Audio from the workshop: Surviving and Thriving as an Activist
This workshop explored the challenges and opportunities of activists who both come from and work with the more 'excluded' members of the rainbow communities. The workshop was facilitated by Mani Bruce Mitchell and Tommy Hamilton.
Summary
The "Surviving and Thriving as an Activist - Proud 2016" recording captures a workshop aimed at equipping activists with strategies for self-care and resilience. Hosted at the University of Otago Wellington School of Medicine, the session features Mani Bruce Mitchell and Tommy Hamilton discussing personal experiences and professional insights into the challenges that come with activism and caregiving roles.
The speakers shared both their own struggles and the coping mechanisms they've discovered throughout their careers. A notable account was from Mitchell's time in civil defense, which involved dealing with trauma and burnout firsthand and observing these effects on staff returning from disasters. Mitchell's path to self-care began after hitting a wall, recognizing that effective caregiving starts with one's own well-being.
They discussed the high rates of burnout in professions that center on caregiving and noted the tendency within marginalized communities to exhibit lateral violence and internal conflicts. These observations culminated in the creation of the workshop, establishing a safe space to address these issues and emphasizing the importance of personal self-care.
During the event, participants examined their professional environments and the typical stressors they face. Concepts like critical incident stress and self-awareness were central to the discourse, highlighting the need for understanding one’s vulnerabilities and managing personal and interpersonal dynamics effectively. The workshop also underscored the beauty in making mistakes and the necessity of cultivating one's resilience.
The workshop involved group activities where participants identified community issues unsettling them and explored personal activities that help them recharge. Mitchell encouraged attendees to consider what keeps them grounded, urging them to craft a mini plan for self-care and consider how they protect themselves from the stresses encountered in activist work. The speaker's self-care included reconnecting with nature, emphasizing the significance of taking time for oneself.
Tommy Hamilton built on this theme, speaking candidly about the challenge of acknowledging one's vulnerabilities amidst a backdrop of resilient social activism. The discussion also extended into the nature of activism itself — its potential for inclusivity or exclusivity, the challenges of maintaining commitment and consistency, and the navigation of power dynamics and resource constraints within communities. Throughout these discussions, the importance of community support and the sharing of burdens were key points.
Participants were also guided through practical exercises, such as pairing up to share and reflect on what replenishes their spirit and forming a brief plan for maintaining well-being amidst their activist endeavors. The exercise culminated with everyone in the room participating in an affirmation and recognition activity.
In summary, the recording encapsulates the essence of the workshop, focused on fostering well-being among activists. Highlighting the significance of self-awareness and care, Mitchell and Hamilton shared valuable frameworks and methodologies to help activists sustain their work without sacrificing their health and personal lives. The workshop stressed that caring for oneself isn't just a beneficial act but a necessary strategy for any individual deeply involved in the service of their community.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
Tags
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