Welcome Danielle Stagg to Our Board of Directors

We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Danielle Stagg to Compassionate Houston’s Board of Directors. As Division Chair and Speech faculty member at Houston Community College, Danielle brings a passion for empathy-driven education and community engagement. Her work with students on Project Kindness and her involvement in our Programs Committee reflect her deep commitment to cultivating compassion across Houston.

We invite you to join us in welcoming Danielle—and to learn more about her on our Board bio page > here.

Final Book Study 2025 on AWE by Dacher Keltner

Our October book study is here! Join us for AWE by Dacher Keltner, director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkely.

Keltner examines how experiences of awe can enhance wellbeing, foster social connections, and inspire creativity, drawing on scientific research and personal anecdotes to illustrate the transformative power of this profound emotion.

For details and registration click > here.

Welcoming new partner The Change Lab Inc

We’re delighted to welcome The Change Lab as our newest partner in compassion and civic engagement. Founded by David Brown, The Change Lab is a dynamic dashboard designed to help individuals and communities take meaningful action guided by the principle E Pluribus Unum (“Out of many, one”).

From DIY activities and podcasts to practical tools and trusted resources, The Change Lab empowers people to deepen their civic life and grow their skills—meeting each person where they are and helping them take the next step.

We’re excited to explore new ways to collaborate and amplify compassionate action across Greater Houston.

🔗 Learn more about The Change Lab

Dr. James Doty passed away on July 17, 2025

With compassion as our compass, we lovingly remember Dr. James R. Doty—a compassionate trailblazer, founder of CCARE at Stanford, and a beloved friend to Compassionate Houston.

From inspiring our book study group program to captivating audiences at our 2017 Luncheon, Dr. Doty’s generosity and insight touched every corner of our work.

His presence on our Advisory Board and participation in Compassion Week further strengthened our mission. His legacy lives on—in every act of kindness, and every heart awakened by compassion. Follow our tribute to Dr. Doty, including our interview on the Power of Empathy and Compassion, recorded during Compassion Week 2020 with Sean Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, The Jung Center of Houston. > Honoring Dr. James Doty.

Buy and Support Local

Blue Willow Bookshop—a cherished local gem and vendor for two consecutive years at our annual luncheon—is partnering with us for our seasonal book studies.

They are offering 15% off our seasonal books to all book study participants!

Here’s how to get your copy:

• In-store: Just mention you’re part of the Compassionate Houston book study.

• Online: Order → here. Be sure to write “Compassionate Houston book study” in the comments section to receive your discount.

• Pickup or shipping available!

Let’s read together, grow together, and support local while we’re at it. 💙

Welcoming new partner Covenant Church Houston

Join us in warmly welcoming Covenant Church Houston as our newest partner organization. A progressive, ecumenical congregation rooted in compassion and justice, Covenant embraces the dignity of every individual and the power of inclusive community. We’re excited to collaborate in fostering a more connected, compassionate Houston. Check out their website > here to learn more about them.

Registration open for Summer Book Study in August

Our summer book study builds on the inspiration of Father Boyle’s Tattoos on the Heart and the transformative experience of hearing him speak.

His powerful message of kinship, love, and community resonated deeply at our recent fundraiser luncheon. In his latest book, Boyle invites readers to embrace unity as a lived experience, not just an ideal.

Register > here for three consecutive Thursday evenings in August.

Countdown to Annual Luncheon with Father Boyle - Register Now

As a reminder, our venue (Junior League of Houston) requests the final attendance numbers and meal selections by May 14. We would greatly appreciate your registration before that deadline. For details and registration, click > here.

Our luncheon registration is live!

Join us on May 21 as we welcome Father Boyle, a Jesuit priest and the renowned founder of Homeboy Industries, who has spent over three decades uplifting those facing significant challenges like gang involvement, incarceration, and homelessness. Connect with compassionate individuals during our luncheon and be prepared to be awed by Father Boyle’s exuberant voice as an advocate for boundless compassion and our universal kinship.

Whether you purchase an individual ticket, make a donation, or sponsor a table, we would love to have you join us! Learn more about Father Boyle and register on our event page > here.

Mark Your Calendar - Spring Luncheon with Father Boyle

Please mark your calendar for our 2025 Spring Luncheon on May 21st. It will feature the incredible Father Gregory Boyle, Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries.

Prepare to be moved by his inspiring message of compassion and transformation. See our latest Email about Father Boyle > here.

>>> And here’s a special treat: Join our May book study on Father Boyle’s award-winning book “Tattoos on the Heart,” just three weeks prior to the luncheon. > RSVP here!

