How do you keep your passion for community organizing alive?

1 Find your purpose

Community organizing is not just about achieving a specific goal or outcome, but also about fulfilling a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. What is your vision for the community you want to create or transform? What are the values and principles that guide your actions and decisions? How does your work contribute to a larger cause or mission? Reminding yourself of your purpose can help you reconnect with your passion and overcome challenges.

2 Build relationships

Community organizing is not a solo endeavor, but a collective effort that relies on building strong and trusting relationships with others. Who are the people you work with, learn from, and support in your organizing efforts? How do you communicate, collaborate, and celebrate with them? How do you nurture and sustain these relationships over time? Building relationships can help you feel part of a community, share experiences and emotions, and leverage diverse skills and perspectives.

3 Learn and grow

Community organizing is not a static or fixed skill, but a dynamic and evolving one that requires constant learning and growth. What are the new skills, knowledge, or tools you need to improve your organizing practice? What are the feedback, insights, or lessons you gain from your successes and failures? How do you reflect, evaluate, and adapt your strategies and tactics? Learning and growing can help you enhance your competence, confidence, and creativity.

4 Take care of yourself

Community organizing is not a sprint or a marathon, but a long-term journey that requires balance and self-care. How do you manage your time, energy, and resources? How do you cope with stress, frustration, or disappointment? How do you recharge, relax, and have fun? How do you attend to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being? Taking care of yourself can help you prevent burnout, maintain your health, and enjoy your life.

5 Seek inspiration

Community organizing is not an isolated or unique skill, but a connected and diverse one that can draw inspiration from various sources. Who are the role models, mentors, or heroes that inspire you with their organizing stories and achievements? What are the books, articles, podcasts, or videos that inform you with relevant information and ideas? What are the events, activities, or spaces that energize you with new opportunities and connections? Seeking inspiration can help you expand your horizons, spark your curiosity, and renew your enthusiasm.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?