Season 3
Reigniting hope in the face of systemic collapse
If you’ve been working for change—or even just paying attention to the state of the world—you might feel it in your bones: the exhaustion, the frustration, the quiet hopelessness that creeps in. The thought that things might not change - the climate crisis not properly addressed, violence not stopped, systemic injustices, like the patriarchy, persist. It’s a lot to carry, especially when you’re pouring energy into trying to make a difference.
Hope isn’t something we “have” in endless supply. Rather, it is a practice that we turn to, when things get difficult. This season is inspired by Joanna Macy’s work on Active Hope, is about developing a practice of hope. We do so by reconnecting with our values, the causes we are passionate about and grounding ourselves in community. All based on the understanding that long-term change only happens when we care for ourselves and each other along the way.
We create different ways for young changemakers and activists worldwide to connect and support each other. Whether you're looking for deep community that has your back long-term or just want meaningful connection that works with your packed schedule, we've got spaces that feel safe and real—built on empathy, sharing stories, and caring for one another.
noe fellowship
Deeper community program with ongoing support and workshops .
noe circles
Drop-in online sessions where you connect with changemakers worldwide through guest speakers and meaningful dialogue.
noe experience
An annual retreat for immersive connection and care.
noe circles
Network of Empathy (noe) circles are moderated online gatherings that bring together young changemakers and activists—many from marginalized communities—across the world. These safe, inclusive spaces offer participants the chance to share openly about the challenges they face, process their emotions, and reconnect with the values and visions that sustain their activism and change-making. Our approach is grounded in empathy, active listening, and storytelling. We believe that sharing lived experiences—especially those that speak to both struggle and resilience—can inspire others, foster solidarity, and spark new ways forward. noe circles are spaces to pause, connect, and find the strength to keep going—together.
Ways to join
In this season of noe circles we offer you two ways of how you can join:
Individual circles
Drop in for the sessions that interest you most. In each circle, you’ll hear from inspiring guest speakers—activists, artists, and changemakers—who will share their own stories of resilience and transformation, followed by space for reflection, dialogue, and connection. Get inspired, share, and connect with peers from across the world.
Why join?
Experience meaningful connection without the pressure of a bigger commitment
Recharge on energy, hope, and calm your nervous system
Get inspired by changemakers who share their challenges and resilience
Feel connected in a space where people truly relate to the struggles you are going through
The Season of 4 noe circles embedded in a fellowship option
Circle 1 - Facing reality with honesty (4.10.2025)
Circle 2 - Reconnecting to what we value and long for (1.11.2025)
Circle 3 - Taking meaningful steps forward (6.12.2025)
Circle 4 - Rooting ourselves in community (4.10.2025)
noe circle fellowship
You want to become part of a community of care that supports you in the long-term and develop your own practice of hope? For those wanting deeper engagement, we have created a noe circle fellowship programme, with additional workshops and community check-ins during which we will dive deeper into the topics explored during the noe circles. Among others, we will develop your value compass, build your personal resources to sustain long-term change-work, and foster a community of care.
Why join?
Feel less alone in your struggles as a changemaker
Rediscover hope and clarity in uncertain times
Connect with a diverse network of peers who “get it”
Gain tools, perspectives, and inner resources to sustain your work long-term
The Seson 4 noe circle fellowship programme includes:
Priority access to all 4 circles in the season
5 additional community check-ins and workshops between sessions
A reflection workbook to deepen your learning
A small, supportive peer network for ongoing exchange
Opportunities to collaborate and stay connected after the season ends
Become a noe fellow
What our participants say
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Maria
"Leading an activist group I always thought it is part of my job to be responsible and not show weakness, until I discovered that I had burnout. On this platform I could listen to others with the same experience and realized I was not alone. "
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Support us
All our offers are accessible free of charge. However, we ask you for a small donation to cover our operational cost. The recommended donation for participating in a circle is therefore 5 EUR and for participating in the fellowship it is 50 EUR.