Preventing and Managing Burnout

Community organizing and group leadership is hard work. You’re no good to anyone if you burn out quickly. Please don’t forget to put on your own oxygen mask first!

“Don’t be afraid to say when you’ve taken on too much, and to ask for help. Some people won’t step up until asked directly, and it doesn’t help anyone if you go under.” —Jody DeRidder

“Tap into the community. Ask specific individuals for help or suggestions on who else to ask.” —Cristela Garcia-Spitz

“The level of generosity, drive toward inclusion, & care for colleagues in the @CLIRDLF community inspires, astounds.”—Bethany Nowviskie

Self-Care Starter Kit - SUNY Buffalo School of Social Work

Everyday Feminism’s 5 Self-Care Tips for Activists

How to Hack it as a Working Parent - Code4Lib Journal

Becky Yoose's #c4l16 talk “The Modern Day Sisyphus: #libtech Burnout and You” and bibliography

Stacie Williams, “Labor is Local” (2016 DLF Forum keynote talk)

Mindful Occupation: Rising Up Without Burning Out (PDF)

How to Keep On Keeping On: Sustaining Ourselves in Community Organizing and Social Justice Struggles

Librarian Burnout

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde

Please contact Team DLF or director Bethany Nowviskie directly and confidentially if you are ever feeling over-stretched. We’ll find ways to continue your good work and give you a break! After all, it takes a #DLFvillage.

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