Taking Care of Ourselves, While Making the World Better

Source: Courtesy of Samantha Stein

The term "social activism" is about working to bring about a change in society. It's one of the ways our world wrestles with its values and, hopefully, grows for the better. It's often an avenue that provides a voice and rights for people or beings who cannot speak for themselves.

But social activism is not easy. Society doesn't change simply or quickly, whether on the individual or societal level. Change takes dedication, effort, and time.

As a result, burnout is common among activists. Many people who engage in social activism wind up feeling a lack of mental and emotional resources to continue fighting for justice. For example, up to 50 percent of union and peace activists were found to have experienced burnout.

Some of the symptoms of social activist burnout can include:

• Exhaustion – feeling emotionally and physically drained
• Cynicism – feeling a lack of hope that change is possible
• Inefficacy – doubting self-worth or ability to affect change
• Moodiness – feeling constantly irritable or down

What can be done to prevent this burnout? The Al-Anon program's principles can be one avenue for preventing it. Al-Anon's principles, which are rooted in personal recovery and serenity from living within a system that is unhealthy, can provide a strong foundation for effective and compassionate activism while at the same time providing ways to prevent those feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, inefficacy, and irritability.

Here are some ways Al-Anon principles can be incorporated to prevent burnout in social justice work:

1. Applying the Serenity Prayer. The Serenity Prayer is a cornerstone of Al-Anon, helping members accept things they cannot change, have the courage to change the things they can, and have the wisdom to know the difference. In social justice work, this means focusing your efforts where you can make a real difference and accepting that some aspects are beyond your control.
2. Self-Care and Boundaries. Al-Anon emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting healthy boundaries. In social justice work, taking care of your well-being is crucial to avoid burnout. This means knowing your limits and not overextending yourself.
3. Listening and Empathy. Al-Anon meetings are often characterized by active listening and empathy. Bringing these skills into social justice spaces can foster understanding and respect, even in the face of differing opinions.
4. Anonymity and Humility. Anonymity in Al-Anon is not just about privacy; it's also about humility, reminding members to place principles above personalities. In social justice work, this can translate to focusing on the cause rather than seeking personal recognition.
5. One Day at a Time. This Al-Anon slogan encourages members to take life one day at a time, focusing on the present moment. In social justice, this approach can help manage overwhelming challenges by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable actions.
6. Seeking Higher Power's Guidance. Al-Anon members are encouraged to seek guidance from a Higher Power as they understand it. In social justice, this might mean seeking inner guidance or collective wisdom when deciding on the best course of action.
7. Open-mindedness and Learning. Al-Anon promotes a spirit of open-mindedness and continuous learning. When engaging in social justice, being open to learning about new perspectives and challenges can enhance your effectiveness.
8. Detachment with Love. In Al-Anon, detachment with love is about caring for others while not getting overly caught up in their problems. In social justice, this might mean advocating passionately for a cause while maintaining emotional balance and focusing on other aspects of your life. It also might mean finding a way to fight for what you believe in while having compassion for those who disagree with you.
9. Unity and Fellowship. The fellowship of Al-Anon provides strength and support. Building a community of support with fellow activists can provide similar strength in social justice work.

Al-Anon and social justice work share a common aim of creating healthier, more harmonious lives and communities. Social activism is important work, but if we do it at a cost to ourselves, we aren't achieving that goal. It's essential to be mindful of this and use these and other principles on the road to making the world a better place.