What You Can Do to Stay Motivated On Social Justice Issues

What is crisis fatigue?

As an engaged citizen, it can sometimes feel like the world is constantly engulfed in crisis.

Crisis fatigue is a form of burnout associated with prolonged exposure to crisis. It is a natural response to what’s happening around us. It can cause feelings of hopelessness, disappointment, frustration, anger, despair, exhaustion, and grief. Those suffering from crisis fatigue may become emotionally numb and unmotivated to take action. We may feel like there is nothing we can do to make a difference, and we may decide to do nothing at all.

Ways to address crisis fatigue

• Choose one or two issues you care about and focus on them.  

• Leverage your privilege: figure out how you can make a difference through meaningful and intentional contributions that match your time, ability, and interest.

• Hone in on actions that give you joy and hope.

• Press pause on news and social media.  It’s important to stay informed and engaged, but it’s also ok to give yourself a break.  

• Set boundaries to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

How to stay motivated

Sometimes change is incremental and sometimes one action can spark a giant leap forward.

Don’t despair when it seems like change is taking too long; focus on the fact that we are always moving forward. If you are feeling stuck browse our Learn and Take Action archive and follow @EverydayActivismNetwork on social media for ideas about how to stay motivated.

You are not alone.

Subscribe to Everyday Activism Network to become part of a like-minded community and to engage with other everyday activists taking action on the issues you care about.

Activism isn’t always about protest and civil disobedience. It can also be more than tweets and hashtags. There are little things each of us can do to make the world a more just and equitable place. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, you can make a difference.

Everyone has something important to offer. We present a range of actions that empower people to help in ways that are right for them.

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About Everyday Activism Network

Everyday Activism Network is a one-stop-shop where you can learn about and take action on a variety of social justice issues and causes. Each week, we publish new posts designed to support your everyday activism.

• Take Action posts provide a variety of purposeful actions to choose from.

• How To posts help you learn how to optimize an action for maximum impact.

• Terminology posts educate you on terms and concepts related to social justice and taking action.

• Inspiration posts spotlight organizations and changemakers doing great work and how to support them.

By doing the research and planning for you, we provide opportunities for you to easily engage on the issues you care about, making better use of your time, talent, and resources.

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