The Healing Power of Community Engagement in Challenging Times
A Letter from Clara Ndiraya, LMSW – Director of Social Justice and Community Engagement
Hey there! I am deeply excited to connect with all of you as the new Director of Social Justice and Community Engagement at the Gaia Center.
First off, I have to say… holy sh*t. We find ourselves in some challenging times, don't we?
As both a therapist and an advocate, I see firsthand the profound intersection between our socio-political climate and our collective mental health. The ongoing anxiety some feel is undeniably reflected in how we engage with the world around us, and it’s impossible to ignore its impact.
I see this space as a platform for us to approach the concept of social justice, share community engagement opportunities, and disseminate resources that empower and support our shared journey.
I also want to acknowledge that the work of advocacy is demanding and can, at times, feel unsustainable. Achieving lasting change requires not only commitment, but also the practice of self-care.
Before we dive into “next steps” or the intricacies of activism and volunteerism, may I offer a thought? What if we viewed advocacy and activism as essential forms of self-care? What if we could savor our collective pursuit of change?
Research supports the idea that activism and volunteerism can have a profound positive impact on our subjective vitality. A piece by NAMI highlights how volunteerism can reduce stress, enhance happiness, foster confidence, and provide a sense of purpose. As I reflect on the power of collective action, I’m reminded of how transformative it is to unite around the shared goal of liberation. Healing, whether in addressing systemic or internalized oppression, cannot happen in isolation. In the very community required to drive change, we also find the antidote to isolation and burnout- two factors that profoundly impact our mental health.
Also, can we talk about how unapproachable advocacy can seem? While organizing and protesting are often the most visible forms of action, there are countless other avenues for involvement. We can volunteer at community events, attend local government meetings (such as those of the Metro Development and Housing Agency or the Sustainability Advisory Committee), engage in mentorship, participate in beautification projects, challenge harmful narratives that permeate family cultures, and, of course, exercise our right to vote. I also hope we can come to see joy as a powerful form of resistance; sharing a belly laugh with friends and family serves as a loving reminder that, for a moment, joy itself can be one of the most powerful acts of dissent.
Friends- I know these times are not easy. I encourage you to take breaks from media, laugh when you can, lean into hobbies, and give yourself the space to recharge. At the same time, I invite you to embrace a broader view of what activism can be in its fullest, most expansive form: a challenging, healing, dynamic, and multi-faceted form of self-care.
