How to Host a Dinner Rooted in Climate Optimism and Change

On May 23rd, 2025, tucked into the lush greens of Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Massachusetts, something quietly powerful unfolded. Under the name Forage Forward, we gathered for an evening of connection, intention, and reimagined climate narratives.

It was an evening for change.

While the rain gently fell outside, we gathered in a beautifully restored historic barn, transformed for the evening into a space of warmth, creativity, and shared purpose. The weather didn’t dampen our spirits; it only deepened our sense of wonder and made everything more felt: the smells, the sounds, the presence of nature.

It was (yes) quite the magic we had prayed for.

But this wasn’t just a dinner. It was a guided experience designed to shift the way we talk about—and relate to—climate change. The purpose was (as the mission of The Climate Optimist goes) to shift the narrative on climate change so that we can act with courage and excitement, not fear.

Whether you joined us in person or are just discovering this now, this post is both a recap and an invitation: to host your own climate-hope-filled gathering, wherever you are.

The barn was creatively directed by Lauren Fritscher of Berskhire Muse. Photo: Abigail Fenton.

The Vision Behind Forage Forward

The purpose was simple yet profound: To bring people together, immerse ourselves in nature, and shift the conversation on climate change.

Too often, climate dialogue is framed in doom and dread. With this feast, we wanted to flip the script and invite new narratives. By sharing a meal in a setting that celebrated natural abundance, we explored what it means to move from fear to agency, from overwhelm to joyful participation, unpacking the practices of climate optimism.

Setting the Scene

The evening began with a nature walk and mingle, led by local experts and friends of the land. With binoculars in hand, we went foraging for friends, meaning — the birds and beavers of Mass Audubon.

Afterward, we stepped into the historic barn, decorated for the occasion with locally foraged flowers, soft lighting, and note cards at every seat—each one inviting reflection on climate optimism and intention. The table itself became a canvas for connection.

The vegetarian meal, prepared by Leah Guadagnoli of Fancy Feast Supper Club, was locally sourced and foraged, celebrating the flavors of the season and the region. We paired it with sustainable, biodynamic wine from Dare Bottleshop in Lenox, Massachusetts.

The creative ambiance was brought to life by Lauren of Berkshire Muse, who tapped into themes of history and our love for nature.

A Climate Conversation Worth Having

I had the joy of co-hosting the dinner alongside youth activist Ollie Perrault and nature guide Becky Cushing, where we led an interactive experience centered around three core narrative shifts (see below). These ideas serve as guideposts for anyone looking to engage with climate action through the lens of hope and imagination.

Speaker: Anne Therese Gennari of The Climate Optimist. Photo: Abigail Fenton

The 3 Narrative Shifts:

1. Responsibility → Opportunity

Rather than seeing climate action as a burden, reframe it as a thrilling opportunity to co-create new norms, cultures, and futures. Let passion—not guilt—fuel your commitment.

2. Minimize → Maximize

Don’t just strive to shrink your carbon footprint. Ask: How can I make a positive difference? Focus on maximizing your positive footprint—what you bring, build, and inspire.

3. Old World → New World

We’re not here to “save” a crumbling world—we're here to build something new. We’re the first generation with the tools and awareness to intentionally shape a regenerative future.

That’s not a burden—it’s an invitation.

The Three Narrative Shifts by The Climate Optimist.

A Book, Yes, But Mostly — An Invitation

The Climate Optimist is a Handbook, filled with stories and invitations to shift the narratives on the stories we tell ourselves. More than anything, it’s an open invitation: to look at our climate challenge with a new lens and recognize our many opportunities to spark positive change.

Maybe the pave forward will unlock a world that isn’t just different, but better? What does it look like to tell and believe in that story?

How to Host Your Own Climate Optimist Dinner

You don’t need a sanctuary or a historic barn to recreate this kind of experience. Here are some steps to guide you:

• Choose a space that feels meaningful – a backyard, a local hall, a park, or even your own living room. The space isn’t the most important; it’s the feeling you create.

• Serve local, plant-based food with intention. Even better if some of it is foraged or sourced from nearby producers. Invite people to new culinary experiences and plant seeds of change.

• Include elements of reflection and conversation – use note cards, prompts, or group questions to open hearts and minds. This is a great way of infusing a narrative without having to “lecture”.

• Collaborate with others who bring unique perspectives—artists, activists, chefs, musicians, storytellers. Memorable aspects like these will anchor your message deeper, using positive associations and feel-good environments.

• Design the experience with care – from the table settings to the music to the lighting. Joy and beauty are forms of climate action, too!

Food: Leah Guadagnoli of Fancy Feast Supper Club. Photo: Abigail Fenton

A Final Note

Forage Forward was, at its heart, a living story. A reminder that climate action can be relational, joyful, and deeply human. The idea first came to life when Abigail, Lauren, and I sat down for a coffee at a local shop back in January. We wanted to bring together community in the spirit of climate optimism, and we knew all the pieces had to align — from the food to the location and everyone involved.

How it all finally came together, we understood our mission was guided all along!

If this sparked something in you, we invite you to take the idea and make it your own. Let’s keep planting seeds of change, one table, one story, and one shared meal at a time.

*If you need inspiration, get a copy of The Climate Optimist Handbook and dive into the many ways we can shift the narrative together!

Thank you to everyone who showed up in the rain, in hope, and in belief that we can do things differently. The next one is already blooming in our minds.

Lauren, Anne Therese and Abigail were the planners and organizers of the event.

The photos of the event were taken by visual storyteller and photographer Abigail Fenton.