The Week at RETURN ON MEANING: our experience

What is The Week?

The Week is an event format created by Frederic Laloux and Hélène Gérin that focuses on the climate crisis. Over the course of three sessions, participants engage in a shared group experience by watching a one hour film in each session, followed by a joint reflection. The aim is to develop a deeper understanding of the climate crisis and to reflect on one’s own scope for action, both individually and collectively.

How did we implement The Week?

What prompted us to bring The Week to RETURN ON MEANING was attending the premiere of the German translation of The Week films. We were convinced by the idea behind The Week and wanted to test the concept ourselves.

Although The Week, as the name suggests, is actually designed for three sessions within a single week, we chose a weekly rhythm because it integrates more easily into our working routines. We had also heard from other organizations that this model had proven effective for them as well.

We therefore invited our employees, their friends and families, and our wider network to watch the films together and discuss them afterwards. We implemented the format in a hybrid setting, which worked well. In addition, we combined each session with a shared dinner, which created a relaxed and trusting atmosphere. The result was a series of deep conversations in which we were also able to face the emotional challenges surrounding the climate topic. The discussions often continued late into the evening, which for us was a clear sign of how much the format inspired and moved us.

Our experiences and reflections

What impressed us most was that The Week creates a setting in which one feels less helpless and more motivated to take action. Despite some challenging insights and emotional moments, the experience gave us a great deal of energy and left us feeling connected with people around the world who are committed to the same issues.

The way the films are designed aims to engage all participants, regardless of their prior knowledge. While this means that not every scientific detail is explored in depth, all of us still learned something new. Above all, however, The Week offers a protected space for open exchange about concerns, hopes, and concrete action. This personal exchange was, for us, the true heart of the format.

Would you like to try The Week yourselves?

All information on how to implement The Week in your organization or in a private setting can be found on the official website: https://www.theweek.ooo

There, different options are explained depending on the size and structure of your organization or group.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our experience, feel free to contact us at: nachhaltigkeit@returnonmeaning.com

We are delighted whenever more people discover The Week and continue moving with us toward a more sustainable future.

Many thanks to everyone who joined us on this journey. We are looking forward to taking further steps together toward a more sustainable future.