Contemplative Environmental Mentoring Communities

Professors of Environmental Studies face a unique pedagogical challenge. They must teach about the immensity of global environmental harm without falling into deep cynicism. Professors can meet this challenge by facing up to their own fears and developing the courage to share insights as honestly as possible. This requires a high level of self-awareness and pedagogical skill. Our proposed think tank will develop conversational communities across various college and university campuses for professors to share their deepest pedagogical and environmental concerns. Such communities will be small—four to five participants—and serve as co-mentoring support groups for enhancing environmental education. The mentoring communities will use contemplative practices to facilitate honest and expansive sharing. Our think tank will pilot, articulate guidelines, and establish mentoring communities among faculty on multiple college campuses. It will also put into place ways to provide ongoing support to such communities.