Weekly Compass: Empathy
Walking in Their Shoes
Welcome to this week’s Weekly Compass, where we shine a spotlight on a single value and explore how it can guide our everyday decisions and actions. Each issue includes a brief reflection, group discussion prompts, and a practical “take action” step—perfect for families, small groups, or personal study.
Our focus this week is Empathy. Together, we’ll explore how this simple yet powerful skill can bring us closer to one another, especially in times when misunderstandings and divisions feel more common than ever. Empathy is about truly caring—stepping outside our own heads to see the world through someone else’s eyes, even if only for a moment. Whether it’s a friend going through a tough time or a stranger facing an unexpected hardship, empathy gives us the ability to connect, understand, and ultimately offer more meaningful support.
We’ll talk about the different ways empathy shows up in our daily lives—like recognizing a friend’s stress at school or a neighbor’s silent struggles—and how tuning into others’ feelings can spark acts of kindness that ripple through our communities. By the end of this issue, we hope you’ll feel not just inspired but also prepared to make empathy a more natural part of your routine, helping to create an environment where compassion and unity are the norms rather than the exceptions.
If you’re ready, let’s dive in!
Key Objectives
[Parents and discussion leaders]: Please review the following objectives and explanation about why they matter. During your discussion time, you can read these to everyone verbatim, put them in your own words, or simply skip them and start with the opening reflection while keeping these in mind.
Objectives for this discussion:
Define Empathy Clearly: Understand empathy as “trying to understand how someone else feels, especially when they are hurt or scared.”
Highlight Empathy’s Role in Morals & Ethics: Recognize that empathy helps us see the impact of our actions by relating to those who are harmed, laying the groundwork for moral behavior.
Stress Empathy’s Relevance in Turbulent Times: Realize how empathy counters fear and division, especially in authoritarian or oppressive environments.
Encourage Real-World Application: Brainstorm ways to practice empathy daily to overcome our innate selfishness and foster unity.
Why These Objectives Matter
[Read aloud, optional]: Empathy isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling we keep tucked away for close friends and family—it’s our way of stepping into someone else’s shoes, especially when they’re struggling or afraid. By really trying to understand what someone else is going through, we can see how our words or actions might either help or hurt. That’s how empathy naturally supports good moral behavior: once we recognize how someone is affected, it’s a lot harder to ignore their pain or pretend everything’s fine.
In times when society feels like it’s being pulled apart by fear and suspicion, empathy can become the glue holding us together. It counters division by reminding us of our shared humanity—no matter our differences. And it’s not just an abstract virtue, either. We can practice empathy in real, tangible ways: listening without judgment, offering genuine help when we see someone struggling, or simply thinking, “If I were in their place, how would I feel?” Each small act like that pushes back against our own selfish tendencies and helps build unity where it’s needed most.
Opening Reflection
[Parents and discussion leaders]: Read paragraph 1 below and then select either Option 1 or Option 2 of paragraph 2, based upon the make-up of your family or discussion group. This should be read out loud as an opening reflection.
Paragraph 1:
Empathy is all about trying to see the world through someone else’s eyes, especially when they’re hurt, worried, or feeling left out. It’s one of our most important human skills because it helps us understand each other better, build stronger friendships, and step in when we notice someone in need. When we learn to imagine how others feel, we become more caring and more connected to our families, friends, and communities.
Paragraph 2 (Option 1; Child-Friendly):
Picture a time when a friend at school was upset—maybe another kid said something mean, or they felt left out during a game. If you stop and think, “Wow, that would make me sad or scared too,” it becomes easier to decide what to do. You might say something kind, include them in your game, or tell an adult who can help. That’s empathy in action: looking at a problem through their eyes so you know the best way to be a good friend.
Paragraph 2 (Option 2; Adult-Oriented):
Imagine witnessing a colleague being unfairly blamed at work, or seeing someone experience discrimination in a store. It’s easy to walk away or stay quiet, but empathy pushes us to ask, “How would I feel if that were me?” By understanding their frustration or pain, we’re more motivated to step up—maybe by speaking out, offering support, or just being present. Empathy isn’t about pity; it’s about genuinely caring enough to engage and help find solutions.
