We are the most diverse city in the U.S. We belong to each other.
Honoring Dr. James Doty
It is with deep gratitude and sorrow that we remember Dr. James Doty—a visionary in the global compassion movement, and a cherished friend to Compassionate Houston.
As founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, Dr. Doty pioneered the Cultivating Compassion Training (CCT), which deeply shaped our organization’s roots. In 2013, Compassionate Houston’s founder, the late Rev. Betty Adam became a certified CCT facilitator, teaching the course to many, including our current and former board members. Through this training, Dr. Doty’s work became interwoven into our leadership and our mission.
His book Into the Magic Shop sparked yet another ripple of impact. Inspired by its message, board chair Pam Lewis began facilitating book studies and engaged the first book study group in writing a Q & A section for the book’s website. Dr. Doty was delighted!
His generosity of spirit led our board to invite him as our 2017 Annual Luncheon speaker, where his presence filled the room and deeply moved the audience. He also gave a powerful Grand Rounds presentation at MD Anderson on the role of compassion in medicine, bringing heart and healing into a clinical space.
We continued to witness his generosity at the 2019 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto, where he extended his support to the Charter for Compassion and warmly engaged our Houston delegation.
In 2020, he joined Compassionate Houston’s Advisory Board and gifted us a memorable interview with fellow Advisory Board member Sean Fitzpatrick—shared during our virtual Compassion Week at the height of the pandemic.
Whether standing before a crowd or speaking into a camera, Dr. Doty was a beacon—reminding us that compassion is not just a virtue, but a transformative force. His insight, warmth, and fearless advocacy for kindness in the face of adversity will continue to inspire our path forward.
Dr. Doty, you are deeply missed. And your magic lives on.
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.
Celebrating a New Partnership: Covenant Church Houston Joins Compassionate Houston
We are delighted to welcome Covenant Church Houston to our growing circle of Compassionate Houston partner organizations.
Located in Houston’s vibrant Museum District, Covenant Church has nurtured a bold, inclusive faith community since 1965. Emerging during the Civil Rights Era, they have long centered compassion as a guiding principle—affirming the sanctity, dignity, and equality of all people, and honoring the diverse ways individuals experience and express the divine.
As an ecumenical, progressive Baptist congregation, Covenant stands as a beacon for those seeking spiritual authenticity, justice, and love in action. Their open and affirming atmosphere encourages questions, cherishes children, and honors every unique path on the journey of faith.
We deeply resonate with their vision and values, and we’re grateful to stand together in pursuit of a more compassionate and connected city. Welcome, Covenant Church. We are so glad you’re here.
Thank you for Celebrating Compassion with us!
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for Compassionate Houston’s Annual Fundraiser Luncheon 2025! It was a truly remarkable day, filled with inspiration, connection, and a powerful message of compassion and kinship from Father Gregory Boyle.
His words reminded us of the transformative power of standing with others—not to fix, but to be changed by them. As we reflect on this special gathering, we want to express our profound appreciation to our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and all of you who contributed to making this event so meaningful.
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!
SUmmer 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.”