If your New Year's resolution is to get more involved in activism, then the Thomas Merton Center has some activities for you in January.

The first is the center's Environmental Justice Community Rights Workshop from 6 to 9 p.m. Fri., Jan. 4, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat., Jan. 5, at the Friends Meeting House, 4836 Ellsworth Ave. in Oakland

The workshop will take an in-depth look at the state's political and legal structure, which the center says has been set up to protect "the interests of an elite minority, at the expense of the majority of Pennsylvanians." Participants will also consider creating a Pennsylvania constitution that protects the rights of people, communities and nature by local self-government.

To register, or find more information, visit the Environmental Justice website.

The second event is the Resilience Circle Facilitator Training through the center's local chapter of the New Economy Working Group.

A Resilience Circle is a small group that works together on strategies and group actions for navigating challenges in today’s economic times. The circle will have three purposes: learning, mutual aid and social action. Attendees will go home with greater confidence in their ability to convene and "hold space" for a small local group to work together on mutual support and resilience-building.

The Resilience Circle will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Jan. 5, at a location to be determined.

Cost is $15 per person for the day, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds; contact [email protected] if this fee is a hardship. You can register here.