January Newsletter: Know that it is okay to grieve. Resources to help you rest and recharge.

A Word from Iris

The transition to a new year is usually an optimistic time, full of happy moments with those we love, fun festivities, new goals, and warm feelings. But this year, that spirit didn’t last long. In my side conversations, I’m hearing that the deepening oppression in our communities and workplaces – plus fading interest in equity and justice work – has many of us feeling exhausted, anxious, and dejected.

So my message this month is one of encouragement. Know that it is okay to grieve. It is okay to rest and recharge. Most of all, it is okay to be human, and feel the effect of the world around you. Our sense of humanity is a strength and we can use it. We all have power. We all have choices. And we can continue moving toward liberation, even while honoring our pain. Please embrace the resources below for holding on to hope while remaining committed to equity, justice, and liberation work at a difficult time.

Resources to Chew On

Processing Grief

• A Conversation on Hope and Grief from a a Palestinian Activist (published May 2023)

• A Resource for Organizers and Activists Struggling with Despair

• This Interview-Style Podcast on Learning from Grief

       BOOKS

• Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Mediations for Staying Human

• This Interview-Style Podcast on Finding the Laughter in Life’s Painful Moments 

       ARTICLES

• Grief Belongs in Social Movements. Can We Embrace It?

• Black Lives Matter Meditation for Healing Racial Trauma
   

Yes, Politics at the Dinner Table

• We Must Do Better: A Toolkit for non-Black Latinxs Who Choose to Address their anti-Blackness 

• Raise Your Voice: A Trans Ally Toolkit

• The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You Challenge

• Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, and Engage in Collective Healing
   

Events and Community (in D.C. & virtually)

• National Day of Racial Healing: A Checklist for Planning Observances

• Sawubona Healing Circles: Crisis Response & Safe Spaces for People with Lived Black Experience

• Harriett’s Dreams DC Safety Mobilization 

• Queer POC Events by As You Are Bar

• A Running Community for Black and Brown Folks

• Black Women Hiking Community the DMV 

• The Rooted Collective’s Inclusive Virtual Yoga (Free, Sat. at 10am ET & On-Demand)
  Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89309615098
  Meeting ID: 893 0961 5098
  Passcode: 808666

• The Be More Yoga Virtual Community Yoga
  (Donation-Based, Mon. Weds. Fri. at 7am ET)