Sustainable Advocacy: Building a Movement for the Long Haul
"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." – Audre Lorde
As we continue our month-long series celebrating Pride and Juneteenth, today’s focus is on strategies for sustainable advocacy. Sustainable advocacy requires a holistic approach that includes self-care and community support. By incorporating practices that nurture our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, we can sustain our activism and continue working towards our goals of justice and liberation.
The Importance of Sustainable Advocacy
Advocacy work is essential in the fight for justice and equality, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. Burnout is a significant risk for activists/advocates who pour their energy and passion into their work without taking time to care for themselves. Sustainable advocacy ensures that we can continue our efforts over the long term, avoiding burnout and maintaining our effectiveness.
Key Strategies for Sustainable Advocacy
Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. As Audre Lorde famously said, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." Self-care can take many forms, including physical activities like exercise and rest, emotional practices like therapy and journaling, and spiritual practices like meditation and mindfulness.
Build Supportive Communities: Community support is vital for sustainable advocacy. Building strong, supportive networks allows activists to share resources, offer encouragement, and collaborate on initiatives. These communities provide a sense of belonging and solidarity, which can be incredibly empowering.
Set Realistic Goals: While it's essential to be ambitious in our advocacy efforts, it's also crucial to set realistic and achievable goals. Breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks can help prevent feeling overwhelmed and allow for a sense of accomplishment along the way.
Engage in Continuous Learning: Advocacy work is ever-evolving, and staying informed about new developments, strategies, and perspectives is vital. Continuous learning through reading, attending workshops, and engaging with diverse voices can enhance our effectiveness and resilience.
Practice Intersectionality: Recognizing the interconnected nature of different forms of oppression and working to address them holistically can strengthen our advocacy efforts. Practicing intersectionality ensures that we are inclusive and considerate of all community members, making our movements more robust and unified.
Lessons from Black Queer Leaders
Black queer leaders have long understood the importance of addressing intersectional oppression and promoting sustainable advocacy.
1. Miss Major Griffin-Gracy:
Miss Major, a Black transgender activist and community leader, has been a tireless advocate for transgender rights, particularly for transgender women of color. Her work emphasizes the importance of community support and self-care in sustaining activism. Miss Major's resilience and dedication to justice are inspiring examples of sustainable advocacy.
2. Mandy Carter:
Mandy Carter, a Black lesbian activist, has been a prominent figure in both the LGBTQ+ and civil rights movements. Her advocacy for intersectional justice and community building highlights the importance of creating inclusive spaces where all voices are heard. Carter's work demonstrates how sustainable advocacy can be achieved through solidarity and collaboration.
3. Kenyon Farrow:
Kenyon Farrow, a Black gay writer and activist, has focused on the intersections of race, health, and LGBTQ+ issues. Farrow's work on health equity and social justice underscores the necessity of addressing multiple forms of oppression simultaneously. His commitment to sustainable advocacy is evident in his holistic approach to activism.
Conclusion
Sustainable advocacy is essential for building a long-lasting and effective movement towards justice and liberation. By prioritizing self-care, building supportive communities, setting realistic goals, engaging in continuous learning, and practicing intersectionality, we can maintain our energy and commitment to the cause.
As we reflect on the lessons from Black queer leaders like Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Mandy Carter, and Kenyon Farrow, we see the power of resilience, community support, and holistic approaches to activism. Their examples remind us that taking care of ourselves and each other is not only vital for our well-being but also for the sustainability of our advocacy efforts.
Quote of the Day: "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." – Audre Lorde
Thank you for joining me today. Let’s continue to explore the intersectionality of Black and queer identities and work together to build a more inclusive and liberated society.
Join Our Online Community and Upcoming Workshop
For those looking to delve deeper into these themes, I invite you to join our Make Shi(f)t Happen online community where we share insights, support each other, and continue these important conversations. Join the Make Shi(f)t Happen Community
Additionally, I’m hosting a live workshop, "Building Intentional Communities," on June 30th at 11:30 AM EST. This workshop will explore practical strategies for creating inclusive and resilient communities. Register for the Workshop
Support Equity in Education
Our Liberation Education Newsletter is not paywalled because we believe in accessible education for all. By becoming a paid subscriber, you help create equity in education and ensure that this valuable content remains available to everyone. Your support makes a difference. Become a Paid Subscriber
In solidarity and empowerment,
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word about this series. Let’s make this month a powerful testament to our shared journey toward liberation! 🌟