Events

90 minute all levels class.  For more information, see flier.  LAST CLASS will be January 25.

After that time there will be a (free) get together on the first Wednesday of each month for all who are interested in discussing how we go forward in this new era to protect the values we hold dear.  This is an opportunity to come together with other spiritual seekers to discuss climate, democracy, politics, racial justice, the economy, and everything else (!) through a spiritual lens.

All are welcome.  Call Betsey for more information or questions: 919.903.9557.

Come together with other concerned  citizens to discuss current climate realities, to discover ways to respond that help give birth to the world we want to create, and to empower ourselves to meet those realities with wisdom and resilience.  We’re offering a pause during the whirlwind of this tumultuous time ... to reflect on where we are, and ask how we can respond effectively, from a place of awareness and compassion.   

This is a time to come together with kindred spirits to contemplate the highest in ourselves that wants to be expressed. 

Hope to see you there.  Space is limited.  Please RSVP to reserve your space.  See flier for more information.  

Take time to come together with other concerned citizens who know our climate is in trouble.  Watch a short video on climate and discuss what our options are to address it.

“We are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change. And we are the last generation who can do anything about it"

JOIN US!

Free.  Open to all.  For more information, see flier.

Come together with other people concerned with the state of our climate.  We'll show a short film on climate and then discuss collective and individual actions to address it.

Free.  Open to all.  See flier for more information.

The path of Yoga is the path of transformation. Today’s world is one of unprecedented and tumultuous change; it calls out for transformation of our consciousness to recognize our One Humanity. The gift of Yoga is guidance for navigating this time. Anchoring ourselves in the ancient spiritual teachings of the Bhagavad Gita we will explore how to “rise to play a greater part,” and live a life of passion, grace, wisdom, and significance.

For more information or to register, click here.

On April 9, we'll show an incredibly revealing film: Merchants of Doubt.  The film describes the climate denier industry and how it was systematically developed based on the tobacco industry, which for decades successfully denied the science behind the use of tobacco products by instilling doubt about the science.  FREE!  See flier for more information.

Meditation can be an indispensable and calming practice for life. It is an easily learned skill that has huge benefits in staying open, clear, compassionate, and grounded …  all good qualities to have!

In essence meditation is bringing awareness to the present moment. Major skills taught include recognizing our thoughts, mental habits and patterns; fully allowing “what is”; consciously choosing where to direct our attention; navigating our emotions; embracing total self-acceptance, and connecting with our spiritual essence.

Several techniques are taught and practiced, as well as breathing exercises that calm the nervous system. Meditation is both eminently practical and a portal to the Sacred.

Open to all. No experience necessary. Click here for more information or to register.

“Betsey teaches from a deep well of wisdom and practical knowledge…”

Student quote

Join us for an inspiring film by John D. Liu on reforestation and sustainable farming that sequesters carbon in the soil.  Uplifting!  Hopeful and practical!  See flier for more information.

This presentation looks at our changing climate from the broadest, most expansive perspective, to acknowledge the meaning and significance of what we’re going through. We are at an unprecedented crossroads in history: shifting from a paradigm of domination and control to one of partnership and collaboration.  We are moving from an emphasis on the Individual and one’s personal power to recognizing our Shared Humanity, and the value and necessity of working together.  We are in an unparalleled shift from the Love of Power to the Power of Love.  See link below for more information.

This presentation is part of the ABUNDANCE NC 2017 Climate Carnival, May 12-13. Click here for more information or to register.

Friday, May 12, 7:00-8:30pm is a panel discussion with five outstanding professionals who represent a holistic view of the current climate change situation. From climate justice to the hard science.  From the economics of denial to the weird weather.  We’ll delve into the topics you’re craving to learn and ask the questions you’re yearning to ask!  The panel will be moderated by WUNC’s State of Things Host, Frank Stasio.

Saturday, May 13 Carnival, 12:00-8:00pm includes hands-on activities, short films, education tables, local organization booths, artists and vendors boasting eco-friendly products or services, live music, artistic performances, food vendors, and several speaker sessions throughout the day.

Join Suzie & I for a mini Spirited Women's Retreat at Kripalu in the beautiful Berkshires. What a great opportunity to re-charge your batteries while spending time in the inspiring company and support of kindred spirits.

See flier to register or for more information.

This 12-minute clip by 350.org founder Bill McKibben, on the state of our climate, followed by an 8 min clip of solutions, offers a succinct, candid overview of where we stand on climate change.

Join us for an important discussion on what we do now that Trump has pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement.  See flier.

Our world is warming at an unprecedented rate!

Naturalist and television personality David Attenborough takes us on a journey to discover how global warming is changing the planet, and explains why this is far beyond any normal allowance for cyclical fluctuation.

He investigates solutions being employed around the world, and shares his perspective that although some changes are already in motion no matter what we do, we may be able to act to prevent a catastrophe.

Join us for a discussion of possible solutions to our climate crisis.

See flier for complete details.

Click here for flier.

Climate Video & Discussion Night

How Do We Respond to Climate Change Given the Seriousness and Urgency of the Situation?

Our world continues to warm at an unprecedented rate.

A recent study shows that the world must set greenhouse gas emissions on a downward path by 2020, or we risk not being able to contain climate change within safe limits of 1.5-2.0 degrees C, according to the Paris agreement.

Given the seriousness and urgency of our situation, discussion focuses on our possible responses, both collectively & individually, both to resist & to build the new.

