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Activism can be difficult, dangerous, and draining work. We are forced to juggle enormous workloads, chronic stress, and exposure to trauma. There seems to be a dangerous perception within the community that we must work to eradicate human rights abuses at the expense of our own health and well-being, and that a truly committed activist works to achieve their goals regardless of the personal costs. As a result, we are often hesitant to speak about our own stress, burnout, and secondary trauma. Not only is this damaging to our physical health (leading to heart disease, cancer, emotional breakdowns, and even suicide), it also has a significant impact on the effectiveness of our work. We are not able to create new strategies, analyze threats, or do our work to the best of our ability, because we are just plain exhausted! Jane Barry, in her article "What's the Point of the Revolution if We Can't Dance", proposes several strategies to improve activist sustainability:

1. Join forces with fellow activists

Comfort, safety, and healing lies in our relationships with other activists. Our common experiences allow us to share our painful stories, stressors, and exhaustion with others who understand what we are going through. It is crucial that we set aside time to talk, listen, and respond to each others' needs.

2. Cry

Hope Chigudu, a Zimbabwean activist, explained how one organization that deals with HIV/AIDS issues has a special "crying room" set aside for members to process the horrors they experience on a daily basis. We need to give ourselve permission to feel the sorrow and pain that comes with our work. Set aside some time for yourself to cry, process your emotions, and then let go. It can make a world of difference.

3. Spirituality

Whether it is spending time in nature, meditating, or attending a place of worship, spirituality can renew and recharge. Spirituality, in whatever form, takes us back to our deepest values and beliefs, reminding us of our passion and commitment to justice. It can bring peace, calm, and help to make sense of what is happening around us. Find whatever it is that centers you and brings you spiritual peace, even if it's just planting a flower garden. The goal is to find a way to center yourself, be reminded of your core values, and return to a loving world.

4. Incorporate sustainable practices into your daily schedule

• Take frequent breaks to stretch, drink some tea, or meditate.
• Keep work at the workplace.
• Budget time for reflection during the work week.
• If you are able to afford it, schedule a massage, reiki, Thai bodywork, pilates, yoga, or talk therapy.

5. Make the change

Take the time to contemplate what keeps you in balance. What brings you peace, tranquility, well-being, and renewal? Listen to your needs! We must challenge beliefs about what it means to be a "good" activist in the movement. It is time to start taking care of ourselves as much as we care for others. We cannot heal others until we have taken the time to heal ourselves.

The author of this wonderful article is Jane Barry, a New Tactics member. Jane is a human rights activist and author, specializing in the intersections of peace, security, and gender. Her most recent books include: "Insiste, Persiste, Resiste, Existe: Women Human Rights Defenders Security Strategies" (with Vahida Nainar); "What’s the Point of the Revolution if We Can’t Dance?" (with Jelena Djordjevic) and "Rising up in Response: Women’s Rights Activism in Conflicts." Jane Barry holds a Certificate in International Human Rights Law and Practice from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA from Middlebury College in Soviet Studies. She is currently a Principal at Linksbridge, LLC. Jane is going to be a featured resource practitioner for our upcoming dialogue Staying Safe: Security Resources for Human Rights Defenders from July 21-27, 2010.

Mahmooha, a New Tactics member, wrote several very informative blogs on the topic of self-care for activists. In these blogs, she further elaborates on burnout, compassion fatigue, and self-care, and what these terms mean. I would highly recommend reading these pieces if you are looking for more information on the causes, effects, and solutions to these issues!

We are currently in the process of planning a dialogue on the topic of self-care for activists, so please comment on any strategies you have found helpful in preventing burnout, stress, and fatigue. What strategies have you implemented in your daily life? Would you add any more items to the list Jane Barry proposed?

[Photo credit: Loving Earth]