Partner & Community Events
To further Compassionate Houston's collaboration with local partner organizations, the Charter for Compassion, and our larger friend network of compassionate artists and organizations, we are sharing a variety of events highlighting our commitment to creating a compassionate city through education, innovation, collaboration, and advocacy. Enjoy inspiring virtual programs and in-person events. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a multitude of ongoing practice groups. You can also check the Charter for Compassion and our Partners’ websites for more happenings.
Awakening With Birds: A 3-Day Retreat Experience
houston zen center
Friday, March 27 at 5:00 PM (CT) - Sunday, March 28 at 2:00 PM (CT)
What is it like to share our lives with birds? What can we learn from this observation? Join Tricia McFarlin and Stuart Nelson for a weekend on the rural grounds of a Zen retreat center, practicing meditation and observing birds. Both Tricia and Stuart are lifelong naturalists.
The days will include vegetarian meals, meditation in the Zendo (meditation hall) along with outdoor walks and stationary observation of the birds of Chappell Hill, Texas. The Texas Blackland Prairie is a rich ecoregion characterized by various wildflower, grass, and hardwood species and is home to many upland wildlife species. Using our senses, we have a chance to witness hawks, songbirds, sparrows, vultures, wrens, and more - we will be surprised!
For retreat details or to register, click here.
Pet Food & Supplies Donations
Unity of houston
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
On the last Sunday of the month, Unity of Houston collects donations for a pet food bank, typically benefiting Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Animeals program. You can find the collection bin at our Sanctuary courtyard drive-thru. Please bring non-perishable dog & cat food items and supplies. Cash donations are also gratefully received. And if you need pet food, please stop by.
No registration required. For more information, click here.
Nonviolence: An Eternal Power – Workshop
Eternal Gandhi Museum in collaboration with MetTa Center for nonvioloence
Saturday, April 11, 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM (includes lunch)
What does it look like to root our lives in nonviolence—in ourselves, our communities, and the world we share? This free workshop explores nonviolence as both inner peace and a powerful force for social and environmental change. Through reflection, dialogue, and a shared viewing of The Third Harmony: Nonviolence and the New Story of Human Nature, participants will explore how courage, compassion, and connection can awaken a different kind of power grounded in human dignity.
A beautiful opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow together.
Walking in the Footsteps of an Awakened Heart
the jung center’s mind body spirit institute
Saturday, April 18, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Learn how to step gently and gracefully to an awakened heart—to a heart that can open to all that is arising with kindness and compassion, beyond our fears and without judgment. Through mindfulness meditation, writing, drawing, and reflection, participants will learn to reconnect with openness, kindness, and presence. Guided by Dr. Manizeh Mirza-Gruber, the session cultivates compassion, faith, and self-love.
For more information or to register, click here.
2026 Neighborhood Community Day
the rothko chapel
Saturday, April 18, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of free art, music, poetry, and family activities in celebration of our vibrant neighborhood. Participating organizations include: DACAMERA, Houston Center for Photography, Inprint, The Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Writers in the Schools (WITS), and Watercolor Art Society.
For more information or to register, click here.
Rosenwald Film Screening and Tour
center for the healing of racism
Sunday, April 19, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Join for a tour of a Rosenwald school and museum along with a screening of the film Rosenwald, a documentary about how Jewish philanthropist Julius Rosenwald who rose to head Sears, partnered with Booker T Washington to build 5,400 Southern schools in African American communities during the Jim Crow era. There will also be a post-show dialogue!
For more information or to register, click here.
Earth Day Quaker Barter Fair
live oak friends
Saturday, April 25, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Come see how The Quaker testimonies of Simplicity, Community and Stewardship encourage Friends to find creative ways to support each other without using money at this family-friendly fair. Enjoy crafts, games, music, and more!
Spring 2026 Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event
houston peace & justice center
Sunday, April 26, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Calling people of all faiths or no faith at all in Houston to care for our shared environment during Earth Month! We will engage in hands-on environmental stewardship at the Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve, with a variety of hands-on tasks suitable for all ages & skill levels. Tools/supplies will be provided.
For more information or to register, click here.
Meditative Moment for Families with Align Mind
the rothko chapel
Saturday, May 2, 11:00 AM
This family-friendly mindfulness meditation combines animal-themed yoga poses, breathing exercises, and creative intention-setting through drawing! The session concludes with a child-centered meditation designed to ease anxiety, reduce negative self-talk, and cultivate gratitude.
For more information or to register, click here.
Gather at the Table: A Conscious Dinner on Belonging
the jung center’s mind body spirit institute
Saturday, May 2, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join us at an intimate, conscious Ayurvedic dinner gathering where we explore meaningful connections with ourselves and others. Through shared food, soulful conversation, and reflective prompts, we’ll create space for honest dialogue, deep listening, and authentic human connection.
For more information or to register, click here.
Sangha Day at Auspicious Cloud: Zen Retreat Center
houston zen center
Saturday, May 9, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Welcome the plants and birds of spring and summer at Auspicious Cloud Zen Retreat Center. Shinji Mary Carol Edwards and Abbot Gaelyn will work together with everyone to care for the land and buildings. There will be mulching, working in the labyrinth, weeding, window cleaning, and walks through the grove.
2026 NAMIWalks Greater Houston
national alliance on mental illness (nami)
Saturday, May 16, 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
NAMIWalks is NAMI’s oldest signature fundraising program. United by our unique experiences, journeys, and stories, NAMIWalks is a powerful celebration of individuals living with mental illness, their families, loved ones, and the communities that support them.
For more information or to register, click here.
Family Fun Day
unity of houston
Sunday, May 17, 12:20 PM – 2:00 PM
Join Unity of Houston for their Family Fun Day! Enjoy food, crafts, and time with the community. All families are invited to attend and celebrate the light within.
For more information or to register, click here.
The Illumination Dinner
the institute for spirituality and health
Tuesday, May 19, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
This event features keynote speaker Dr. Sunita Puri, Director of UC Irvine Palliative Care and author of the acclaimed memoir That Good Night. A Rhodes Scholar and global speaker, Dr. Puri explores how compassionate language empowers patients and physicians to navigate the complexities of living and dying.
For more information or to register, click here.
Ongoing Partner Practice Groups
Join us as we collaborate with our partners to explore a variety of compassion-based practices, engage in acts of service, develop community, and share the challenges and celebrations that occur when we apply the practice in our daily lives. Whether through mindful presence or meaningful action, each pathway invites us to deepen connection and cultivate compassion across our communities. Please click on any image below for details on the applicable program. Check our partner’s websites for updates on in-person versus virtual attendance.