Join us for 20 minutes of video followed by discussion ~ Free & Open to all!  Please share with friends & family!

Presented by Citizens Climate Collaborative: Betsey Downing, Marty Adams, Tana Hartman Thorn, Vic Rhodes & Dirk Kelder

Unfortunately this retreat has been cancelled.  We will hold our Spirited Women's Retreat again in the fall of 2018.  Hope you can join us then!

We will be showing the following climate documentary on Sunday, August 27:

Time to Choose is an eloquent documentary filmed on five continents.  It highlights both the exquisite beauty of our planet and the environmental effects of de-forestation and our fossil fuel use, which lead to increasing global temperatures.  It emphasizes the possibilities of solar and wind, and how rapid improvements in clean energy may hold out hope for the future…

Join us for the video followed by discussion ~ Free!  Open to all.

Click here for full details on our CLIMATE VIDEO & DISCUSSION NIGHT for August 27.

Click here for flier with full details.

"If we don't change our direction,
we are likely to end up where we are headed".
Chinese Proverb

Despite what some say, THIS IS THE BEST TIME to talk about climate change.
We know that increased warming intensifies storms of all kinds.
Join us for a discussion of the significance of recent extreme weather events.

CLICK HERE FOR FLIER WITH COMPLETE DETAILS.
We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change
and the last generation who can do something about it". 
Barack Obama

This documentary, HOME, directed by world famous French photographer,
Yann Arthus–Bertrand, shows aerial shots from over 50 countries.
It highlights the exquisite beauty of our Home, the Earth,
and also clearly illustrates the extent to which our precious Earth has been
enormously damaged by humanity’s actions.

Join us for the 90-minute film followed by discussion.

~ Free!  Open to all! ~

CLICK HERE FOR FLIER WITH COMPLETE DETAILS. 

CLIMATE VIDEO & DISCUSSION NIGHT

LOVE THY NATURE
"Love Thy Nature is an urgent but stunningly beautiful meditation on our
connections to the natural world ...
everyone should see this profound, timely, and extraordinary film."

"The film shows that a renewed connection with nature is key
both to our health and the health of our planet."

~ Free!  Open to all! ~

Also see Oasis Café.

Presented by Citizens Climate Collaborative: Betsey Downing, Marty Adams,
Tana Hartman Thorn, Vic Rhodes, and Dirk Kelder

CLICK HERE FOR FLIER WITH COMPLETE DETAILS, including links.

CLIMATE VIDEO & DISCUSSION NIGHT

BEYOND THE ANTHROPOCENE with Johan Rockstrom
In just five decades, we have transitioned from being
a small world on a big planet to a big world on a small planet.
We have moved into the Anthropocene, the period during which human activity
has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

Johan Rockström, Executive Director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre,
explains why we should be concerned about this and
how we can embrace the opportunities
in our necessary transformation towards global sustainability.

Join us for a short presentation on the exponential function, so crucial to
understanding climate science, and this 20-minute film. Followed by discussion.

~ Free! Open to all! ~

CLICK HERE FOR FLIER WITH COMPLETE DETAILS, including links.

CLIMATE VIDEO & DISCUSSION NIGHT

RENEWABLES COME TO NC with NC 2025 Clean Path
Presented by Amanda Robertson, local climate activist and educator

NC WARN has rolled out a 100+ page plan written by energy engineer Bill Powers,
that outlines a path for North Carolina to pursue 100% renewable energy.

The plan has a place for all of us to get involved
and to have a role in creating our own clean energy future.
Amanda will give an overview of the plan, answer questions, and share how everyone
can get involved in their communities.  Learn more about the plan
at: NC Warn Clean Plan

Join us for a 30-minute presentation followed by Q & A and discussion.
~ Free! Open to all! ~

Also see Oasis Café.

Presented by Citizens Climate Collaborative: Betsey Downing, Marty Adams,
Tana Hartman Thorn, Vic Rhodes, and Dirk Kelder

CLICK HERE FOR FLIER WITH COMPLETE DETAILS, including links.
OUR RENEWABLE FUTURE
Featuring energy expert, Richard Heinberg

This video, based on the book of the same name,
by Richard Heinberg and scientist David Fridley, both Fellows at the Post Carbon Institute, explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the shift to renewable energy.
The next few decades will see a profound energy transformation throughout the world.

Driven by the need to avert catastrophic climate change
and by the depletion of easily accessible oil, coal, and natural gas,
this transformation will entail a major shift in how we live.

What might a 100% renewable future look like?

Join us for this intriguing 55-minute video, followed by discussion.

~ Free! Open to all! ~

Link to the video, Our Renewable Future
Link to the Post Carbon Institute

Also see Oasis Café.

Presented by Citizens Climate Collaborative: Betsey Downing, Marty Adams,
Tana Hartman Thorn, Vic Rhodes, and Dirk Kelder

CLIMATE VIDEO & DISCUSSION NIGHT

Our climate is changing.
It is happening now.
Humans are the primary cause.
This affects all of us.

We have a finite amount of time to address it.

Join us for one of the most important conversations of our time.
We'll show a different video at each session, followed by discussion.
You'll meet "kindred spirits" with whom to explore possibilities
for addressing our looming climate crisis.

Join in this important discussion!
Bring your comments, questions and concerns.

Details of the specific topic will be posted here a week before
the event is held. Also see Oasis Café.

Presented by Citizens Climate Collaborative: Betsey Downing, Marty Adams,
Tana Hartman Thorn, Vic Rhodes, and Dirk Kelder