Here we are at the top of a new year. The days are short, and the nights are long. It is a time to dream about continuing our work for gender justice and healing in our communities. It is a time to be still, to slow down, and to prioritize quiet. We know we do our best work in community and in movements when we are rested and centered. We make better decisions and have increased clarity when we have taken time to pause. At NMW.O we go deep into planning in January. And, given how much we are growing, we have a lot of planning to do!
As a team we made a commitment to moving into January with ease, to pacing ourselves – to being gentle with one another. Coming into the third year of a global pandemic, fending off attacks to our civil and reproductive rights, enduring increased climate disasters, facing right wing take-overs of our country and government – these times are defined by multiple crises, difficult and tiring work, and a gross lack of care for the needs of communities. Going intentionally and slowly into the year is just one way we resist the stress and violence impacting our families and communities. It also counteracts the sense of scarcity sometimes felt in non-profit culture (not enough money, time, or capacity!) that can weigh us down and lead to burnout. We are here for the long haul. We know how much time and energy is required for sustained societal transformation, and thus we must guard against fatigue for ourselves and our community partners.
May you also ease into 2022. May you take time to pause and rest amidst your work for justice. And, as always, may you stay safe, healthy, and protected from harm.