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Blog: Viewpoint: How New Technologies Impact Aid Coordination
Please read, share and comment on our latest viewpoint, which challenges the current aid coordination institutions to embrace new technologies that truly enable 'rights-based' aid distribution by putting choices, and power, into the hands of the people that aid is meant to reach.
Blog: Some thoughts on self-care for human rights activists
What are the range of issues that affect our ability (and desire/willingness) to pay attention to self-care?
The inability to practice authentic, sustainable self-care most likely began in childhood where our early patterning begins. If healthy modeling does not take place due to alcoholism, addictions, abuse or untreated mental health issues, it is likely a child will grow up to be other-directed (i.e, cares for the needs of others before he cares for his own needs. Often children play the role of the parent to adults who are unable to care for themselves.
Blog: Self-Care and Self-Defense Manual for Feminist Activists
"Self-Care and Self-Defense Manual for Feminist Activists" is a valuable resource for men and women alike. The manual was originally developed in Spanish by Marina Bernal, Elige and Artemisa. This is an English translation of the Spanish version, to make it accessible to feminist activists globally.
Blog: Self-Care Part 3/3
What does self-care entail? Self-care entails a myriad of strategies designed to address stressful working conditions as well as to ensure more sustainable well-being.
Blog: Self-Care Part 1/3
Human rights workers and advocates are often subject to exposure to distressing situations directly and indirectly. From those working directly with survivors of human rights abuses to those working indirectly on human rights abuse issues, the need for taking care of one’s self is extremely important.
Blog: Self-Care Part 2/3
While vicarious trauma seems very specific to those working directly with traumatized individuals, human rights workers and advocates exposed to the stories of these individuals should take care in recognizing any symptoms that may result from this exposure.
Blog: Self-Care for Activists
Activism can be difficult, dangerous, and draining work. We are forced to juggle enormous workloads, chronic stress, and exposure to trauma. There seems to be a dangerous perception within the community that we must work to eradicate human rights abuses at the expense of our own health and well-being, and that a truly committed activist works to achieve their goals regardless of the personal costs. As a result, we are often hesitant to speak about our own stress, burnout, and secondary trauma. Jane Barry, in her article "What's the Point of the Revolution if We Can't Dance", proposes several strategies to improve activist sustainability...
