12:10 PM: Empathy Summit Debrief
Host: Janna Weiss
To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts

2025-10-04 - Debrief

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/hLW4Eme1seaDwSFPU0noc1crDDM?view=summary

The meeting focused on ideas for building the empathy movement. Mel shared her upcoming book "Enlightenment Azuma," which promotes empathy through nonviolent communication. Sandra proposed setting up an in-person group in Dublin, while B emphasized the effectiveness of one-on-one empathy circles. AC highlighted the tension between personal care and broader empathy, advocating for grassroots efforts. Josh stressed the importance of a structured system for empathy. Steven expressed concern about collaboration among leaders. Nita introduced nonviolent communication in her church. Catherine celebrated the growing business community's interest in empathy. Felicia suggested infusing money into the movement, and Bill emphasized the need for trust and constructive dialogue.

Action Items

• [ ] Explore ways to embed empathy practices within activist and grassroots circles to help regenerate momentum.

• [ ] Continue inviting people to empathy circles and having one-on-one empathy conversations to gradually build participation.

• [ ] Organize a European-time empathy circle.

• [ ] Pursue funding and resources to support the expansion of the empathy movement.

• [ ] Set up an empathy circle group in Dublin, including art or other elements.

• [ ] Take facilitator training to gain confidence and encouragement in leading empathy circles.

Outline

Mel's New Book and Empathy Movement Contribution

• Mel introduces her new book titled "Enlightenment Azuma," which is fiction and expected to release by the end of the year.

• The book is set on a home planet that uses nonviolent communication to avoid wars and emphasizes compassion and empathy skills.

• Mel explains that the book aims to help readers learn empathy through identifying with the character's journey.

• Janna Weiss thanks Mel for sharing her contribution to the empathy movement.

Sandra's Group Initiative and Training Plans

• Sandra expresses interest in setting up a group in Dublin, incorporating art and inviting people in person rather than online.

• She plans to take facilitator training to gain confidence and encouragement for leading empathy circles.

• Sandra appreciates the teachings and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her ideas.

• Janna Weiss invites Sandra to unmute herself and discuss her plans further.

B's Personal Empathy Circles and Broad Invitations

• B shares her experience of inviting people to empathy circles and receiving positive responses.

• She finds one-on-one empathy circles efficient and personal, leading to deeper connections and understanding.

• B believes that personal empathy circles can eventually lead to larger group empathy circles.

• Janna Weiss appreciates B's approach and emphasizes the importance of building the empathy movement one person at a time.

AC's Reflection on Caring for Others and Grassroots Movements

• AC reflects on the tension between caring for close friends and expanding empathy to a wider community.

• She discusses the need to bring more people into the "family" to expand empathy and care.

• AC highlights the importance of grassroots movements and empathy practices in activist circles.

• Janna Weiss acknowledges AC's insights and encourages more empathy circles.

Josh's Understanding of Empathy and Systemic Approach

• Josh shares his understanding of empathy as understanding oneself and others, which he integrates into his mindfulness practice.

• He believes that the success of empathy circles is due to their structured system, which can be expanded regionally.

• Josh emphasizes the importance of a system that can be applied chapter by chapter and sector by sector.

• Janna Weiss thanks Josh for his vision and contributions to the empathy movement.

Steven's Concern About Leadership and Collaboration

• Steven expresses concern about how individuals and groups can work together despite different leadership roles.

• Janna Weiss acknowledges Steven's concern and invites others to share their thoughts on collaboration.

• Steven reflects on the importance of trust and constructive dialogue in building the empathy movement.

• Janna Weiss thanks Steven for his insights and invites others to share their experiences.

Nita's Introduction of Nonviolent Communication in Her Church

• Nita shares her experience of introducing nonviolent communication in her church, which includes empathy principles.

• She finds the principles challenging but notes that people are becoming more receptive and working with them.

• Nita plans to take facilitator training to run empathy circles effectively.

• Janna Weiss thanks Nita for her efforts and contributions to growing empathy within her community.

Ingrid's Commitment to Empathy Circles and Personal Growth

• Ingrid expresses her commitment to continuing her involvement in empathy circles and receiving empathy herself.

• She appreciates the mutual support and growth experienced in empathy circles.

• Ingrid looks forward to the growth of the empathy movement with each summit and new participants.

• Janna Weiss thanks Ingrid for her dedication and contributions.

Catherine's Celebration of Community and Business Growth

• Catherine celebrates the rich community and leadership growth in the empathy movement.

• She believes that the business community is opening up to empathy and that the movement will continue to grow.

• Catherine acknowledges concerns about empathy but believes they will be addressed over time.

• Janna Weiss thanks Catherine for her positive outlook and contributions.

Felicia's Aspiration for Funding and Everyday Integration

• Felicia expresses her aspiration for infusing money into the empathy movement and fundraising on all levels.

• She believes that people with money can contribute significantly to the empathy center and its work.

• Felicia emphasizes the importance of integrating empathy work into everyday life to alleviate personal suffering.

• Janna Weiss thanks Felicia for her vision and contributions.

Bill's Reflection on Stress and Empathy Practice

• Bill reflects on the importance of empathy practice in reducing stress and enhancing critical thinking.

• He believes that empathy circles help people re-engage and reset their experiences.

• Bill emphasizes that empathy can be adapted and used in various contexts, not just as a competition but as an enhancement.

• Janna Weiss thanks Bill for his insights and contributions.
  
  

Jonathan's Insight on Cooperation and Empathy Circles

• Jonathan shares an insightful quote about cooperation being the law of humanity and competition being the law of the jungle.

• He expresses gratitude for the empathy circles and the work of Edwin Rutsch and his team.

• Jonathan believes that understanding and listening are essential for a meaningful life.

• Janna Weiss thanks Jonathan for his thoughtful contribution and acknowledges the importance of empathy circles.
  
  

Edwn's Closing Remarks and Feedback

• Jonathan Gordon reminds everyone to fill out the feedback form and save the chat for further reference.

• He appreciates the rich discussion and the contributions of all participants.

• Janna Weiss thanks Jonathan for his closing remarks and invites others to share their final thoughts.

• Edwin Rutsch suggests giving a round of applause for Kara's facilitation and hosting of the summit.