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Last revised: February 7, 1997

For the last six months of 1995 the Sonoma County Free Press carried on an unexpected dialogue about depression: its causes and possible cures. This is a big subject in general but in the social justice movement, it has dire implications. For those stalwart souls who have given over most of their lives working for justice and peace, the situation often seems so overwhelming and impossible that burnout and depression become almost inevitable. To begin this new year we asked several longtime activists how they respond to people ready to give up the struggle because of hopelessness and despair, who cry out "What can we do?" Like it or not, here is some of what we got.
RICK COSHNEAR: Santa Rosa: "Elie Wiesel, an author of books about holocaust survivors told the following story, more or less.

There was a holy man who went to the city of Gomorah to preach virtue. At first, his teachings drew large crowds; people were very interested to hear this different vision of how they should live. But with time, the crowds grew smaller, until the holy man found himself speaking to no one. He continued to preach virtue, however. One day, a child asked him why he persisted when he had no listeners. The holy man answered 'I came here to convert others to a holier way of life. I persist so that they will not have converted me to a less holy life.'

Leftist activists call for justice, call for others to live better--sometimes to take risks, make sacrifices, share, live more simply. This is an unpopular message even among people who would benefit by the change in the long term. I feel defeated most of the time.

But to quit would be a kind of spiritual suicide, to deny oneself a reason to live amidst the injustice. And what if you quit one day, one month, one year before people begin to be able to hear you? Or, more to the point, one day before you learn to speak with a voice that can be heard? The opportunity to speak for justice is a terrible thing to waste!!! Thanks for asking."
ESZTER FREEMAN, Sebastopol: "The first step towards a life of activism is to find a passion and pursue it. Commitment and stimulation occur only from an issue with which one has deep beliefs. It's useless to work on a project only because it might be in vogue. Scoop Nisker says, 'If you don't like the news go out and make your own.' Once you have found your interest, check on any like-minded collectives. If there are none, start your own group and pull your community inside. Once, after hearing that the US exploded a bomb at the Nevada Test Site, I called KPFA at 7:30 a.m. and announced a demonstration to be held at the San Francisco Federal Building at 9:30 a.m. I then proceeded to blow up 30 helium balloons and tied them to the building's hand rails. While I was busy, 15 people showed up! Plus press! I educated the public, was assertive and built community at the same time!"

WILLIE GARRETT, Santa Rosa: "People feel there is no way out and they forget that the power is really in the hands of the people providing that we are vigilant and work together. That means alot of hard work and putting in the time. We need to really define the roots of the problems that we are facing. We need focus and coordination."

JOHNNY OTIS, Sebastopol, "There's something about human nature that just doesn't want to be bothered. People will talk a good talk but when it comes to action they don't do it. Saying there's nothing one can do is just a good excuse to beat the rap and not do anything. There is always something one can do. We know change isn't going to happen in one fell swoop but you must always keep trying."

LAURA del FUEGO, Santa Rosa, "Just carry around a list and hand it out when people say that. You might even include your own wish list of what one can do. For example, here's mine!!

ANITA POREE, Kenwood: "I'd say, Oh good, so that's how you're feeling today? So why don't you just slit your wrists now and get it over with? Here, let me hold the razor!"

KRIS WELCH, Berkeley: "I certainly can understand someone feeling that way. Anyone who is not depressed is not paying attention. Everyone needs to take a rest but if you take a permanent rest you're giving the power to someone else. So take a timeout but don't quit the game, 'cause there really is nowhere to go."

MARY MOORE, Camp Meeker: "Out in West County I hear alot of talk about staying insulated because 'reading the paper makes me depressed'. When I hear this from white, middle class people who have the badly needed privilege, energy and financial resources to make a difference it hurts me in my soul.Call it corny but I really do believe we are on this planet to make a positive difference in regard to eliminating the "isms" of race, class and gender, as well as change the exploitative and top-down ways of doing business.

As I look around me, I see what looks like a hopelessly grim scenario where the corporate oligarchy is growing more powerful every day at the expense of the rest of us, while they succeed (with our compliance) in keeping us divided. And those "good" people who could make a difference by just changing their own attitudes are indifferent and uninvolved. It's scary. And then I remember all the sheros and heros from our past who fought the good fight against even more impossible odds, and I take strength from that.

