Intentional Activism: Journal Prompts for Sustaining Resistance
Over the past two weeks, I’ve witnessed the genocide in Palestine worsen and the outpouring of grief, rage, and resistance in response. People all over the world are standing with Palestine, fighting against colonial-capitalist white supremacy in all its forms. It does not go amiss that Wall Street profits from Israel’s indiscriminate assault and that companies like Starbucks and McDonald’s support Israel’s human rights violations.
From sharing on the ground updates, historical information and various art on the issue, activists have shown that social media can be for the people, used as a tool to circumvent censorship and build global solidarity. The global movement in support of Palestine’s freedom inspires me, like many others, to continue the fight for freedom in my own country.
But as activating and informative as people-powered news can be, there is also an undercurrent of anxiety, guilt and helplessness within our feeds. It is the constant stream of information on the issue. It is the shame administered to those who stay publicly silent. It is the fear and inability – in the Philippines, this is thanks to state surveillance of activists – of doing something beyond social media. No matter how physically close or distant we are from Palestine, we feel a responsibility and thus an anxiety for doing the right thing at this time in history.
This anxiety is a sign that we care. We should honor it as such. Although, with the heightened alarm and urgency of the killings, it’s absolutely necessary to manage our feelings and channel it into transformative action. What’s important is that we sustain the present swell of resistance and decolonization far into the future – until Palestine, and all of us still trapped in the stranglehold of white imperialism, are free.
Rebelled Spirits by Najat.
“The spirits of the uprooted trees are rebelling. They nourish, give hope, beauty and light to the living one which stands majestically and refuses to be uprooted. Its roots anchored profoundly in the land of Palestine to secure its survival for future generations.”
Najat El-Taji El-Khairy sells their artwork online at https://www.najat.ca/. A portion of their profits is donated directly to Palestinians in need and non-profit organizations such as CPQF Child Sponsorship Program and Institute for Palestine Studies (IPS).
In times of heightened action and growing resistance, things will undoubtedly get messy and uncomfortable as we courageously figure out how to work together across systemic divisions. We need to be intentional with our activism, in how we engage with others and ourselves.
I’ve written down some journal prompts that help me personally be more intentional with my activism at this time. Think of these questions like stretches or movement for the spirit, loosening the knotted, sore, parts while strengthening the others. I hope they help ground you in this present moment and inspire renewed actions for yourself and your community.
What is urgent for you right now, and why? (what takes up most of your thoughts and feelings)
Based on observation and thoughtful conversation, what is urgent for the world right now? How about in your community?
What is in your control?
How can you show up for yourself, your community, and the world? What actions, if any, do you feel called to do?
What are your measures of successful activism? (try to stay away from known answers and instead speak from personal experience)