Paragraph 3:
Empathy isn’t just a “nice-to-have” trait—it’s actually a powerful tool against fear and division. When we empathize with someone, we’re less likely to be swayed by arguments that try to separate us or turn us against each other. Real empathy means recognizing and standing up for each other’s dignity, because we understand—even if only a little bit—what it’s like to walk in their shoes.
Discussion Questions
[Parents and discussion leaders]: Explain that there are three questions you’ll be discussing together and encourage everyone to share their thoughts on each question. Select the appropriate group of questions from the selection below and go through them, one at a time, allowing ample time for discussion. You might also ask follow-up questions—like “Why do you think that?” or “Can you explain more?”—to help participants clarify their ideas and dig a little deeper. Remind everyone that there are no “wrong” answers here; we’re simply exploring the many ways courage can show up in our lives.
Brief Introduction to Read Aloud:
Now that we have an idea of what empathy looks like in everyday life, let’s dig a bit deeper with some questions. These will help us think about times when we noticed someone else’s feelings—or maybe missed a chance to connect. Each of these questions is designed for different age groups, so choose the ones that feel most helpful for your family or group. The important thing is to share honestly and really listen to each other’s stories. Sometimes, simply hearing someone else’s perspective can be the spark that helps us understand more—and care more—about what they’re going through.
Younger Children
Q1: “What does it feel like when someone really understands how you’re feeling?”
Q2: “Have you seen someone sad or scared at school or at home? What did you do?”
Q3: “What’s one way you can show kindness when a friend is upset?”
Teens/College Students
Q1: “Why do you think people are sometimes scared of showing empathy, especially toward those who are different from them?”
Q2: “Can you recall a time when empathy changed the outcome of a conflict at school or online?”
Q3: “How does sharing stories—through social media, news, or personal conversations—build empathy across different communities?”
Adults/General Audience
Q1: “How can empathy combat division or fear in our current social or political climate?”
Q2: “What are the challenges of empathizing with people who hold opposing views or values, and how can we address them productively?”
Q3: “When you reflect on a past conflict, how might a deeper sense of empathy have changed your response or the overall outcome?”
Take Action!
[Parents and discussion leaders]: Read the brief introduction below and then read the appropriate Weekly Challenge, or put it in your own words, if you prefer. Discuss the challenge to ensure everyone understands it. Ask everyone to commit to taking on this challenge!
Introduction to the Challenge:
It’s one thing to talk about empathy and understand why it matters, but it’s a whole other thing to actually use it in the real world. Let’s give ourselves a gentle push to notice when people around us might be going through a tough time—and then figure out a small way to help. Remember, even the tiniest act of kindness can make a big difference to someone who’s feeling upset, lonely, or stressed.
Weekly Challenge (Child-Oriented):
This week, pay attention when a friend, classmate, or neighbor looks sad or worried. Pause for a moment and try to imagine how they might be feeling. Then do something small to help—maybe a warm smile, a friendly comment, or an offer to share a game. Notice how things change when you show care and ask yourself, “Would I want someone to help me in this way if I felt the same?”
Weekly Challenge (Adult-Oriented):
Keep an eye out for one situation in your workplace, community, or home where someone appears to be struggling or discouraged. Pause and reflect on what their emotional state might be, then take one tangible step to offer support. It could be as simple as a quick chat, a thoughtful text, or lending a hand with a small task. Observe the response—both from the person you helped and within yourself—and see how empathy shapes your interaction.
Closing Thoughts
[Parents and discussion leaders]: To wrap up your discussion, read the quote below and the closing reflection, or ask someone else to read them to the group. If you are using the Weekly Compass with younger children, you may need to explain the closing reflection or simply put it in your own words.
“No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
– Often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt
“No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” This simple yet powerful statement—often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt—reminds us that all the knowledge in the world can’t build real connections if people don’t feel we genuinely understand or value them. Whether you’re an expert in your field or still learning the ropes, empathy is the bridge that helps your insights or contributions truly resonate with others.
In these turbulent times, practicing empathy can be our guiding light, showing us how to respond to fear and division with patience, compassion, and a willingness to see things from another’s point of view. By caring enough to step into someone else’s shoes—even briefly—we open the door to healthier relationships, stronger communities, and, most importantly, a more compassionate world. As you head into the next week, keep an eye out for opportunities to show empathy; then watch how these small, caring actions transform not only the people around you but also your own sense of fulfillment and connectedness.