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But it can also be exhausting, and may lead to burnout if you’re not careful.
Jason Redmond/Getty Images
Many activists feel alone in their efforts, like if they dont show up then the cause will suffer.
But this problem isnt solved by working yourself harderthat will only result in your passion for activism dying out.
But they havent given upand neither should you.
Courtesy of Amani Al-Khatahtbeh
The things they said were dehumanizing, hurtful, and traumatic.
None of the other activists identified what was going on and instead pushed me to work harder.
I totallyburned outand stopped social justice work for two months.
Courtesy of Lucy McBath (center)
My experience with activism fatigue:I had to take time off after the election.
This work is every single day of your lifeit’s every moment that you breathe.
You have to find ways to turn it off, you have to find ways to lay it down.
Reshma Saujani (center), photo by Jessica Scranton
It’s important to have a balance.
My experience with activism fatigue:When I have activism fatigue, I’m grouchier.
I’m not present.
Kelly Addington and Becca Tieder (right). Courtesy of Becca Tieder
I know I’m burned out when I look through my calendar and start canceling things.
I don’t sleep as well.
I will just put my phone in my bag and not look at it for four hours.
Courtesy of Mia Ives-Rublee (center)
I also believe in journaling.
What I’m fighting for:My best friend gettingrapedin college led to our activism.
We are making progress but its slow and scarcewe still have a society that fosters rape culture.
Courtesy of Veronica Funess
My experience with activism fatigue:Having my best friend by my side reenergized me over the years.
But becoming a parent changes things.
You realize time is limited and you become frustrated at the same headlines.
Katie Cleary (right) with race car driver Leilani Münter. Courtesy of Katie Cleary
About a year ago, I hit a wall.
How I stay motivated to keep fighting:I still get tired.
I still have frustrations.
Courtesy of Molly Costello
But now I sleep.
I step back to get a clearer picture.
And I cry with my best friend.
But you also have to celebrate the victories.
I marched and protested, but I also focused my energy on counseling clients.
It mattered so much to be legally married to my spouse.
I make lists of things I feel hopeless about and pick one or two to focus on.
I push beyond the hopelessness and envision all the activists I admire cheering me on.
I’ve dedicated myself to working with youthand particularly youth who have been impacted by incarceration.
I’ve also been working onpolice brutalityin the past five years.
I think a lack of direction led to it, and it quickly became overwhelming.
I had to ask for guidance and direction and just clarity in my role and tasks.
And when I’m feeling discouraged, I praya lot and for everybody.
I was involved in the Women’s March, and helped verify they included women and people withdisabilities.
When I found out that they didn’t have a plan, I stepped into the role.
I’ve seen activism take its toll on other people.
Some people drop out.
How I stay motivated to keep fighting:To decompress, I do things I really enjoy and love.
I spend time with my service dog.
I work out all the time.
I love reading and I’m an avid movie lover.
So I do something I love, then I jump back in when I’m ready.
Being trans without access to affordable health services or shelter could mean death in many ways.
Sometimes that means identifying the problems in my or my groups way of strategizing.
I feel frustrated, disconnected, and disappointed, and I worry whether Im making enough of a difference.
They are my best friends, and they have awesome wisdom that helps me bounce back.
Ive also found that keeping a journal can help.
I became lost in the animals' heartbreaking stories and the painful images of their suffering.
How could I have fun with all these horrible things happening to animals?
Right now, I am doing work in an organization called CLAW (Chicago League of Abolitionist Whites).
There was always work we were supposed to be doing.
We could always be doing better.
I was super tired.
I wasstressed outall the time.
I was mean to people in a way I had never been before.
I wasnt excited about waking up in the morning.
My family accused me of being distant, to my shock and sadness.
I have never feared for my life.
I have never feared incarceration for walking down the street.
I have never feareddeportationor the deportation of a family member.
This has kept me moving forward.
Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
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