The Week - EN

"The Week": A Transformative Group Journey Into the Climate Crisis — and What We Can Do About It

In a world where the climate crisis often feels overwhelming, distant, or abstract, "The Week" offers something different: a structured, emotionally grounded, and profoundly human experience of facing this challenge—together.

Developed by a group of filmmakers, psychologists, and climate experts, "The Week" is a three-part group experience that helps participants understand the crisis not just intellectually, but emotionally and relationally. Through powerful storytelling and open conversation, it guides us from shock and awareness to empowerment and action.

"The Week" is an invitation to face the future bravely, and not alone.

How It Works

"The Week" unfolds over the course of three meetings.  Each session includes:

• A one-hour documentary film episode, exploring a different aspect of the crisis.
• A time of inner listening (30 minutes or more) to process and reflect.

Followed by:

• Share our thoughts or questions in small community groups.

Rather than attending passively, we are invited to engage in dialogue—because the climate crisis isn’t just a scientific or political issue; it’s a human one. And meaningful change starts when we can talk honestly with one another.

You don’t do "The Week" alone. Together, we face difficult truths and rediscover the hope and agency that comes from connection and clarity.

The Emotional Arc: The U-shaped Journey

"The Week" is designed like a "U" and we will watch one episode per day, starting on 29 July.

• Episode 1 – The Descent (Viewing & Discussion: 29 July, 920 - 10:45)

  We are invited to confront the unsettling realities of what lies ahead if we stay on our current path. This episode is emotionally intense and often uncomfortable—but also essential.

• Episode 2 – The Deepening  (Viewing & Discussion: 30 July, 9:20 - 10:45)

  The second session explores how we got here: the cultural, political, and economic systems that have shaped our world—and what must shift to change course.

• Episode 3 – The Rising  (Viewing & Discussion: 31 July, 9:20 - 10:45)

  The final episode offers a hopeful and energizing perspective: what is possible when we act, what others are already doing, and how we can contribute meaningfully—individually and collectively.

Each step is intentionally spaced and the pacing allows for reflection and integration between meetings.

What Makes It Powerful?

• It’s personal: The films are not about polar bears or distant glaciers—they’re about what’s coming to our communities and our children, especially in Europe and North America.

• It’s collective: Facing the climate crisis can be isolating. "The Week" builds empathy and shared understanding, leaving many groups feeling more connected than when they started.

• It’s open-ended: There’s no prescribed solution or moral checklist. Instead, we are encouraged to ask their own questions, explore our values, and consider our next steps.

Who Can Join?

• Anyone aged 16 and older
• Groups of 3–8 people work best for meaningful conversation. After each viewing we will therefore split into smaller discussion circles.

Where It’s Happening

"The Week" has already taken place in cities across Germany, Switzerland, and beyond. It’s been used by climate groups, educators, businesses, and community organizers.

At one German university, a professor asked all 380 of her students to self-organize into "The Week" groups as part of their coursework. Over 90 groups formed—sparking deep conversations, reflective writing, and future research.

In workplaces, ""The Week" has led to follow-up actions, sustainability initiatives, and culture shifts around climate responsibility.

What People Are Saying

“'The Week' had a deeper impact than we expected—even though many of us had already been engaged with climate issues. We left the third session not only with hope, but with a renewed sense of responsibility and solidarity.” 

“It was emotional, thought-provoking, and surprisingly bonding. The conversations brought us closer together and reminded us that we’re not powerless.”

We look forward to going on the journey of "The Week" with you during Caux IDG!

🌐 For more information: www.theweek.ooo