Mobilizing for Change through Empathy and Vulnerability

Cheyenne Sundance • July 19, 2024

In recent years, young people around the world have emerged as a driving force in environmental movements, advocating for sustainability, climate action – often in ways that center intersectionality and coalition building. Beyond the collective call for change, what distinguishes these movements is the powerful web of connections that young activists weave among themselves. This web sows the seed of change.  Forging  meaningful connections within environmental movements starts with creating empathy and connection with amongst and between peers. Foregrounding empathy in day-to-day practices is also imperative to creating resilient communities that feel empowered to take collective action.  Connections forged through empathy-based conversations have a direct impact on the collective pursuit of a sustainable future through climate justice work.

The exchange of knowledge is a cornerstone of the connections forged within environmental movements. Activists come from diverse backgrounds as well as their own lived experiences. Building a connection before you start your organizing work is how you bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to the table. Through dialogue and collaboration, you learn from each other, enriching your understanding of environmental issues and honing your advocacy skills.

Vulnerability is often misunderstood as a state of helplessness. However, it is better described as the courage to be open, honest, and authentic in expressing one’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Brene Brown, a vulnerability researcher, defines vulnerability as “uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.”

How Vulnerability is tied to Mental Health:

  • Insight: Embracing vulnerability creates a safe space for young people to share their mental health challenges, reducing stigma and encouraging seeking help. Open conversations are essential in breaking down barriers to mental health care. In the context of the climate crisis, this can be the catalyst for internal and external change not just in yourself but in your community too.

Empathy and Connection:

  • Fact: A 2011 study conducted by psychologist Sara H. Konrath, have reported a decline in empathy levels among college students. Cultivating empathy is essential for building meaningful connections and understanding diverse perspectives.
  • How to create Empathy?: Vulnerability fosters empathy by breaking down barriers and showcasing shared human experiences.  Let’s embrace acts of vulnerability! People who do are more likely to create authentic connections and contribute to a compassionate and understanding society.

The Social Media Dilemma:

  • Fact: A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology in 2019 reported a significant increase in major depressive episodes among adolescents and young adults in the United States. Experts attribute this rise to the pressure associated with maintaining a perfect online image.
  • The Tune Out: This perfect image doesn’t just lend itself to manicured photos of your acquaintance at the beach! It can even be seeing the highlight reel of people who are activists and feeling like you can’t do enough. You are enough and your voice matters. Embracing vulnerability can be an antidote to this dilemma, by breaking the illusion of perfection and fostering genuine connections. Spending time in nature, building new bonds in an environmental club/group and even finding time to journal can be an alternative to help bring back into the natural world.

With all of this said, creating connection to others in climate justice work is the same way you create deep bonds with those around you. 

Learning in community through collective work is key to building connections. As you attend protests, help change policy, get the word out and grow as an activist. Learning together means you will understand the science of climate change, its impacts, and the social justice implications. Learn about the intersectionality of climate change with issues such as poverty, racism, and inequality. Ways you can learn together is to join an existing climate justice organization in your community or learn more about starting a Break The Divide Chapter at your school through the information provided on our website.

By listening to others is to also amplify their voice. Try to listen to and amplify the voices of those most affected by climate change, especially marginalized communities. Center their experiences and perspectives in discussions and actions. By doing so, you will begin to build those bridges and work in unity. 

Being vulnerable in your work as a climate justice organizer can enhance your connections with others, foster a sense of trust, and contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic movement.

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