Sally Gillespie
Sally Gillespie
For many, becoming a parent can arouse powerful emotions about the future that lies ahead for their child in a rapidly heating world. Yet very often this deep concern is not what gets discussed in mother’s group and playgroups. This is because raising the issue of climate change with others can be fraught. The politics tend to be polarising, and beneath this lurk many challenging emotions including anxiety, confusion, grief, guilt and feelings of hopelessness. Yet avoiding talking about climate issues and how we feel about them only makes the situation worse. Encouragingly, what I and others have found through researching climate conversations is that when people can talk about climate issues in a safe space, they generally feel less isolated and fearful, and more motivated to act.
One way to encourage climate conversations is to find or a start a group which is bonded in its climate and environmental concerns. In inner west Sydney, Rosa Brown has set up the Inner West Families for Climate Action playgroup to foster connections with other local parents in the hope that it will encourage deeper conversations and committed action. Rosa says that while her existing “mothers’ group is lovely… I definitely don’t feel able to be as open …because I don’t want to alienate myself or make others feel alienated”. Founding the Climate Action Playgroup has provided a safe space for herself and others, to have a whole range of climate conversations that are family friendly and focused.
For Rosa, knowing “that there’s a shared interest or concern”, with an alignment of values “at least in this area, makes it feel like a bit of a safer space.” When the playgroup gathers, parents can share their personal stories about how they came to be more interested in climate, acknowledging hopes and fears for themselves and their children. Rosa’s hope is that there’ll be a ripple effect from the playgroup, giving parents and their families and friends the confidence and support to engage and then act.
Already the climate playgroup has come up with one family friendly and fun way to engage the community on climate action. Last year they had the idea for a community climate picnic in their local electorate of Reid. It took place on the day the Federal election was called. There were musicians, choirs and community organisations, and 500 locals enjoying a fun family day out, all while sending a clear message to their local politicians that they wanted stronger climate action for the future of their children.
“It was a really positive event”, said Nic Seton, a member of the playgroup and the CEO of Australian Parents for Climate Action. “That’s when I realized, this is doable. We start with family, we start with the playgroup, and we build on this together in a way that’s actually going to demonstrate strong support, public pressure, and a political wind that’s headed in the right direction.”
If this inspires you, have a listen to the podcast about Inner West Families For Climate Action playgroup, and check out the Australian Parents for Climate Action website, for support, ideas and companionship for setting up a family-friendly climate group, event or conversation.
