To say that it’s been a rough few weeks would be a grave understatement. As justice oriented educators, parents, and humans we are exhausted. Anxious and overstimulated from processing the disproportionately negative impact of COVID-19 on our personal lives, the lives of the Black and Brown students and families we work with, and across our communities. When you add in the unjust killings (and threats of unjust killings) of Black folk in recent weeks we have found ourselves needing to take a pause for healing. Frankly, we’re tired.

However, as we are taking this moment to breathe, we have also been reminded of our purpose – to create brave spaces of healing and support with committed educators as we address systemic racism and bias in special education. One of our core values is Be Well. We want educators to know that it is okay to, and we must, take periodic pauses to tend to our own wounds as we attend to the wounds of our students, families, and community. Healing is a form of resistance. So, do what you need to take care of yourself while doing this work. In part, it is the work. 

In the words of Angela Davis: 

“Self-care has to be incorporated into all our efforts… and to do this within a collective context. So, yes, this means exercising the body. Yes, this means finding a place for spiritual expression. This holistic approach to organizing is, I think, what will eventually move us along the trajectory that will move us to some victories.”

What we are experiencing is racial trauma. Below we offer to you five key ways our team embodies “Be Well” so that we do not burnout in this fight for justice. We invite you to join in with us and to share how/what you did.