With the backdrop of the climate, ecological and social crises we’re facing, a lot of us - especially young people - feel uncertainty and hopelessness when thinking about the future. Now more than ever, it’s vital we create spaces to connect people to others, discuss our feelings, and learn how our emotions can help guide us towards feeling more empowered.
What did I do?
‘Becoming a Force of Nature’ (BaFoN) is a flagship programme delivered by ‘Force of Nature’ (FoN), a CIC working at the intersection between mental health and climate change, transforming mindsets for climate action amongst young people. FoN offer an online community platform, networking spaces, training programmes, and resources which are used by youth from all over the world. Their support focuses around climate emotions and eco-anxiety - a buzz word for the feelings we experience as a result of the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and social injustices.
BaFoN is exactly what is very much missing in young people’s education and everyday lives: an informal space led by young people for young people to come together, share experiences, and explore their own relationships between the crises and their mental health. A three-part programme, BaFoN helps attendees discover their ‘why’, encourages them to tap into their strengths and barriers to action, and ultimately catalyses them through helping find focus on effective, meaningful climate solutions and action.
I was trained as one of FoN’s first Facilitators back in 2021, which equipped me with the research, knowledge, tools, and skillset to not only help others understand how we can more effectively cultivate agency and take actions that are meaningful to us, but even more importantly, help myself work through my own period of severe eco-anxiety for the first time. Since my training, I have delivered multiple workshops and training programmes on behalf of FoN, curated my own emotional resilience events in my community, and trained others to become facilitators to expand the reach and impact of this inner work.
The most recent BaFoN programme took place in November - over 1,600 young people signed up to be a part of it, stemming from all across the world, from Cameroon to India. I lead the facilitation of presentations, activities, and small group discussions for around 30 attendees during each session.
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What were my highlights of facilitating the programme?
- Connecting with likeminded people all across the world - it was very special to be in a virtual space with others outside of the UK, unified for our love of people and planet, and our desire to find clarity to move forward with.
- Collaborating with someone from the other side of the world - my co-facilitator, Daniela Quijano, dialled-in from Bogotá Colombia! It was very special to grow our friendship, and see her apply her unique experiences and knowledge to the programme content.
- Seeing the need for these spaces - Delivering the programme, and simply opening up a virtual space to bring people together to be vulnerable and curious, makes you realise just how many people need it; there were many special moments.
If you would like to read more of my reflections of facilitating the most recent Becoming a Force of Nature programme, check out this article co-written by myself and fellow facilitator, Julia Römer.
What can anyone take away from this?
Outer work starts with inner work. That is, in order to identify and take action that feels meaningful to us, we must first feel, reflect on our barriers and passions, and connect to our vision of a better future. This more regenerative way of thinking and living, making space for our feelings, has been incredibly helpful to me, and I hope it will be for you too.
Community is also transformational when it comes to feeling more connected, inspired and empowered. Whether it’s discovering a new group, continuing to make time for a regular meet-up, or even taking the initiative to set up your own space for people to come together, community can help you have your struggles and barriers validated, and inspire you in identifying the next stepping stones that are best for you.
If you would like to explore more resources that are designed to help you process your own climate emotions, check out Force of Nature's resource page.
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Working Endorsements
A depth of knowledge regarding sustainability issues, an infectious enthusiasm and an ability to engage with staff and students alike.
Natalie Hayes - BA Illustration Academic for Falmouth University
Jake has a collegiate and supportive communication style that works well in several contexts, from student-facing work to stakeholder and strategic input. Whether a specific brief or leading on transformative change, he approaches tasks with both authority and collaboration.
Dr Russell Crawford - Pro Vice Chancellor: Academic Services for Falmouth University
Expertly curated and delivered…the whole experience has truly left me energised with ideas.
Attendee - Falmouth University’s ‘Sustainability Bootcamp’
