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EMPATHY IN ACTION
Empathy is an Emotion when you see someone in distress and feel distress yourself. This spark of kindness is rooted in our evolutionary brain circuitry, motivating us to alleviate suffering, share and cooperate.
Empathy is intellectual when the initial feeling grows into nuanced recognition of the forces that contribute to another person's circumstances. Deeper understanding of societal narratives shape our assumptions about solutions.
Empathy is an Action when you live your values. You move through the world investing your time and resources to acknowledge those often overlooked, challenge harmful stereotypes, support marginalized communities, and advocate for change.
Book Club
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" You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive."
- James Baldwin
This Book Club is inspired by Free Minds Austin. Watch the video here.
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This is a community reading program for adults from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, with a focus on supportive relationships for unhoused individuals.
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We read full nonfiction books related to social justice topics and incorporate creative activities based on ideas from the texts.
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The titles we read and discuss together provide opportunities to:
- deepen understanding of complex social issues
- share personal experiences related to themes in the book
- explore solutions to challenge the status quo
- advance meaningful advocacy and action in our everyday lives
September 2026 Book
When We Walk By: Forgotten Humanity, Broken Systems,
and the Role Each of Us Can Play in Ending Homelessness in America
by Kevin F. Adler
Download the Reading Guide
Training
Coming Soon - Spring 2027
This is a course specifically for people who:
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do not work in a clinical capacity
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are not a professional helper
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have no substantial experience interacting with homeless individuals
We also encourage people who have lived experience of homelessness, including close friends and family who have already been helping an individual long term, to attend.
Everyone is welcome.
This training will provide participants with the why and how to directly support a person experiencing homelessness. Topics may include:
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Overview of Factors Contributing to Homelessness
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Current Models and Resources to Address Homelessness
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Science of Attachment Through the Human Lifespan
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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
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Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs)
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Maladaptive Behavior and Coping
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Sanctuary and Reenactment Trauma
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Stages of Change
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Trust and Bonding with a Homeless Friend
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Interfacing with Professionals, Agencies and Systems as an Advocate
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Competency in Crisis
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Safety and Ethics
This training uses concepts from the Folk School tradition which focuses on experiential learning to make academic subjects accessible to all. The Folk School philosophy engages lay people in addressing challenging topics with the belief that a well rounded knowledge base motivates people to participate in democracy and constructively solve problems within their own communities. The Folk Education Association of America writes in a “Brief History of Folk Schools”, “Folk Schools model an educational approach that places relationship, culture, and personal and community empowerment at the center of learning and life.”
Empathy in Action training will give you the core skills to begin helping one person. If you have the willingness to learn, you can be a stabilizing influence in someone’s life. It’s not a fix, save, rescue mentality. It is a process of practice. You won’t swoop in and resolve all the problems your friend is facing in 90 days. We can help you build confidence, courage and commitment within yourself to be on a journey of self development with your homeless friend.