Advocacy and self advocacy in general can be wrought with conflict. I’ve been in this space almost two decades but still find a lot of discomfort in conflict. Unfortunately that’s also part of it. Coming to terms with being disliked, having the unpopular opinion, being on the outside, often fighting battles where you know you’re right but things don’t go as you want. It takes a lot to continue. I wish I knew a lot of this when I was in my 20s starting my disability advocacy work. I equated “I will die on this hill” thinking with progress that often did not eventuate. I lost more than a I won. But in the end collectively we did see attitudes start to shift. You have to be ok with slow progress. Burn out is the constant looming enemy just as oppressive as the systems you’re fighting so yes, absolutely as you say Devon, prioritise your own right to care, and protect your own wellbeing as staunchly as those you advocate for. And yes community, manaakitanga, that care for others and collective power will always work for you in positive ways if you can find/build it.
Advocacy and self advocacy in general can be wrought with conflict. I’ve been in this space almost two decades but still find a lot of discomfort in conflict. Unfortunately that’s also part of it. Coming to terms with being disliked, having the unpopular opinion, being on the outside, often fighting battles where you know you’re right but things don’t go as you want. It takes a lot to continue. I wish I knew a lot of this when I was in my 20s starting my disability advocacy work. I equated “I will die on this hill” thinking with progress that often did not eventuate. I lost more than a I won. But in the end collectively we did see attitudes start to shift. You have to be ok with slow progress. Burn out is the constant looming enemy just as oppressive as the systems you’re fighting so yes, absolutely as you say Devon, prioritise your own right to care, and protect your own wellbeing as staunchly as those you advocate for. And yes community, manaakitanga, that care for others and collective power will always work for you in positive ways if you can find/build it.