Title: "Nurturing Love: A Journey of Eco-Social Workers in Virtual Mutual Aid Group"

Abstract:This roundtable presentation delves into the transformative experiences of eco-social workers across the United States who formed an environmental virtual mutual aid group. The authors, as active members of this group, will share their insights into employing a problem-solving process that emphasizes collaboration, reflective questioning, and storytelling as a means to address community-level environmental challenges and, indirectly, challenges related to climate grief, community trauma, and professional identity confusion. The discussion will illuminate the benefits of this problem-solving approach, including deeper connections within the group and self-discovery. As a group, the authors will reflect on common struggles that came up during the process and how the problem-solving process allows for validation and restoration through shared experiences. Challenges encountered, such as the need for a measured pace aligned with the group's dynamics, will also be explored. The presentation will conclude with a reflection on the ripple effect observed within the group, empowering individuals to carry the problem-solving process to various contexts and fostering increased confidence to advocate for and discuss climate change issues with others. This roundtable provides a unique lens into the potential of the problem solving process for eco-social workers and their vital role in fostering a united front against climate change.