Resistance is not futile, but it can be exhausting!
by Sarah Rutledge Fischer
Dear Allie,
Like a lot of people, I’ve gotten more involved in activism over the past few months. I marched with the women of Memphis in January. I’ve been making calls to my political officials. I try to follow the news. When there is a public action, I try to show up and be counted. And I’m exhausted. I take a day off here or there, but nearly every time, something terrible happens, and I feel guilty for not paying attention.
I worry that if I keep going at this pace, I will end up severely depressed and burnt out, but I’m just as afraid of growing complacent and not standing up. Help.
Yours,
Resistance Is Seriously Exhausting
Dear R.I.S.E,
You are right to be worried, and you are not alone. As issues in the American social and political landscape have begun to reach a boiling point, more and more people are turning to activism. Many are struggling to balance the intensity of their concerns with the need to maintain equilibrium in their daily lives. This needn’t be the case. With a little time and planning, your activism can cease to be a strain on your daily balance, and instead become a source of fulfillment and even fun.
First, a little perspective. Try not to compare yourself to seasoned activists. An unexperienced runner would never expect to be able to jump right into an Olympic marathon without proper training and experience. Anyone who did so would likely end up hurt and unable to even walk, much less run. Activism, like running, is an activity that is accessible to nearly everyone, but it requires training and experience or you risk burn out.
Also, remember that it is not necessary or practical for everyone to try to do everything. In the Olympics, it would be absurd for all athletes to complete in every sport. Instead, each focuses on the activity for which they have the most talent, interest, and natural ability. Activism is the same. You can make the most difference by spending your time on those efforts for which you have the most talent, interest, and natural ability.
So, let’s make a plan. First, write a list of issues that are important to you. Don’t worry about putting them in order. Don’t worry if you miss something. Just get what you can down on paper. Now, pick the two most closely connected to your life and experience. They don’t need to be the most objectively important issues on the list, just issues towards which you have a connection or passion.
Now, considering only those two issues, write down the ways you are already advancing those causes. Consider your work, your social interactions, your religious institution and other organizations. Where do you speak out? Where do you participate? Where do you donate or volunteer? Be expansive. Don’t leave anything out.
Now consider that list, and take stock. Of which contributions are you most proud? Are there places you could increase these efforts? Are there efforts you feel are wasted? Take pride in the ways you already contribute to these causes. Recognize that new work should not jeopardize the work you already do. Make a commitment to continue what is valuable and increase that work where feasible.
Next, go back to the original list of issues and pick one to add to your activism efforts. Think about the talents and experience you can bring to this cause. Consider your work experience, your hobbies, your resources. Write these down. Identify an organization affiliated with the issue with which you can get involved. If you know someone who already works on the issue, reach out for guidance or mentorship.
Finally, go back to the original list. Add any issues that are missing. Then for each one, identify one friend, acquaintance, or public figure whose work in this area you can support. It might be by giving encouragement and appreciation, sharing public statements and social media posts, or even, if you are able, making donations.
And that’s it. From time to time, stop and take stock. You might add something here or drop something there. I hope that, eventually, you will look back and find that you have built a life around public involvement in a way that feels natural and fulfilling.
That should get you started.
Your friend, Allie
To submit your own question, email Allie at editor@focusmidsouth.com.
