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:
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:
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.