I also get strength from the exceptional people around me who have not forgotten their purpose on this planet. I like alot of people but there are a very few that I respect and admire. If I weren't doing this work I wouldn't get to hang with and take strength from those people. Yes, I get tired and discouraged, just like everyone else, but collectively we do make a difference and we must not quit--ever!! To do so is a cop-out."

JESSE JACKSON, from all over the place, "KEEP HOPE ALIVE"
ENID PICKETT, Santa Rosa:" This question actually has two parts. The WHAT and the DO. The WHAT appears to be just about anything you value. Any thing, any issue, any cause, any person/s with any situation or experience worth your time, energy and mostly, your concern. Do we really know how to measure and evaluate the risks, the flack, the consequence ready and waiting along with the minimized reward? No, not really. We adults are all alone without the initiation of knowledge from our models, our elders. The WHAT also conjures up lots of commitment. We are now invited into the interdependence, not knowing how to prioritize our choices. Ready or not, WHAT is here and we need to act on it.

This is why this particular question is so intriguing. It now peels into another layer of discussion. The choice. The right choice. The best choice for whom? Us? Them? Mutual allies perhaps? Who really knows until the eventful actual act of courage throws you into the unknown and the unpredictable. You've just got to jump in and trust your judgement. It is the exercise of taking the chance and experiencing the rare and wonderful change that will naturally occur. Yes, I said, trust your judgement. Something I hope you engage intimately. Your trust is your guide to the final decision. Without the aid of others it's just you. This is why the apathy is beyond the outbreak stage. We sit around and discuss, intellectualize, argue and even debate the question. WHAT CAN ONE DO? The time, the effort and the energy is diverted and displaced and eventually disappears, until the next verbal go-round.

The time, the effort, the energy is usually reactionary rather than catalytic. The question though does have value for it stimulates and motivates. So, perhaps my tone is dry. I must confess that I too fall into this void, this comfort zone. The question rubs me the way a mosquito bites you and leaves a red bump. It may bother you for awhile and you will scratch it and use some ointment. Eventually the bite will go away. The mosquito however will be back someday. You can count on that. The question really is saying. . . to be apathetic or not to be apathetic? That is the question."

ANNA MARIE STENBERG, Ft. Bragg, "I don't think it's just apathy. Like an alcoholic, things have to hit bottom before people will rise up and I guess it will have to get even worse before enough people get to that point. In other words, anything that cushions the blows delays the change. Right now I'm in a burnout period and in retrospect I should have done more to put balance in my life when I was out on the frontlines."

[Ed. Note: My ex-husband used to call the theory: cushion the blow, delay the change - "Victory through Misery" and claimed it was the only way to social change. And I used to hate him for it!!]

PATRICIA ROBLES MITTEN, Santa Rosa, "Keeping your life balanced is key to becoming involved when you choose to, which makes you more effective. There will always be injustice and needs in the community and it's important for us to be around for the long haul. It is so easy to get involved in everything because it all is so significant. Sometimes though, you just have to go for broke when emergencies arise or if something comes up that can't wait for six months. I do try to be selective about what I take on. I think networking is crucial so I have been involved with Mujeres Unidas for a long time. Also for seven years I have been on the Foundation for Santa Rosa Junior College as I believe education is so crucial."

ANNETTE COOPER, Santa Rosa, "It's easy to be angry and overwhelmed by the immensity of the pain, injustice and lack of consciousness that is so prevalent. It's hurtful intellectually and it almost always hits a raw emotional nerve. We all have our own private agony.

It's simplistic to just allow your justifiable cynicism to rule your life. How obvious! I allow myself unrestricted bouts of despair once in awhile. But for the majority of my time I respond on a couple of different levels. The primary one is my spiritual practice. I call it kindness. Practicing kindness is simply that. Treating people that come into contact with me with respect and graciousness.

Other things I do in this vein: Pick up liter occasionaly when I work; give people the right of way driving; give emotionally to friends and family; play fair in business; allow others to make money; pay bills as timely as possible. I'm not perfect. I'm hot headed. I can be rude and hurtful. I've said some awful things to people when I'm angry. But my practice is "kindness". It's what I strive for.

