Please note: this an ever-evolving, and by no means comprehensive list of resources to help guide you.

I do my best to keep things updated, but if you notice any links that are broken, resources that have changed, or you have a resource you would love to see added here, send me an email at julia{at}the-last-thing.com.

Many (most) of these resources I have used myself, and all of the books I have read. I have noted anywhere that I have any conflicts of interest.

Groups, Discussions, & Journals

  • Death Chats for Young People

    Zoom and in-person chats led by yours truly. All spaces are for people 18-49, though some will have specific affinity groups for AYA cancer (general and advanced/stage 4). Stay tuned for more info about these!

  • Death Cafes

    Started in England, people gather together to drink tea, eat cake, and talk about death + dying. Death Cafes are available all over the world in-person and on Zoom.

  • "I Will Die: A Creative Journal For Mortals"

    This paperback booklet by Jessica Featherly is a great way to explore how you feel about all different aspects about death + dying. From fear of death to planning and beyond, her prompts encourage you to write, doodle, and otherwise get creative about how you reflect on the questions.

Decks, Games, and Conversation Starters

  • The Death Deck / The EOL Deck

    The Death Deck is a party, card game that helps open up conversations around death + dying in a fun manner. Even if you don't play the game as is, the cards make great journal prompts. The EOL Deck is a tool for caregivers, families, and healthcare providers.

  • Lantern

    Lantern partnered with Forneret Co who helps facilitate conversations about death + dying at work. Lantern also offers grief and end-of-life planning for work (think part of your benefits). Their website also has great resources.

  • The Art of Difficult Conversations: End In Mind

    End in Mind offers a program called "the art of difficult conversations" that use arts to help facilitate difficult conversations. From fine arts to dance to performance of all kinds, they foster the space to explore.

  • Have The Talk of a Lifetime

    This deck is all about starting the conversations with loved ones about death and dying. The deck explores, memorable events, people, places, values, and lessons.

  • Marie Curie Talkabout Conversation Cards

    UK ONLY: Colorful deck full of conversations starters about death and dying.

  • The Conversation Game™

    This conversation starter deck has instructions for using the cards individually and in pairs. UK-based but ship outside of the UK for a flat rate.

Death Positive Organizations + Individuals

  • Endwell

    Endwell "is a nonprofit dedicated to the belief that all people should experience the end of life in a way that matches their values and goals." They have great resources for preparing for end-of-life, and hold an annual conference.

  • Center for Conscious Living & Dying

    This organization offers direct care, education, and resources. "The mission of CCLD is to create a community that embodies living a meaningful life through inner exploration and growth, service, and community-supported end-of-life care."

  • End In Mind

    End In Mind is an organization focused on "empowering people to proactively prepare for their death, so they are inspired to live a more fearless, intentional life today."

  • Alica Forneret - Forneret Co

    An absolute force in the grief and death space. She is the founder of a non-profit called PAUSE, and has her hands in a variety of other organizations. She specializes in creating spaces for people to explore grief and grieving, and particularly a voice for Communities of Color.

Death Doulas + Midwives

  • Going With Grace

    Going With Grace (full disclosure, where I did my death doula training) has a great directory to help connect you with a death doula. Alua offers great options for connecting to your own mortality through courses and workshops.

  • A Sacred Passing

    A Sacred Passing is a Washington State based organization offering online programming alongside a beautiful home called Asphodel that is a space to "gather in grief, in joy, in life and death," and also a space for people to die, literally.

  • Death Doula LA

    Jill Schock started DDLA and offers events, workshops, doula training, and death doula services.

  • The Death Midwife

    The Death Midwife offers services, a death midwife directory to connect with EOL support, and education + trainings.

Mortality is the one thing we all share