2017 Issue 2 Mar/Apr - Focus Mid-South Magazine

life
DEAR
R.I.S.E.
RESISTANCE IS NOT FUTILE, BUT 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.
Page 8 / focusmidsouth.com / MAR+APR 2017 / Homegrown