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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 💙
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
