In it for the long haul : overcoming burnout & passion fatigue as social justice change agents

122 Pages·2018·0.95 MB·English

by  Kathy Obear

In It for the Long Haul
IN IT FOR THE
LONG
HAUL
Overcoming Burnout & Passion Fatigue
as Social Justice Change Agents
KATHY OBEAR
NEW YORK
NASHVILLE • MELBOURNE • VANCOUVER
IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL
Overcoming Burnout & Passion Fatigue
as Social Justice Change Agents © 2018 Kathy Obear
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief
quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in New York, New York, by Morgan James Publishing. Morgan James is a trademark of Morgan
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ISBN 9781683508175 paperback ISBN 9781683508182 eBook Library of Congress Control Number:
2017916262
Front Cover Designer: Rachel Lopez
Interior Design:
Christopher Kirk
Graphics For Success Studio
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Advance Praise
“I
felt deeply moved reading this book. As someone whose life work is committed to racial justice, I felt
seen and understood. I also felt relieved, because Kathy goes beyond affirming that social justice work
in this profoundly disturbing political climate is challenging; she offers the sustenance and focus
needed for continuing. Now more than ever we cannot set this burden down, and Kathy offers a way to stay
true to our convictions while also nurturing ourselves so that we might be as effective as possible. This isn’t
about giving up or even taking a break—it’s about how to fight for justice from a position of internal strength.
In the words of Mary Church Terrell, in her latest book, Kathy Obear yet again lifts as she climbs.”
- Robin DiAngelo, PH.D., Author of White Fragility
“Honest, insightful, challenging, and hopeful. That is what I feel after reading the latest inspiring work of Dr.
Kathy Obear. For years, I have found her work to reach millions where no one else can, in the heart. For all who
are feeling the stress and strain of social justice work, this is a must read, because giving up is not an option and
Kathy won’t let you, instead she will inspire you.”
- Eddie Moore, PH.D., Director/Founder, The Privilege Institute
“Thank you Kathy Obear! Your insights and tools have breathed fresh life into me when I needed it most.
Especially powerful is the understanding that when we all focus on our unique roles in the movement, and not
try to be all things to all people, we not only sustain ourselves, we create a more vibrant and resilient movement.
Humanity meets strategy. Brilliant!”
- Debby Irving, Author of Waking Up White
“Unfortunately, many of us can relate to burnout and passion fatigue. Fortunately, Kathy Obear has written a
book that can really help! Filled with useful tools for self-reflection and restoring balance, In it for the Long
Haul offers a vision and strategies for being more effective social justice activists without sacrificing our well-
being.”
- Diane Goodman, ED.D., Author of Promoting Diversity and Social Justice: Educating
People from Privileged Groups
“Another insightful resource from Kathy Obear that assists change agents searching for tools to get ‘unstuck’
and stay rejuvenated and focused in their journey toward making a difference in the world. Kathy’s reflections
and personal journey serves as a model for how sustainable change can happen while we also have a joyful
balanced life. This book helped me imagine what this world could look like if I brought as much vigilance to
living with love and compassion for myself as I do justice work.”
- Lisa Landreman, PH.D., editor of The Art of Effective Facilitation: Reflections from Social
Justice Educators
Obear’s insights about the factors contributing to burnout and strategies for incorporating effective self-care to
prevent it are especially needed by social justice educators working to address the unprecedented challenges
facing society following the election of 2016. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to lead a healthier
life while creating transformative change in our world.
- Nancy, Evans, PH.D., Author of Disability in Higher Education: A Social Justice Approach
“Dr. Obear provides the necessary tools to ‘stay in it’ as she shares her own journey. Thank you for your insights
and reminders of being true to ourselves in our passion to create change.”
- becky martinez, ed.d., Infinity Martinez Consulting
“At the core of social change must be the beat of sustainable people. To make meaningful social change for the
long haul as change agents, we must take care of our whole selves, psyche, spirit and body and we must not let
the care of self be sidelined until after the world is changed. This inspiring book does more than merely restore
and underscore the agency of change makers, it is a soulful map for how to avoid burnout and passion fatigue to
make meaningful social change for the long haul.”
- Beth Applegate, Co-author of Embracing Cultural Competency in the nonprofit sector: A
capacity builder’s guide
“Teaching about oppression and social justice is never easy for both students and teachers. In It For The Long
Haul: Overcoming Burnout and Passion Fatigue as Social Justice Change Agents speaks to me on how to deal
honestly with my anxieties, assumptions and emotional responses in the teaching of anti-oppressive education.
A valuable resource for everyone.”
- Dennis Francis, PH.D., author of Troubling the Teaching and Learning of Gender and
Sexuality Diversity in South African Education
“Kathy Obear really gets what it means to run in the marathon of social change. She also gets how easy it is for
this work to burn us out and how crucial it is that we not let that happen. Her supportive approach combines
body, mind, spirit, and heart: the thoughts, feelings, and actions we can choose to keep us going. She’s skillful at
coaching folks to shift our approach—things we can control—in ways that sustain us. And when we sustain
ourselves, we can sustain the movement.”
- Kat Morgan, ChangeAbility Solutions
Also by Kathy Obear
But I’m NOT Racist:
Tools for Well-Meaning Whites
Turn The Tide:
Rise Above Toxic, Difficult Situations in the Workplace
Dedication
F
or all the social justice change agents who have come before. I am deeply
grateful, deeply humbled by your leadership, passion, persistence, and
sacrifice so we may live in greater freedom and liberation.
To all those who have picked up the mantle to move us onward, thank you.
Together we can and together we will.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 I Can Spot It, Cause I Got It: My story
Chapter 2 Why Don’t We Take Care of Ourselves?
Chapter 3 Warning Signs
Chapter 4 Look Out For Backlash and Self-Sabotage
Chapter 5 Tips and Tools to Add More Self-Care to Your Life
Chapter 6 Creating More Self-Care From the Inside Out
Chapter 7 What Do I Do If…
Chapter 8 Conclusion
Further Reading
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Thank You