Introduction to the Tools of Sustaining All Life, SAL/United to End Racism, UER

Participants will learn our theory about the nature of human beings: our inherent intelligence and goodness, and our cooperative, caring and enthusiastic nature; the negative feelings and rigid behaviors we develop as a result of early hurts and societal oppressions; and our natural ability to heal from hurtful experiences using the process of emotional release. We will address common struggles experienced by climate activists and organizers as we work to build the movement needed to tackle the climate emergency.

Participants will be paired together for short times to listen to each other in equal turns. One person listens with respectful, non-judgmental attention while the other talks about the topic of their choice. Then the two switch roles. In the safety and confidentiality of these short listening exchanges people can access both past hurts and current upsets, including experiences of oppression and environmental injustice; and the burnout, discouragement, and stress sometimes felt in working against climate change.