Start the Conversation with a Book

Books are a great way to learn about the world and ourselves, and can often spark deeper discussions.

Talking about environmental issues such as climate change isn't always easy, so books can be a good way to start the conversation.

Our first ever book club series seems to be going quite well. We've hosted physical events in Dublin, Wicklow and Belfast and have engaged with many of you online through our webinars. Because we can't always meet in person, we're trying out new ways to connect.

On March 28th, we launched our book club at the Fumbally Stables in Dublin, joined by author and activist Lorna Gold to discuss her book ‘Climate Generation, Awakening to our Children’s Future’.

Considering the nature of the book, and the rise of the youth led strikes, we invited four student activists from the Friday’s for Future and Strike for Climate movement to join the panel and share their motivations and demands.

Common Ground Bray was the perfect venue to host our discussion with Padraic Fogarty, author of 'Whittled Away, Ireland's Vanishing Nature', considering Wicklow became the first county council in Ireland to declare and Climate and Biodiversity Emergency.

It was a delight to also be joined by local activist Keith Scanlon to talk about the how the campaign emerged from a group of parents that got involved in the Friday's for Future weekly protests.

In July we teamed up with Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland in Belfast for our 'Active Hope - How to Face this Mess without Going Crazy' book club event.

It was really inspiring to hear from Anne Symens-Bucher talking about her work with Joanna Macy and experience with 'the work that reconnects' - the body of work which the book is based around.

In the face of the sixth mass extinction and climate emergency, feelings of despair emerge within us. The Work That Reconnects provides tools and resources for us to be able to deal with our eco-anxiety, build resilience, practice self care and move forward into action together.

We hosted a two part webinar with Active Hope co-author Chris Johnstone, you can watch part one 'An Introduction to Active Hope' here and part two 'Reading Active Hope Together' here.

 

Next we're reading 'Resist! How to be an Activist in the Age of Defiance' by Michael Segalov. Details coming soon!

We are sending one of these books to every new monthly donor of €4 or more, you can make a donation here at this link. If you are already giving monthly, you can increase your monthly donation by just €2 to claim your book - just email info@foe.ie and we'll sort you out.