for people of all heritages in the helping professions who want to make explicit the history of ecological domination and destruction of the Global South by the Global North and to engage with countering this domination. Allies committed to ending oppression by supporting and advocating for those in marginalized and oppressed groups are welcome.

Facilitators

Mary-Claire Wilson

Venue

Online via Zoom