Dear College of Education Community,
As we engage in social justice and transformative activities to create a more just society, we also need to be aware of the impact this can have on our wellbeing. When we “work at the center of social problems, often in chronically under-resourced or highly stressful environments that don’t allow for self-reflection or self-care….we can experience problems such as burnout, serious health issues, and breakdowns in relationships,” according to the Stanford Social Innovation Review. “While addressing these personal challenges is important in and of itself, there is also growing evidence that personal well-being lies at the heart of effectively addressing systemic social challenges. There is also growing interest in how individuals, funders, and organizations can support greater well-being in themselves and across the field.” This review presents a series “to explore this important but often overlooked connection between inner well-being and effective social change.” Please take time to read this very helpful and inspiring set of articles at the link below on topics such as addressing trauma as a pathway to social change, connecting inner and outer well-being in social innovation education, and equity and inclusion: The roots of organizational well-being.
https://ssir.org/centered_self_the_connection_between_inner_wellbeing_and_social_change
For a list of other self-care options, you can also go to our COE self-care website for resources for faculty, staff, students, and the community at https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/self-care
Inner well-being is essential for engagement in transformative social change.
Warmly,
Shari