The conversation about how to better support and resource grassroots activists and groups should not be limited to resourcing and supporting projects and field action. Donors and ally organisations must also consider the fundamental need to protect and nurture the mental, physical and emotional energy that drives activists and groups individually and collectively.
Unfortunately, this need is heavily neglected. During the co-creation of the Grassroots Solidarity Revolution, an advocacy campaign launched in 2021 by CIVICUS and a group of activists called the Grassroots Changemakers, they illustrated how activist’s wellbeing is overlooked in the fight for the greater good – often having to sacrifice their time, sleep, integrity, safety and personal livelihoods. Additionally, they highlighted that activists need but lack informal spaces to connect with peers beyond their pressing work agendas, cultivate relationships, unwind and laugh, support their individual and collective wellbeing, and exchange knowledge and skills.
Since change begins at home, also as part of the campaign, the Grassroots Changemakers team started hosting non-work meetings focused on getting to know each other at a deeper and more personal level, playing games, singing, dancing, practicing relaxation exercises and exploring new ways for collaboration. They called them Jam Sessions.
Fourteen additional grassroots activists and groups around the world have also hosted Jam Sessions for activists following the Grassroots Changemaker’s idea. Their positive feedback and experiences encouraged us to publish this simple toolkit for activists interested in hosting similar spaces to lift the spirits amongst colleagues and nurture the collective energy that keeps their groups and movements going.
This toolkit provides practical information about planning and hosting Jam Sessions for activists and reflecting on the outcomes. Additionally, it includes more information about our Jam Sessions experience within the Grassroots Solidarity Revolution campaign journey.
Download the Jam Sessions Toolkit now!
3 reasons why donors and allies should fund and support healing and nurturing spaces by and for activists
- Activism is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding and, unfortunately, even dangerous. Activists need resources, support and spaces to heal and nurture their energy, heart and spirit as individuals and as a group, and to do it on their own terms. We should not wait until activists face burnout and crises to provide support. Resourcing healing, nurturing and strengthening initiatives can help as prevention.
- It’s time for donors and allies to include activists’ wellbeing and the strength of their groups, organisations and movements as a top indicator of impact and success of projects, programmes and grants.
- Grassroots activists and groups struggle to organise community activities and protests, attend emergencies, fight injustice, write reports, meet deadlines and chase funds. They hardly ever have time, resources, or spaces to gather to strengthen their groups and activism, build collective visions and strategies, discuss and reflect on their wins, losses, challenges, and journey, and do networking and peer learning activities. Supporting spaces and activities to strengthen activists and groups at their core is fundamental to supporting sustainable and resilient civic action.
