A KTCC works best if everyone feels comfortable and is invited to settle in, if the conversational space is opened up. To facilitate that, the KTCC toolkit uses an adapted version of Carbon Conversations “Why we Bother Exercise” (see below), as a way people can introduce themselves. It can also be found on Page 2 of the Presenter Slides.
Exercise: Why do we bother?
People have different motives and values which lead them to act on climate change.
Read through these statements and check those which resonate with you. Take a moment to reflect on your choices then write a short statement of your own and share with the group along with your name.
- All living things are equal and have a right to life – we have to stop our destruction of other creatures’ lives and habitats.
- Nature is amazing. It fills me with love and awe. I want to respect and protect that.
- According to my faith, we have a responsibility to care for the natural world.
- I am worried about the future for my children and grandchildren. I want to protect the world for future generations.
- Everyone on the planet should have a fair share of natural resources – land, water, oil and minerals.
- I want to see justice for communities that are suffering the effects of climate change through no fault of their own.
- We’ve exploited the world for 200 years – it’s payback time.
- I can see green business opportunities.
- I couldn’t sleep at night if I didn’t act.
Land Acknowledgment
Opening the conversation includes a land acknowledgment. Although we provide a simple, basic option, we suggest that you do a little research, acknowledge local Indigenous nations, find out what’s happening now and add to it to make the acknowledgment more meaningful. Find some resources to help you do that at Nativeland.ca and whose.land.
Other Icebreakers and Openers
For other ideas see some suggestions below. Send us your ideas at ktcc@climatefast.ca and we’ll add them to our shareables!
Variation: Why it Matters to Me
Take a couple of minutes to consider the questions below.
Write down some short answers.
After we’re all ready, introduce yourself and, if you are comfortable doing so, please share your answers with the group.
- What brought you here today?
- What are you hoping to learn?
- What is one concern?
Climate Games
KWL Chart
Use a version of the chart to start people thinking about what they already know and what they want to know, engaging them in the conversation. See The Amazing World of Teaching for an example.
Zoom Poll
See how a multiple choice poll looks in zoom below!
Other Poll Suggestions
Poll Title: Where are you at right now?
- What do you know about the Climate emergency and Climate Justice?
- Not much or a little
- Something, somewhat knowledgable
- A lot, I’m an expert!
Poll Title: Talking about the Climate Crisis
- How often do you talk about the climate crisis?
- Never
- Sometimes
- Often
2. What makes it difficult to talk about it?
- Lack of information
- Resistance to change and fear
- Overwhelm and too many things
- Feelings of helplessness
- Not wanting to upset people
3. What makes you want to talk about it?
- My feelings and compassion
- Desire to make positive change
- My family and community
- Health and wellbeing
- Justice – a livable future for all