Accessing Joy in our Changing Climate

Here's the thing about joy in climate work...

You can't force it. You can't schedule it in your calendar between "update the climate action plan" and "schedule lobby meeting." And you definitely can't fake it just because you want more levity.

But here's what I've learned after years of working with climate advocates, activists, and changemakers: sustainable impact comes from accessing our whole selves – curiosity, connection, calm, creativity and yes, even joy – even when the world feels like it's falling apart.

What we'll explore together

This isn't a workshop about forcing positivity or pretending climate change isn't serious business. Instead, we'll dive into the real question that so many of us wrestle with: How do we navigate feelings of stress, overwhelm, sadness, and grief while simultaneously leaning into our deep commitment to take action? Because that's the tension, isn't it? Finding the balance between the weight of what we're facing and the energy we need to keep going.

Here's how we'll spend our time

• Exploring the paradox of holding both gravity and joy, stress and creativity, overwhelm and possibility
• Learning practical tools for emotional regulation that actually work when you're in the thick of climate work
• Practicing together through movement, observation, intentional breathing, and maybe even stepping outside to feel the rain on our faces or look at the stars
• Building community because none of us can - or should - do this work alone
  

Who this is for

Anyone who feels deeply concerned about climate change and is committed to doing something significant about it. Maybe you're working in renewable energy, leading a nonprofit, advocating for policy, or organizing in your local community. Maybe you're a foundation program officer, a college sustainability director, or someone in climate tech designing solutions at scale.

Ultimately, you feel the weight of this work, and you're looking for ways to show up as your most effective, resilient self.

What you'll leave with

Real tools & ideas for accessing joy, play, and curiosity in your climate work and beyond – not because you're supposed to be happy all the time, but because these qualities are actually essential for the long-term, meaningful change we're all working toward.

A bit about the facilitator

Tamara Staton is an Integral Master Coach®, educator, and facilitator passionate about equipping individuals with the emotional tools they need to thrive during challenging times. She blends positive psychology, mindfulness, and leadership training to help people build sustainable engagement strategies that prevent burnout and foster wellbeing. With over 20 years of experience in human development and community building, Tamara has extensive wilderness leadership experience and incorporates nature-based and somatic experiences whenever possible.

She spent 13 years with Citizens' Climate Lobby, including 8 years on staff as Regional Director and Education and Resilience Coordinator, developing expertise in navigating complex emotional terrain while maintaining effectiveness. Through her company, Lighter Side of Climate, Tamara helps individuals and organizations leverage their values for positive change, focusing on integrating joy and deepening personal resilience as the foundation for sustainable action.

Space is limited. Register soon to reserve your spot.
Suggested donation of $20-$30 at the door to cover facility rental & programming.

Questions? See FAQ for additional details or reach out to tamara@lightersideofclimate.com if you have questions or specific accessibility needs. I'd love to hear from you.