ABOUT

Sustaining the Soul of Activism is a creative project that seeks to support the resilience and wellbeing of organizers, activists, change-makers, community healers, and others working for social justice and transformation.

 

We live in critical times. This climate of escalating state violence and white supremacy, of income inequality, rising fascism, and environmental degradation is both a staggering assault and a catalyst, rallying a new determination for radical change.

 

In order to bring our best selves to the world-making work before us, and to assure our long-term sustainability in that work, we must nourish the deepest sources of our inspiration and renewal. We must lift one another up, and be pulled by a purpose and possibility that gives us the strength to carry on. We must tend to the spiritual wellbeing of individuals and communities – healing legacies of trauma and transforming ongoing brutality.

 

The answers and the inspiration are found in our collective wisdom. This project invites submissions from activists and change-makers across generations, movements, cultures, faiths, and contexts. It will intentionally center the voices and vision of people of color.

 

We imagined it at first as something akin to a book of daily inspirational readings or meditations by and for front line activists. But the vision grew to encompass a broader range of expressions:  poetry, prayers, practices, reflections, spells, spoken word, art, music, videos, love letters, and whatever else might give voice to the power of the Spirit within us all that animates and sustains our work for a better world.

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Think of it as collectively sourced soul medicine.

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What words of tenderness and strength do you offer to a weary comrade? ... What practices do you use to maintain balance in the face of trauma and burnout? ... What wisdom would you share with someone new to activist engagement? ... How do you stay connected to hope? ...  What makes your activism feel life-giving and sacred rather than depleting? ... What is your prayer for healing and liberation?

 

We invite your contributions. And we ask that you share this invitation with your networks – locally, nationally, internationally. For submission guidelines click here.

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Sustaining the Soul of Activism is a project of OneLife Institute. Founded in 2004, OneLife is a people of color centered organization serving at the intersection of spirituality and social transformation. Our mission is to nurture, inspire, and sustain people committed to healing and justice. In 2010 OneLife launched our Sustaining the Soul of Activism workshops and retreats. This project grows out of that work.

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This work is a love offering. Any income generated will first be used to reimburse expenses. Any remaining proceeds will be donated to support the programs of OneLife Institute. Contributors will retain the rights to their individual creative works.