Lo aleicha hamlacha ligmor

“It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.” Pirkei Avot 2:16

So here we go. The last couple of months have been the slow uphill climb towards the start of the worst roller coaster ride ever — we’re strapped in, and it’s too late to get off, and it’s about to get awful.

I know a lot of people are struggling with the question of how much to engage with the awfulness. It’s a real issue — they’re deliberately planning on “shock and awe” — on doing so many terrible things at once that people are overwhelmed and give up. And even before this moment, it’s become increasingly clear that human beings were not evolved to have all the bad things happening in the world present in their pockets 24 hours a day. So you need to manage the emotional load, decide how you’re going to learn about what’s happening in a way that works for you, and when you’re going to turn it off.

But that’s not the same as checking out entirely. Everyone has a role to play in fighting back, in defending the people who are being targeted, in building joyful community, in defending democracy and the rule of law. If we don’t do that, those who are trying to destroy will win without a fight. But it’s not up to any of us to do it single handedly. So, you need to pick the things that you’re going to focus on, and find the other people working on that, and do your best, and trust that other people are doing their best on other things. And listen when they say “hey, we need your backup right now” but also listen to your body and soul when they say “hey, we need some joy and rest so we can come back and work some more.” Easier said than done, but the alternative is complicity.

Democracy2025 is a good place to start to figure out who else is working on the things you care about — if you can’t find what you want, email me and I’ll provide a personal concierge service to help you find the right group for you.

Some other useful writings on thinking about your role in this new world we’re living in:

Anand Giridharadas on finding your “posture” in this world.

The Social Change Ecosystem Map

Julie Philips on Ursula LeGuin, the way of water, and social activism

And LeGuin’s own essay, writen in the wake of the 2016 election.

It’s going to be a bumpy ride — and far worse than that for some. Let me know how I can support you.