Rest & Recuperation: Supporting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Leaders in Their Pursuit of Social Justice
Let’s talk about rest and recovery. In the relentless pursuit of social justice, leaders from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities often find themselves at the forefront of grassroots and community-centric campaigns, tirelessly advocating for change. While the feats of dedication are impressive, the continuous demands of activism can (and sometimes do) lead to burnout, underscoring the critical need for rest and recuperation.
A mounting body of research indicates what members from invisibilized communities have known for a while now; leaders from these communities face unique stressors, including systemic discrimination and the emotional toll of advocacy work. Leading institutions such as Nonprofit Quarterly and Mental Health Alliance have highlighted over recent years the importance of restorative moments for BIPOC and LGBTQ leaders. ?Whether it means “finding a space where you feel safe to completely be yourself, with those who understand your experience on a personal level” (Mental Health Alliance), or “be[ing] in community across experiences” and “practic[ing] restoration together” (Nonprofit Quarterly), the importance of rest for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ leaders is undeniable and rooted in a need to combat lingering effects of systemic injustice on invisibilized communities.
Recognizing this need, Apogeo Collective has emerged as a sanctuary for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ leaders. Their primary venture is a wellness retreat located in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, that provides a pop-up bed & breakfast experience designed specifically for LGBTQ+, gender-nonconforming, and BIPOC travelers seeking a safe haven for rest and rejuvenation.?
By providing a dedicated space for protective relaxation, Apogeo Collective enables leaders to recharge, fostering resilience and creativity essential for effective advocacy. This initiative not only supports individual well-being but also strengthens the broader movements these leaders represent.
Supporting Apogeo Collective’s mission is an investment in the sustainability of social justice leadership. By facilitating rest for those who tirelessly champion equity, we contribute to the longevity and effectiveness of their vital work while honoring their needs as human beings.
If you would like to learn more about Apogeo Collective and support their work:
Keep building bravely,
-Build Up, Inc.
Apogeo Collective is a fiscally sponsored project of Build Up, Inc. Build Up, Inc. is a public charity that operates as a fiscal sponsor and capacity builder providing brave women and Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC)-led nonprofit start-ups, organizations, networks, and collectives that support under-resourced and historically invisibilized communities with the needed infrastructure and capacity. To learn more visit: www.buildupcompanies.com.
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