This workshop is a 5-day, first-of-its-kind experience of exploration and discovery to foster clarity, courage, and connection for your climate journey. 

• Program cost: No program fee 

• Travel & accommodation: Attendees pay for travel to/from and housing at Omega (US$285-900, including meals)

• Scholarships available; see FAQ section below for more information

• Apply through July 15, 2022

1 • Look inward — explore your essential climate emotions, skills/superpowers, and guiding values

Audre Lorde taught that “our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge.” We will unearth the essential emotions, values, and motivations that we bring with us into climate work, as well as the skills and superpowers we want to contribute to this moment of collective transformation.

2 • Look outward — explore climate solutions, accelerators for change, and “kindred” initiatives

The toolbox of climate solutions is vast and varied, and there are powerful accelerators or leverage points for change. We will use our energy as a way to filter and gain focus. Then we will ground those possibilities in our contexts and communities — the spheres within which change can happen.

3 • Look forward — design a personalized ‘compass’ to guide your climate journey

Climate wayfinding is the work of our lifetimes and a muscle we will continue to use and develop. We will weave together the threads of exploration and discovery to each create our own “climate compass”, define our growth edges, and plan for next steps.

“So many people are grappling with the question ‘what can I do?’ There is no simple formula, no fact sheet or checklist, for figuring out our roles in the vital work to forge a just, livable future.

Rather than stipulating actions that are one-and-done or one-size-fits-all, this course is tailor made to help us uncover ways to be of use. Together, we’ll hold our questions about climate and purpose, and work our way into answers.”

– Dr. Katharine Wilkinson

Who is this program for? 

If you are holding questions about your place in climate work or seeking deeper contribution, and are looking to explore those questions through multiple modes of discovery and in community, this course is designed for you. All backgrounds, disciplines, and career stages are welcome. (It is not designed for those who are looking primarily for climate 101, career networking, how-to-get-a-job advice, or technical skills.) 

The program breakdown

Part 1: Grounding & Climate Feelings
We’ll begin the work of building community. Then, we’ll explore essential emotions we bring with us to climate work, honoring them as critical grounding, guidance, and fuel.

Part 2: Solutions & Accelerators for Change
We’ll traverse the landscape of climate solutions and accelerators for change, using our energy and curiosity as a guide.

Part 3: Skills & Superpowers
We’ll reflect on the skills and superpowers we (can) bring to climate work, reflecting on personal insights both past and present.

Part 4: Context & Community
We’ll consider the contexts we’re nested within and communities we’re a part of (or could be), with attention to what feels kindred to us.

Part 5: Purpose & Plan
We’ll unpack our guiding values, create a ‘compass’ to guide our paths forward, and lay out next steps to deepen/enliven our place in climate work.

About the facilitators

Dr. Katharine K. Wilkinson • Co-founder + executive director at The All We Can Save Project

Katharine (she/her) is an author, strategist, teacher, and one of 15 “women who will save the world,” according to Time magazine. She is co-founder and executive director of The All We Can Save Project and co-host of the podcast A Matter of Degrees.

Her books on climate include the bestselling anthology All We Can Save, The Drawdown Review, the New York Times bestseller Drawdown, and Between God & Green. Previously, she was the principal writer and editor-in-chief at Project Drawdown.

A former Rhodes Scholar and frequent visiting professor, Katharine holds a doctorate in geography and environment from Oxford and a BA in religion from Sewanee.

Nicole Ng • Interim strategy + production lead at The All We Can Save Project

Nicole (she/her) is an impact strategist and coalition builder working at the intersection of culture and climate change. She is a senior advisor for Leaders’ Quest and TED Countdown and has previously worked with a range of humanitarian organizations internationally.

Originally from Hong Kong and now living in New York City, Nicole is a graduate of the University of Southampton (UK) and lifelong surfer. She is an advisory board member for STOKE and Restless Development.

FAQ

Who would benefit most from this workshop?

We think this course could be especially helpful for folks who are entering into climate work, have been in climate work but are feeling stuck, or are looking to deepen their sense of purpose and contribution. We’ve designed it to serve a variety of needs and experiences.

What are the housing options?

The Omega Institute is generously offering a discounted rate for their various housing options. Each of the options below includes: 

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all on-site options. (Commuter option includes lunch only)

• Access to daily activities and amenities on Omega’s 250-acre campus.

See Omega’s website for more information about the following options:

A double per person - $165.00 per night
A single - $225.00 per night
B single - $176.25 per night
Dorm - $123.75 per night
Tent Cabin double - $90.00 per night
Tent Cabin single - $112.50 per night
Camping - $71.25 per night
Commuter - $30.00 per night

I can’t afford costs for travel or housing; can I participate?

We try hard to support individuals who are a great fit for the program, but for whom the cost is prohibitive. If you feel you need financial assistance, please tell us the size of scholarship you would need in order to attend. (We’ll request this information in your application to participate in the workshop.)

Are you going to be running more cohorts?

Yes, future cohorts are planned! Dates to be confirmed, but we’re aiming for another session in fall 2022 (100% virtual) and various options in 2023. 

Is this a new workshop? 

This program is hot off the press, so we’ll be testing and learning together. We request openness and feedback. Your fingerprints will be impressed on future iterations of the Climate Wayfinding experience.

What can I expect in terms of COVID safety protocols?

You can read the Omega Institute’s most up-to-date COVID safety requirements and practices on their website here. For questions, please call Omega Registration at 877.944.2002 (845.266.4444 outside the United States).

Program schedule

Monday, September 26

4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Check-in (Rooms available after 5:00 p.m.)
8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. | Workshop

Tuesday, September 27

8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. | Commuter check-in (if not checked-in the previous evening)
9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop
2:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Workshop

Wednesday, September 28

9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop
2:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Workshop

Thursday, September 29

9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop
2:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Workshop

Friday, September 30

9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop
1:00 p.m. | Check-out