We are the most diverse city in the U.S. We belong to each other.
Dear Compassionate Houston Community and Friends,
Throughout this year, may we continue to cultivate compassion and clarity in all that we do. With strength, wisdom, and shared purpose, let’s work together to heal our communities and foster hope, peace, and genuine connection. Join us in our ongoing theme: "Exploring the Best in Ourselves and Each Other."
Thank you for walking this journey with us—and for helping make 2025 a year of meaningful impact.
WelcomING New Partner The Change Lab INC.
We are delighted to welcome The Change Lab as Compassionate Houston’s newest partner organizations.
The Change Lab is a community engagement dashboard built on the promise of E Pluribus Unum—out of many, one.
It provides information, access to learning, practical tools, and trusted resources to help you grow your skills and deepen your civic life. From DIY activities and podcasts to events and community tools, The Change Lab makes it easy to take action on the issues you care about. Whether you're just starting out or already involved, it meets you where you are—and helps you take the next step.
Get Started → Get Informed → Get Involved → Get Activated
Upcoming Programs 2025
Registration for Fall Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) is now open!
Our fall CIT course kicks off Tuesday, September 9—a 10-week transformative learning journey designed to deepen understanding, empathy, and connection. How it Works: The course is divided into three interconnected parts, with a weeklong break in between each series, allowing time for reflection and integration of the content and practices.
Part 1: Cultivating personal compassion
Part 2: Strengthening interpersonal relationships
Part 3: Expanding compassion within communities and systems
Through 10 dynamic modules, you gain practical skills to foster meaningful change within yourself, your relationships to others and the world around you. Space is limited to 20 participants—register now to embark on this interactive and transformative journey!
Started Thursday, August 7
Reading Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times by Gregory Boyle
Seasonal Book Study
August 7, 14, 21 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM (Zoom)
Register by August 5!
Our summer book study choice was inspired by our spring exploration of Father Boyle’s *Tattoos on the Heart* and the transformative experience of hearing him speak in person. His powerful message of kinship, love, and community resonated deeply during our recent annual fundraiser luncheon. His ability to blend joy and laughter with profound stories is evident in his writings and personal storytelling.
In his latest book, Boyle invites readers to embrace a radical vision of unity—one where love is not just an ideal but a lived experience. www.simonschuster.com
August Meditate & Connect:
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 12-12:30 PM.
Topic: Lovingkindess Serves Us All. Registration Deadline: Monday, August 18 at 7:00pm.
Meditate & Connect with Marci
Join us for Marci Sharif’s virtual 30-minute self-care circle in honor of World Humanitarian Day on Tuesday, August 19, where we cultivate compassion—beginning with ourselves and expanding outward to embrace loved ones, communities, and those affected by hardship worldwide.
Through a guided lovingkindness meditation, we will nurture a sense of connection, holding space for humanitarians on the ground and all beings. Our practice will flow into a gentle reflection: How might I serve today—even in the smallest way? Presence, listening, and nonjudgment can be powerful forms of service, reminding us that compassion benefits both giver and receiver. Come as you are, leave with a renewed heart. 💛
PS. We are taking a break in July.
Each month offers a fresh experience through engaging practices and multi-sensory contemplations including mindful writing, meditation, movement, and visualization. Every gathering provides an opportunity to reflect and share in a safe, supportive environment.
Sign the Charter for Compassion
Compassionate Houston was inspired by the Charter for Compassion. Its principles of treating others with respect; encouraging appreciation of cultural and religious diversity; and cultivating an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings were our aspirational foundation.
How can you get started, where do you find information, how do you stay connected so you can become one of our trailblazers?
Check out our “Compassion AT YOUR FINGERTIPS” page.
Grow With Us
Tell us how we can support you and collaborate to grow the compassionate culture of Houston through awareness, education, community, and service.
Throughout the year, we are launching programs, opportunities, and service projects that address Compassionate Houston’s main objectives. We want to connect most effectively with you and your needs. Please fill out our survey by clicking on the button “Individual Survey.”
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”