Leaders of social change and those actively working to build healthy and just societies face unique challenges that often involve deep personal sacrifice. Many work at the center of social problems, often in chronically under-resourced or highly stressful environments that do not allow for self-reflection and self-care. As a result, they experience problems such as burnout, serious health problems, and broken relationships.
While addressing these personal challenges is important in itself, there is also growing evidence that individual well-being is central to effectively addressing systemic societal challenges. There is also growing interest in how individuals, funders and organizations can support improved wellbeing for themselves and the sector as a whole.
This series, presented in partnership with The Wellbeing Project, India Development Review, The Skoll Foundation, and Schwab Foundation (a sister organization of the World Economic Forum), explores the important but overlooked link between inner well-being and effective social change. We will explore relationships that tend to be difficult. Contributors include researchers, funders, and practitioners from around the world, who share strategies and strategies that leaders and others working for social change can implement to promote well-being at the individual, organizational, sector, and societal levels. Share actionable steps.
(Illustration: Helena Palles)