I currently only organize with DSA but I’ve been thinking of leaving because they don’t align with my goals anymore(tldr: lots of electoralism). I want to organize with a more marxist or politically firm group but I’ve been so burned out I can’t get myself to find one and commit to the time. I feel guilty that I’m not acting/organizing fast enough because we’re in a dire time where fascism is rising and people are dying. I also feel guilty with going on about my life, like planning travel or saving for the future, because I feel like there’s no time and travel/saving/planning doesn’t matter when actions are being taken to oppress marginalized groups and the working class. I feel like we’re in the middle, if not passed, the do or die point and there’s still so much to do.

I want to keep my revolutionary optimism, where I trust our community will be able to come together and preserve in hard times, but when we’re all so disjointed, it’s hard to keep my spirits up.

Anyone else feel this way? How are you coping ? I’m looking for support and community.

  • DrSankara
    9·
    2 years ago

    It’s important to look after your own mental health. You must fortify and strengthen yourself, so that you are well equipped to organise and assist others. I’ve seen many people become burnt out and becoming demoralising. Try to remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. And also remember that it’s about the collective, not the individual.

    Perhaps you could delegate responsibilities to others whilst you recuperate?

    You could take a step back and focus on theory for a bit. This could involve reading, videos, audio books, podcasts

    Or you could explore things that are useful in community organising and such. Things like first aide/medicine, nutrition and cooking, exercise and fitness, councilling skills, art/graphic design /poster making

    Or things that are useful in the labour movement and political organising. Such as negotiation tactics and so on

    Or just chill out for a bit

    Hope this helps

    • redtea
      4·
      2 years ago

      This is the right mix of positivity and positivity 💪

    • homonmainOP
      3·
      2 years ago

      This is very helpful thank you. I feel more level headed when I’m consuming theory, I just also feel theory alone can’t save us. But I like the idea of learning a new skill during rest.