Stages of Change Workshop — Helping Dairy Consumers Through Compassionate Conversations
At this interactive workshop, participants explored how empathy can turn everyday conversations about dairy and vegan living into opportunities for genuine connection. Led by Uncaged Heart Coach Mariquita Solis and Food for Life Instructor Linda Middlesworth, the session invited attendees to look beyond persuasion and toward understanding—meeting people exactly where they are on their journey toward change.
Mariquita walked participants through the Stages of Change model, showing how to recognize when someone is ready—or not quite ready—to take the next step toward plant-based living. Through group reflections and examples, she highlighted how small shifts in tone and language can open space for curiosity instead of defensiveness.
Linda complemented this with her own story of moving from dairy dependence to vegan advocacy, offering a heartfelt look at the challenges and breakthroughs along the way. Her honesty and humor underscored how authentic connection helps others feel supported, not judged.
Together, they offered practical strategies—from simple dairy-free swaps to empathy-based conversation tools—that help advocates guide others toward change with kindness and confidence.
Discover how empathy, timing, and tone can turn resistance into readiness.
Watch the full workshop video to learn how compassionate conversations can inspire real change.
Watch the full workshop video to learn how compassionate conversations can inspire real change.
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