Allowing for Joy in a Changing Climate

Wed Dec 03 2025 at 05:30 pm to 07:30 pm UTC-08:00

McMenamins Kennedy School | Portland

Lighter Side of Climate
Publisher/HostLighter Side of Climate
Allowing for Joy in a Changing Climate
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An In-Person Workshop for Climate Professionals and Committed Changemakers
About this Event

How can we navigate stress, overwhelm, and grief while staying committed to taking action?

Here's what we know: You can't force joy. You can't schedule it between "update the climate action plan" and "plan lobby meeting." But you CAN create space for it—and that makes all the difference in our ability to find the balance between the weight of what we're facing and the energy we need to keep going.



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. Allowing for joy can help you do that.



What we'll do together
  • Explore the paradox of joy in the climate space, and the tension of opposites: gravity and joy, stress and creativity, overwhelm and possibility
  • Learn practical tools for emotional regulation that actually work when you're in the thick of climate work
  • Practice together through movement, observation, intentional breathing, and maybe even stepping outside to feel the rain on our faces or look at the stars
  • Build community through small and large group activities and discussion - because none of us can, or should, do this work alone


What you'll leave with

Real tools & perspectives 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.



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 in the face of adversity. She blends positive psychology, mindfulness, and leadership training to help people build sustainable engagement strategies that prevent overwhelm 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.

Through her company, Lighter Side of Climate, Tamara brings lightness to people who carry the weight of planetary responsibility, with a focus on integrating joy and deepening personal resilience as the foundation for sustainable action.



Ready to allow for more joy in your climate work?

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 [email protected] if you have questions or specific accessibility needs. I'd love to hear from you.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 Northeast 33rd Avenue, Portland, United States

Tickets

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