Another year in the books. Take it in. 

Whether the past year was filled with challenges or triumphs…or both…end it with some moments of rest and reflection. Taking a break and checking in with yourself is a critical part of staying engaged, as is recentering the things you care about most. For folks who want to get more involved in their communities, a New Year’s resolution can be a clear and sometimes quantifiable means of setting intentions based on your values. 

So, what are good New Year’s resolutions for activists? From strategies for community-building to learning how to have tough conversations, we put together a quick list to get you thinking about how to be more involved in the new year. We’d love to see what you come up with too, so share on social with #RestorativeResolutions and tag @thecaase! 

Do some research and reading on a topic that interests you. 

There is an endless amount of information and history about any single issue. Pick one that you want to be more active about and dive in! For example, you could learn about how criminal justice reform and supporting survivors go hand in hand. 

Once you pick your topic, read a book, listen to a podcast, dig through some old records, talk to folks who have been doing the work longer than you have. Setting a specific target can help you stick with it. Picking a goal that suits you is key. It could be connecting with 1 new activist per month or joining a book club focused on the topic.

Find an activism buddy or mentor. 

The work is forever and it is easier to keep at it with a supportive community! Chances are you know someone with the same activism interests. See if they want to buddy up with you. Or, seek connections with someone who has more experience with the issue than you do. Their insights can be invaluable. 

Set up a few automatic monthly donations.

It feels good to commit support to causes that you believe in! And organizations you love like CAASE, A Long Walk Home, and Resilience greatly appreciate consistent giving, even if it’s a small amount. Some favorites outside the sphere of gender justice are Prison + Neighborhood Arts/Education Project and Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. A monthly gift to Chicago area food banks is also a big help, especially as grocery prices are hitting households hard.

Subscribe to your alderman’s newsletter. 

Your ward might send out street closure reminders, information about mutual aid, dates for open neighborhood meetings to discuss issues facing our community, and opportunities to give input on key issues.

Create more space than you take up. 

Be aware of how privilege operates within your identity and those around you, then prioritize and amplify the voices and experiences of more marginalized folks. Selecting a particular focus can make it easier to see opportunities for honoring this commitment. For example, you could resolve to bring more queer perspectives and experiences to the sexual violence movement. 

Practice naming and asserting your boundaries. 

It can be hard to set boundaries but if you want to be an activist for the long haul, it is crucial to take care of yourself. Think about what will protect you from burnout. It may be turning your focus to a cause that has not caused you personal trauma or it could be choosing to watch media on topics outside of your activism and going light on content that features it so you get a break. What will your boundaries be?

For your physical health, resolve to contribute to and promote movement/exercise/health organizations headed by BIPOC folks. 

Lots of people set resolutions around their health that are actually pretty harmful. A new year is an opportunity to change that into something positive while championing BIPOC in the wellness space. Ilya Parker is a great follow and they put together this Database of Affirming Fitness & Movement Practitioners. Check it out! We also love following folks like Jessamyn Stanley, whose fitness philosophy centers on how one feels instead of weight.

We hope these suggestions help you grow while staying grounded in your values. Since setting a restorative resolution is a great way to stay engaged in the activism you care about, we would love to hear your suggestions! Share it on social with #RestorativeResolution and tag @theCAASE! 

This piece was primarily authored by KT Hawbaker with editing by Hayley Forrestal and assistance from Jenny Dawson, Madeleine Behr, and Caitlin Cervenka. It was originally published on January 2, 2021 and updated on December 8, 2022