Next--Community work: 1996 is a huge political year and I've joined the National Women's Political Caucus--a group with a simple agenda that reflects my values (women in office who are pro-choice and non discriminatory). Strength in numbers can be helpful.

In creating and developing my talk show, I strive to create an environment that encourages relevent, spirited debate that makes people think and encourages seeing another point of view.

I'm in continual touch with various political figures when I care strongly about an issue. I write letters.

As the old Zen saying goes 'the way the person ties their shoes is the way they live their life. Be kind this year".

MAMA O'SHEA, San Francisco: "Everybody wants to throw in the towel at sometime or another. Last year for me it was every day. To answer the question, I guess the first thing I would say is "BE INFORMED!! Read, listen, observe every thing you can--not just in your neighborhood, but in the world. And you'll be surprised because a pattern will emerge. You'll be able to connect something in China with something happening in South Los Angeles. There are no individual struggles, it is all one struggle. The more you observe, the more you'll want to be involved, and there are so many groups that need your involvement and will show you how. So drop out for awhile if you need to, but it will lure you back in if you keep informed."

DIAN FOSTER, Santa Rosa: "Pray. Volunteer. Send money. Smile. Slow down. Breath deeply. Seriously, a thought or two about what you can do. Understand that we are here on this earth, collectively and individually for a reason. We all are blessed with talent, insight and wisdom. Determine why you are here and strive to attain a level of excellence worthy of you.

Don't give up. Pick yourself up when you fall. Be optimistic. Pray. Smile. Slow down. Ask for help. Read. Dance and play. Conserve.

I think it's important to give yourself permission to follow your dreams and to accept yoourself for who you are--right now. Remember: in the words of Kahil Gibran: 'In the face of all aridity and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Strive to be happy.'

KIT MARIAH, Guerneville: "When I feel like giving up I close my eyes and remember; I have seen the red tailed hawk, talons locked, flapping their wings in the descending spiral dance. I have seen the black shouldered kites floating, dancing circles through the sky together. I have sung to the ocean and the rocks speak to me. I must preserve their lives so I must heal my own."

BETH GRIMES, Petaluma: "Get together with others who are working to achieve our common goals. Brainstorm with them--analyze, strategize. Try to think of concrete measures that could be taken to bring about constructive change. Listen to their suggestions and try to combine their ideas with your own. If we work together, we can come up with specific ways to improve our social and economic situation. It's important to show people how much better the world can be and to point to steps that can be taken to make it better. No one wants to hear just the bad news. If we offer possible solutions people are much more likely to listen to us and to become involved.

Once you're prepared to offer a vision of a good society and ways to start making that vision a reality, talk to friends and neighbors, call radio talk shows, write letters to the editors of newspapers. Spread the work. Agitate. Organize. And don't forget to vote. Admittedly, voting often seems like an exercise in futility, but it's important in the interests of damage limitation if nothing else."

ALFREDO SANCHEZ, Windsor: "The first thing that came to my mind is a scripture from the Bible. James wrote this to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

'Consider it pure joy, my sisters and brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (Prop. 187, affirmative action attacks, tax cuts, NAFTA,etc.) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.'

Slow down, but don't quit--It's not how you act but react.--Where is your time better spent?--Keep yourself spiritual--Always remember where there is no struggle, there is no life. The revolution is coming and we want you to be a part of it. As for me, I want my friends to remember me, like the Bible says: "For I am now ready to be offered and time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith."
ALICIA SANCHEZ, Sebastopol, "I believe that one way activists can keep from getting burned out is simply to Stop and Rest. Yet this simple act is the most difficult thing for us to do. We feel that we must keep going because the job has to be done and we are the only one capable of doing it. But what happens? We get so exhausted, so overwhelmed, so hopeless, so cynical and then we withdraw and quit. The key is to recognize when to take that Rest and rejuvenate yourself. Don't feel guillty. Don't run a marathon as if it is a 100-yard dash. The job, the struggle is long and we must pace ourselves. Your are, we are, important in the struggle for justice."
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., somewhere over the rainbow: "You do right not to avoid hell but because it's right to do right."


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