From fires and floods to snowfall in May, the effects of climate change are becoming more obvious with every year. It's easy to get lost in despair or denial, but neither is helpful.

In this interactive session, we'll start by unpacking the climate crisis, looking at the causes, the current situation, and the solutions (yes, there are solutions!) We'll also share stories from parents in the For Our Kids network, and look at how the sense of responsibility parents feel towards their kids is a powerful motivator for taking action. Finally we'll brainstorm together to come up with actions that you can take in your home, community, schools, workplaces and politically - actions that are doable no matter how much time you feel able to commit.

You are welcome to submit questions/comments in advance, regarding topics you would like to see covered in this event, to ruth@forourkids.ca

The Speaker: Ruth Kamnitzer

Ruth Kamnitzer is an organizer with For Our Kids, a network of parents, grandparents and others concerned about climate change and working for a more sustainable future for their kids. She currently leads For Our Kids' electric school bus campaign, and has previously worked as an environmental educator and led school based campaigns on plastic pollution. Ruth has an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation (Imperial College London) and a BA in Geography (McGill).

A Talk by Dr. Bethany Michel

In this presentation, caregivers will learn why some children have high anxiety, how the pandemic exacerbates this, and how adults can help guide them through it. A review of the biological, psychological, and social contributing factors are discussed, as well as specific tools caregivers can use to help children manage their current anxiety and prevent it from getting worse.

bio:

Bethany Michel is a registered psychologist at the DBT Centre of Vancouver where she works with children, adolescents, and their families struggling with complex issues, including severe mood dysregulation, suicide, and self-injury. Dr. Michel is also a lecturer in the undergraduate and graduate psychology tracks at the University of British Columbia. She received her Ph.D. in clinical science from Harvard University and completed her internship in clinical child psychology at Brown University, specializing in child and adolescent mood and anxiety disorders. She provides workshops on a range of childhood mental health issues to caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals.