SOLACE 2024: Building Youth Resilience Against Eco-Anxiety

From 2 to 11 September 2024, the SOLACE youth exchange took place at the EcoVillage Grain and Sens in Boffres, France.

SOLACE, which stands for "Strengthening Our Lives Amidst Climate-related Ecological Challenges," aimed to foster eco-resilience within the group by addressing eco-anxiety. The program was inspired by Joanna Macy’s transformative framework, "The Work That Reconnects," which seeks to turn ecological grief into collective strength and proactive environmental engagement. Through this shared journey, participants worked together to build resilience in the face of challenges related to the modern world.

During the week a group of 20 participants from France, Slovakia, Netherlands and Germany followed a program filled with mindfulness and meditation workshops, sharing circles, nature walks, (self-)reflection, gardening and network and community building. Open space sessions provided opportunities for participants to exchange resources and skills, further enriching the collaborative learning experience and fostering deeper connections within the group.