Danette Knickmeier
The debate about climate change is behind us. We know it’s real, we know it’s urgent, and we know we need to act. But what should we do with the weight of that knowledge? How can we process the fear, grief, and uncertainty that so many of us feel? That’s where S.O.M.E. CIRCLES come in.
S.O.M.E. Circles are an invitation to come together: to listen, share, and find strength in each other. They remind us that our grief is valid, our fears are shared, and our stories matter. The Society of Mother Earth (S.O.M.E.) was created by Oyate Hotanin (Voice of the People), the musical duo Buffalo Weavers (Ben Weaver and Strong Buffalo), and Change Narrative as a place to hold the emotions that come with living in this time of crisis. It’s not just about understanding climate change—it’s about understanding ourselves and each other.
WE DON’T HEAL IN ISOLATION. WE HEAL IN COMMUNITY.
Every S.O.M.E. Circle is different. They are held in various indoor and outdoor spaces. Facilitators invite participants to share their hopes and dreams, discuss the feelings they’re holding, and think about the skills they can bring. Together, circle members talk, mourn, get angry, and sometimes even cry. After time to process everything they’ve discussed, they have an opportunity to pick an item from the center of the circle and release it into the world.
HOW DO S.O.M.E. CIRCLES HELP US HEAL?
A Space for Vulnerability: There’s no judgment here. S.O.M.E. Circles create room for raw, honest emotion because acknowledging our feelings is the first step toward transformation. Art as a Bridge: Art allows us to express what words sometimes can’t. Circles often integrate music, poetry, and storytelling to bring us into deeper conversations.
COMMUNITY AND COLLECTIVE HEALING:
Sharing our experiences reminds us that we’re not alone. By holding space for each other, we strengthen the bonds that sustain us.
- Honoring Diverse Experiences: Climate grief is not felt equally. Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA communities often bear the greatest burdens. S.O.M.E. Circles recognize these disparities and uplift voices that have long been unheard.
- Reframing the Climate Conversation: Not everyone connects with climate change through science. S.O.M.E. Circles bring the conversation back to personal narratives, where every voice matters.
- Healing Through Listening: When we truly listen—to each other and the Earth—we begin to understand. Listening fosters connection, and connection fosters hope.
- Reconnecting with Nature: Caring for the planet starts with caring for each other. S.O.M.E. Circles help us rediscover our relationship with the Earth, not just as a responsibility but as a source of belonging. In a world that often tells us to push through and stay strong in the face of grief, S.O.M.E. Circles offer a different path: one that encourages you to come as you are and feel what you feel.
We are fortunate to have access to this incredible program here in Minnesota. If you’re feeling the weight of climate grief or just longing for a deeper sense of connection, S.O.M.E. Circles are here for you. To host a circle in your community, contact Laura LaBlanc of Oyate Hotanin at laura@oyatehotanin.org. To learn more, visit oyatehotanin.org.
Danette Knickmeier works in marketing and loves cycling, hiking, yoga, farmer’s markets, cooking, and traveling.