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by Erlene Grise-Owens, EdD, LCSW, MSW, MRE, lead co-editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals
Regardless of context and role, social workers are ethically compelled to engage in activism. See NASW Code of Ethics, explicitly Standard 6. Likewise, self-care is an ethical imperative. Activism is a necessary part of self-care! Especially in this era, we must attend to self-care and activism as complementary in crucial and intentional ways.
Here, I share ten pointers. What would you add?
Pointers for Activating Self-Care in Activism
1. Switch from “Somebody needs to do something” to “What can I do”?
“Action is an antidote to anxiety.” –Gretchen Rubin
Take action. Call a legislator. Participate in a protest rally. Connect with an advocacy group. Link up with your local political party’s activities. Sometimes, resting—doing nothing—is doing something.
2. Be in community and solidarity—and care for yourself, as part of community.
“I always try to remember that I’ll be the best me I can be, if I prioritize myself.”
—Michelle Obama
Self-care is not just a solitary endeavor; it includes seeking solidarity. Don’t act alone. Connect with others engaged in mutual causes. However, the collective ubuntu of “we” is comprised of a bunch of “me”s! Attending to self-care is one of our most important responsibilities in community care/activism.
3. Attend to connections and boundaries.
“When people show you who they are, believe them.”—Maya Angelou
Healthy relationships engage both connections and boundaries—personally and on the larger scale. Sometimes, we must let some relationships go—or set strong boundaries—in order to free up energy for other commitments.
4. Access/Reclaim POWER.
“The most common way people give up power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
—Alice Walker
Self-care and activism are both all about power! Oppressive forces want us depleted, defeated, disengaged, and disempowered. Self-care keeps us re-filled and empowered. Claim your power—through self-care and social action!
5. Stay informed, but limit “news.”
You don’t have to know everything in order to do the right thing.
Information is a form of power. But, too much “news” can lead to analysis paralysis. Start with what you know to be the right thing in this moment.
6. Use rage as fuel; access full range of human emotions.
“If we make space for joy alongside our fury, then we are cultivating a deep well of power.”
—Ingrid Fetell Lee
Don’t apologize for your rage; use it. Likewise, don’t concede your full humanity of joy, grief, humor, creativity, and more! Foundationally, attending to our full humanity is the primary purpose of self-care, just as it’s the aim of activism.
7. Watch your Words.
“Be kind to our language….Listen for dangerous words.”—Timothy Snyder
The above statements are from Snyder’s compact, compelling book On Tyranny, an essential read. Of Snyder’s 20 lessons, two of them (# 9 & #17) explicitly relate to use of language. Part of (re)claiming our power is being intentional with our language. Focus on nurturing justice/building up, not just dismantling/tearing down; flourishing, not just fighting. And, let’s convey self-care as integral to activism. Change our words, change our world.
8. Integrate activism as a lifestyle.
“Every moment is an [activism] opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”—Dolores Huerta
Don’t wait for big action. Pay attention. Everyday interactions and activities can be forms of activism. Build community. Be an upstander. Are you protesting on the streets, but not advocating in your office? Practice conscientious consumerism. Be intentional about where you shop and expend resources. Contribute to/engage with good causes. Support public spaces, such as parks and libraries. Practice gratitude! Saying thank you—including to politicians doing good—is a form of activism. Value alignment is a form of self-care and a form of everyday activism.
9. Gauge “success” by effort and contribution, not necessarily changing others or the outcome.
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seed you plant.”
— Robert Louis Stevenson
Sustained activism is encapsulated in the mantra “Keep your eyes on the Prize.” Oftentimes, we may not see the ultimate outcome. Celebrate small wins. Define success by “Did I do everything I could—including practicing self-care?”
10. Prioritize self-care as foundational and essential to activism.
Please, use this forum as an ongoing resource repository. Let me know if you want to contribute!
Peace, Love, and Self-Care,
Erlene
Erlene Grise-Owens, EdD, LCSW, MSW, MRE, is a Partner in The Wellness Group, ETC. This LLC provides evaluation, training, and consultation for organizational wellness and practitioner well-being. Dr. Grise-Owens is lead editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals. As a former faculty member and graduate program director, she and a small (but mighty!) group of colleagues implemented an initiative to promote self-care as part of the social work education curriculum. Previously, she served in clinical and administrative roles. She has experience with navigating toxicity and dysfunction, up-close and personal! Likewise, as an educator, she saw students enter the field and quickly burn out. As a dedicated social worker, she believes the well-being of practitioners is a matter of social justice and human rights. Thus, she is on a mission to promote self-care and wellness!