The Power of Climate Storytelling 2026

What happens when we make space for people to share their stories about the places they love? During Valley Climate Action Week, the answer was a powerful evening of connection, reflection, and conversation.

On September 16, Sustainable Stillwater MN hosted The Power of Climate Storytelling in Stillwater at Matt’s Basement, bringing community members together to explore how personal stories can help us understand our relationships with the environment and inspire meaningful action.

Led by speakers Jothsna Harris and Arian Tomar, the evening invited participants to think about their own experiences with the natural world and the stories they carry with them. Rather than simply talking about climate change, the event created space to talk about what it means to people — and how sharing those experiences can build understanding and hope.

The result was a meaningful evening where people learned from one another, met new people, and built relationships. Both speakers brought thoughtful perspectives and connected with the audience, creating the kind of engaging conversation that makes a community feel a little more connected.

The event was also a great example of the partnerships that made Valley Climate Action Week possible. A huge thank-you to Matt’s Basement for generously providing the space and to Jothsna and Arian for sharing their time, knowledge, and stories.

One of the best parts of VCAW has been discovering new partners and imagining what we can create together next. This evening was a great reminder that sustainability isn't just about projects and programs — it's also about people, stories, and the connections that bring us together. 

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