In times of upheaval, it’s easy to feel like urgency is the only guiding force. With every headline, the pressure builds and demands action. However, most long-time activists know that urgency alone can burn us out. Because the road ahead is long and uncertain, we also need resilience, a foundation that strengthens our ability to sustain effort.
There is no sugarcoating where we are. We may be entering an era of increased repression, where we learn in real-time how to navigate activism in an autocracy. Or we may be on the cusp of an opportunity to rebuild from the ruins of a crumbling system. Speaking up, showing up, working collaboratively are all essential—that’s activism. But what do we know about resilience?
Resilience isn’t just about grit. The root of the word means to spring (salire) back (re) into shape. What other impact does the daily onslaught of news do to us except get us bent out of shape. We’re appalled, outraged, And, if you’re like me, some news moments hit so hard, we get knocked down. Just today, I read something that felt like a punch in the gut.
What does resilience call for then? We can’t brush it off. It’s not just our strength but our softness that creates resilience, We spring back into shape by allowing those emotions, witnessing, and honoring them in order to stay engaged for the long term. Today, I felt the weight of grief and despair in my chest, and waited patiently for them to move through. A while later, I had recovered, sprung back into shape. It takes practice, but as the political landscape grows more uncertain, I believe it’s crucial to tend to our inner lives as we work for a better future.
Many organizations are exceptional at mobilizing people, but AoCC is unique in that we also focus on the inner work that makes long-term activism possible. Heart-based activism, the intentional practice of sustaining ourselves for the long haul. These “soft skills” of activism include: self-care, reflection, understanding why we act, solidarity. Above all, choosing to meet this historical moment with courage, compassion, and curiosity.
Courage, for example, isn’t just about showing up with signs; it’s about staying engaged when fear tempts us to shut down. Compassion isn’t just about caring for those who share our beliefs; it’s about recognizing the humanity in those who don’t. Curiosity isn’t just about learning the facts; it’s about asking deeper questions—about ourselves, about our movements, about the assumptions we carry.
This is why, at AoCC, we focus on activism that is not just reactive, but visionary, hopeful, grateful because we need these things to sustain us. So we keep showing up, not just with determination, but with depth. We keep strategizing, not just with brains, but with heart. Because our country doesn’t just need more activists—it needs sustained activists. It needs people who are in this for the long haul, who can hold both the focus and the fire.
Even with nourishing practices and a firm foundation, activism can feel isolating. We sometimes feel like we’re carrying the burden of knowledge while those around us dance in ignorant bliss. This is why it’s so important find supportive spaces where you’re surrounded by like-hearted people. We need each other. And we need all the courage, curiosity, and connection we can muster together.
If you’re looking for ways to strengthen the foundation of your activism, consider attending two upcoming events:
- Empowered Resistance, a 90-minute live class on Sunday, March 16, giving you the skills for resilience and heart-based activism. There’s a sliding scale (fees support our work) and reparations pricing. Sign up here.
- AoCC Action Meetup, a twice-monthly Zoom session where our subscribers work on Checklist actions as a community. No cost, no sign up needed. Join me, Jen Hofmann on Monday, March 3rd at 3pm Eastern/12pm Pacific (it’s my birthday!).
- Zoom link
- Meeting ID: 832 4166 3758
- Passcode: 2028
We don’t know what the future holds, but if you want to sustain your activism for the long haul, let’s face it together.
In solidarity,
Jen Hofmann
Founder and Director
Americans of Conscience.