Adreonna RaineyClimate change can feel overwhelming to address, but the Climate Change Quilt Movement reminds us that action begins with connection. This spring, the Lewis Honors College Scholars Lounge will transform into a space for creativity, conversation, and climate action from 2:00–4:00 p.m on February 17th.
The UK community is invited to participate in a hands-on workshop led by Pamela Mischen, who is a professor of environmental studies and Chief Sustainability Officer at Binghamton University. Participants will engage in the Climate Change Quilt Movement, an initiative aimed at revitalizing conversations surrounding climate change from the local to the national level.
Through quilt-making and dialogue, participants will explore not only the science of climate change but also the emotions, motivations, and social dynamics that shape how people respond to it. Quilts have long been used to tell stories, preserve history, and bring communities together. In this project, each quilt square represents a personal connection, story, and advocacy on climate change.
During the two-hour workshop, participants will learn about the origins of the Climate Change Quilt Movement. They will then have the opportunity to create their own quilt squares. No sewing experience is required, and all materials will be provided.
As attendees stitch, write, and reflect, conversations will naturally emerge about personal values, local concerns, and the kinds of futures they want to help shape. Mischen brings a variety of academic expertise, lived experience, and research to the conversation. She engages in research that focuses on sustainability in rural areas and, in particular, what motivates individuals to engage in sustainable behaviors.
Beyond her academic and administrative roles, Mischen practices sustainability in her everyday life. She and her husband, Joe Palka, run a small organic farm in Vermont. This combination of scholarship, leadership, and hands-on experience shapes the Climate Change Quilt Project’s emphasis on action that is both personal and collective.
The workshop is not intended as a one-time event, but as a starting point. One of the key goals is to explore how the Climate Change Quilt Movement could draw inspiration at the University of Kentucky. The project offers a way for students from all majors and backgrounds to engage with climate issues without needing prior expertise. Whether you are deeply involved in sustainability work or simply looking for a meaningful way to engage, this event offers a welcoming space to learn, reflect, and contribute.
