Young Adult Leadership Transitions at Highlander

Recently, I had the opportunity to go to Highlander Research and Education center in Tennessee for a weekend workshop. Themes of the weekend included personal sustainability, the 'non-profit industrial complex' and transitioning from a youth to an adult, taking on responsibility and also giving up some responsibilities so others can step in and lead. The two womyn who helped facilitate were amazing, keeping the morale up through songs, games and frequent breaks. Everyone at this particular gathering came from the Southeast and worked on a variety of issues. It was truly refreshing to see a snapshop of the Movement, so multi-faceted and diverse. There were folks working on immigrant rights, LGBT issues, affordable housing, child care, anti-war campaigns, mountain top removal & Appalachian economic transition. I learned so much about their communities struggles by listening to their stories. I am used to being in the same room with similar activists, working on similar environmental issues, but this new perspective gave me a lot to think about and I recognized how much more I have yet to learn. The underlying feeling in the room was that we all wrestled with burning out and taking on too much at once. In some ways, feeling like we carried the movement on our shoulders, like boulders. Luckily, we had a pick in our pocket. We broke into affinity groups (mine was 25 and 26 year olds) and brainstormed tips on how to practice sustainable activism. Some we came up with were: time management (i.e. using to-do lists and calendars), consciously scheduling down time to spend with partners, family and friends, creating a workplan with clearly defined and measurable goals, getting enough sleep/physical exercise/healthy food, & recognizing when it is time to move on from a place/organization which no longer resonates with you. The Movement cannot be successful if we organizers are miserable. For me, I try to enjoy each and every day I've been given, and if I'm in a slump, I step back and figure out what is out of balance. Lack of sleep? Not enough time outdoors? I love this work. It feeds my soul. But it shouldn't at the expense of my health or well-being. Another main topic for the weekend was organizational structure and how hierarchical non-profit organizing can sometimes run counter to the systems of power we are working to dismantle. Even within our organizations, its important to make sure we are working in a participatory, non-oppressive environment where open communication is fostered and encouraged. Also, making sure the work load is spread among folks so one person isn't swamped and stressing out. This comes with communication and letting co-organizers know what is within your capacity. Don't be afraid to say no. Highlander has a long, rich and varied history going back to 1932. Over the years they've supported and provided a space for popular education to train organizers fighting for labor rights, civil rights, and ending mountain top removal mining in Appalachia among other struggles for social change. The Movement looks different today. Different people. Different clothes. Different voices. But the Spirit, the core of the Movement is as alive as ever. The fire is raging and we continue to fan the flames and keep it up, just as those who've come before us, keeping it lit for those who will come after us. Peace & solidarity.