Our final book study of 2026 features Mattering, a research‑rich and deeply human exploration of what it means to feel valued and able to contribute. Reading together allows us to notice things we might miss alone. We’ll explore the everyday moments that help us feel visible, connected, and able to make a difference. Registration is now open > here.
Fall Compassionate Integrity Training Course
Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) returns this Fall with a new 10‑week cohort beginning September 15.
In a year marked by environmental concern, social tension, and political fatigue, CIT offers practical, research‑based skills for grounding, emotional awareness, compassion, and intentional action. Each cohort brings a fresh mix of perspectives and possibilities.
Acts of Kindness for America 250
Acts of Kindness for America 250 is a shared effort by Harris County Public Library, Compassionate Houston, and the Ismaili Council to honor a distinctly American ideal: that people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and institutions can work together for the common good.
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we celebrate not only historic milestones, but the everyday acts of kindness, generosity, and neighborliness that continue to shape our shared future. We invite you to join us — one small act at a time.
Click on each image to view it in full-size.
Houston Reaffirms Its Commitment as a Compassionate City
On May 5, Compassionate Houston was honored to stand before Mayor John Whitmire, Council Member Julian Ramirez, and the Houston City Council as the City reaffirmed its designation of Houston as a Compassionate City. This marks the third official proclamation recognizing Compassionate Houston’s work and the city’s ongoing commitment to compassion as a civic value.
Board President Pam Lewis addressed the Mayor and Council, joined by members of our Board of Directors, leaders from partner organizations, and dedicated supporters. She reflected on Houston’s long-standing leadership:
Following our founding in 2011, it was in 2013 that Houston first took the visionary step to affirm itself as a Compassionate City under the global Charter for Compassion. Since then, our network has grown to over 35 partner organizations, working, like you, to foster intercultural understanding, an informed empathy for all citizens, and collaborative solutions to our community’s needs.
Pam also emphasized that this reaffirmation is not only a celebration of the past but a commitment to the future:
This reaffirmation is more than a look back at the 15 years since our founding; it is a commitment to the next level of our engagement. It reminds us that, in this most diverse large city in the nation, we appreciate our shared humanity and our interdependence.
In closing, she offered gratitude on behalf of the entire network:
Mayor and Council members, we know that compassion is a value and a motivation, and that acting from it requires very wise discernment. We thank you for your willingness to serve our diverse community with thoughtful leadership, respectful dialogue, and a shared commitment to the well-being and dignity of all Houstonians.
Welcome new partner CHAS
A warm welcome to our newest partner, The Center for Healing Arts & Sciences, offering collaborative, alternative, and integrative healing resources, providing resources for spiritual discovery and enrichment, and inviting people into a loving, supportive community.
Luncheon Registration is now open
Our 2026 luncheon is now open for registration. Be part of an afternoon dedicated to courage, connection, and joyful change with keynote speaker Karen Walrond.
Save the Date: Our Annual Luncheon in May
Bright news for spring — our annual luncheon is set for May, with Karen Walrond as our featured speaker. Save the date and stay tuned for more!
“You don't focus on doing the right thing because of the results that may follow. You focus on doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do.” - Karen Walrond
New Meditate & Connect in 2026
Beginning this year, we’re excited to launch a new Meditate & Connect monthly series, partnering with a different partner organization each month. This rotating model will bring fresh voices, practices, and perspectives — all rooted in compassion and connection.
Our first session will be with Rev. Michael Gott on Wednesday, January 28 at noon. > Register here.
Welcome to 2026
Welcome to 2026.
This year, we’re choosing to find the good, put it in motion, and invite our community to add their voice. Together, we can grow the good across Houston and beyond.
Winter/Spring CIT Course Begins February 17
Starting February 17, our 10-week Winter/Spring CIT course offers a powerful action step toward growing the good in our world. Following the positive experience of our fall cohort, we look forward to welcoming participants from Houston and around the world this winter/spring. Detailed info and registration > here.
Compassion Without Borders: Insights from Our Fall CIT Course
Our fall Compassion Integrity Training course, meeting weekly for 10 weeks, came to a close on November 25. It was our most diverse cohort yet. Together, participants discovered the reality of our fundamental humanity across cultures and perspectives. We are deeply grateful for the trust and participation that made this course so meaningful. Watch out for dates for our Spring 2026 CIT course! Testimonials and reviews are posted to our CIT landing page shortly.
1st Quarter Seasonal Book Study in February
Co‑sponsored by our partner, Insight Meditation Houston, we’ll explore All in This Together: Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World, the latest work by psychologist and author Jack Kornfield, co-founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center and one of the most influential voices in modern mindfulness.
Discussions will be held on four Thursdays in February (5, 12, 19, 26) from 7:00–8:30 PM on Zoom. All are welcome—> register now!
We are hiring!
Virtual Communications Assistant (Contract, 20 hrs./month)
$20/hour | Remote | Reports to VP of Communications | Starts January 1, 2026
Help grow a culture of compassion in Greater Houston.
At Compassionate Houston, we’re all about sparking kindness and connection. If you’re energized by purposeful work in the community and bring a sharp eye and skills for creative design that make our message pop, we’d love to connect.
Position Overview
We’re seeking a creative, emotionally intelligent Virtual Communications Assistant to support digital outreach, event promotion, and partner engagement. This 20‑hour/month contract role is ideal for someone detail‑oriented, design‑savvy, and resourceful, with strong communication skills and a heart for community‑building.
Charter for Compassion 2.0
On November 12, sixteen years after the original Charter for Compassion launched in 2009, the Charter for Compassion unveiled the Charter 2.0, a renewal of Karen Armstrong’s timeless vision.
Accompanying the launch of Charter 2.0 is The Practical Guide to Compassion 2.0 — a living manual for those who wish to turn compassion into measurable, lasting change.
Charter for Compassion 2.0 is not a new document — it is a new movement. Click below to learn more, read the full text, and download the Charter 2.0 Guidebook.
Compassion Week 2025 is almost here!
Our biggest Compassion Week ever, with 20 heartfelt events! What a way to celebrate our 10th Compassion Week anniversary! Now it’s time to explore and register for what sparks your interest. Some programs invite you to come as you are without registration. We look forward connecting November 10-16! > Explore Compassion Week here!
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.
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. 💙