An **Empath** in the context of progressive activist groups, particularly from the era of Occupy Wall Street onwards, is a facilitation role within group meetings and assemblies.
The Empath is tasked with paying attention to the emotional climate of the group and the wellbeing of participants, especially during long or tense sessions. This role emerged alongside other facilitation practices designed to support horizontal, consensus-based decision making.
The Empath differs from roles such as the Facilitator or Note Taker in that they focus less on process mechanics and more on the human dynamics present in the gathering.
Empaths may call attention to moments when participants appear tired, excluded, or overwhelmed, and can suggest breaks, pauses, or shifts in tone. They may also intervene gently if conflict escalates or if someone seems to be dominating the discussion at the expense of others’ comfort.
The rise of the Empath role reflects the influence of practices from feminist, Quaker, and nonviolent organizing traditions that emphasize care, listening, and shared responsibility. It was often considered an experiment in collective emotional intelligence, highlighting the need to balance strategy and logistics with the human experience of organizing.
Empaths were not always present in every meeting, and the role was sometimes informal or rotated among participants. In some groups the role was blended with that of a Vibes Watcher, a similar practice found in activist culture that attends to the group’s energy and morale.
# See
- Vibes Watcher and Zaphod