2nd Quarter Seasonal Book Study - May 2025

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion
by Gregory Boyle

Three consecutive Thursday evenings
May 1, 8, 15 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
(Zoom)

For two decades, Gregory Boyle's Homeboy Industries has combatted gang culture in LA's Boyle Heights. Tattoos on the Heart captures Boyle's experiences, turning them into profound parables on faith. These stories, woven with humor and generosity, illuminate the transformative power of unconditional love. (Source: Homeboy Industries)

Tattoos on the Heart has left a lasting impression on many readers with its unique blend of storytelling, spirituality, and social commentary. Praised by critics and readers alike, its themes of compassion, empathy and redemption are universally relatable.

New Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) Course starts March 4!

There is new importance now in our connecting and acting from positions that embrace science, values and integrity & character. That is also the mission of CIT! Join us in our spring class so that we can collectively spread these ideals both within our network and in our influences beyond.

Expanded Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Resources

Just in time for Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 9-15) and Random Acts of Kindness Day on Monday, February 17, we expanded our resources and invite you, individually or as an organization, to contribute through small acts of kindness projects, enriching the tapestry of our community life as creativity and compassion shine brightly! Head over to our > Resources page here for your RAK tool kit.

Finding Our Way Together in 2025

As we start a new year, we carry with us the beautiful sentiment expressed by Anita Kruse, founder and director of Purple Songs Can Fly, in her original song “HAND IN HAND -FACE TO FACE: “Let's find a place where we all connect, as our journeys merge with each searching step.” Let its melody and message resonate with you as we look forward to a new year filled with hope and connection.

Original Song Composed for Compassionate houston

Listen to and read the lyrics of an original song by songwriter Anita Kruse, founder and director of Purple Songs Can Fly.

> Listen to the heartfelt lyrics and melody

Collaboration with the Houston Food Bank

We are excited to collaborate with the Houston Food Bank by recruiting volunteers for their February 2nd Community Conversations Volunteer Shift which serves as the Food Bank’s event during the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week Greater Houston (February 1-10)

Please read more, register and meet us there for purposeful connection and sharing!

On Eventbrite’s program page, please scroll down and follow the Food Bank’s instructions to register online for a volunteer shift related to the event above. We appreciate your cooperation in using the online registration process instead of the red 'Get Ticket' button.

Volunteer for Project Kindness - Register by January 27

We are actively recruiting for Project Kindness 2025, a program designed to uplift the power of kindness and spread the message of shared humanity. If you are 65 or older, this program, now in its 5th year, might be a wonderful and rewarding way to start your new year. You will be paired with a Houston Community College Freshman student to explore kindness across generations over 10 weekly meetings. For details and to register, visit our program page > here.

Project Kindness begins February 3!

Welcome New Board Member Raymond Stubblefield

We are excited to welcome Raymond Stubblefield, a passionate advocate for social justice and community building, as our new board member. A native Houstonian, Raymond has dedicated over 30 years to educational leadership in underserved areas, earning recognition as principal of the year three times.

Meet Raymond

Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) Testimonial by Danielle Stagg

We are excited to share a testimonial by Danielle Stagg, a current participant in our Compassionate Integrity Training course. Danielle, a faculty member at Houston Community College, teaches a course on Interpersonal Communication emphasizing kindness and compassion. Hear Danielle share how she benefitted from the class, including her students, with whom she shared some of the content. Thank you, Danielle, for your kind words and supporting our Make a Difference fundraising campaign.

Make a Difference Fundraising Campaign is live!

We are excited to kick-start our Make a Difference Fundraising Campaign in concert with October 26, Make A Difference Day - a day that encourages all of us to step up, take action and make a positive impact in our communities. Will you support us? Have a look at our 5 (five) diverse programs, which are all about igniting compassion and making a real impact. > Learn more and GIFT Here!

Thank you!

‘Empathy Unveiled’ Art Reception 10/5/2024

What an incredible evening at the **Empathy Unveiled** art exhibition at The Jung Center of Houston, Texas. Last Saturday’s reception was a heartfelt celebration of creativity and compassion, drawing over 70 attendees who came to immerse themselves in the artists' visions.

We were honored to have three talented artists present, Anne-Bénédicte Houang, Kill Joy, and Victor Ancheta, sharing insights into their work and engaging in meaningful conversations with our guests.

Their live presentations brought the art to life, showcasing the power of empathy in every piece.

Thank you to everyone who joined and supported us in this beautiful celebration of art and connection. The exhibit, offered as the Jung Center’s Compassion Week program, is open and free to the public until November 14.