By Ivonne Ortiz, Vice President of Programs, Prevention and Social Change
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." — Maya Angelou
As an advocate at a local domestic violence program, I once worked with a survivor named Norma. She had endured years of abuse and felt completely hopeless. We worked together and although there were many setbacks along the way, Norma never gave up. She found a job, secured a safe place to live, and even started volunteering to help others. Norma's journey was a powerful reminder of Maya Angelou's words. Despite the hardships she faced, she refused to let them define her. Her resilience and determination were truly inspiring, and they reminded me of the importance of hope and perseverance.
Years later, I heard from a colleague that Norma married a wonderful person and that she often talked about her experience of receiving love and support while staying at our safehouse. Norma is living the life she thought she could never have! Similar survivors’ stories serve as a powerful reminder of the difference we make as advocates. It also validates the importance of our role, showing that our support, guidance, and compassion truly matter.
Stories like Norma’s can help us stay hopeful and resilient. Knowing that our work is making a real and positive difference in the world is what gives us hope. Hope is important because it keeps us going, even when things are tough. When we have hope, we feel more motivated and capable, which makes it easier to handle stress and challenges. Hope also gives us a sense of purpose and direction, making life feel more meaningful. It connects us with others, creating a supportive community. Overall, hope empowers us to take action and believe in the possibility of a brighter future.
In the video below, The Science and Power of Hope, Dr. Chan Hellman defines hope as “the belief that your future will be better than today, and you have the power to make it so.”
Cultivating hope
bell hooks emphasized that hope is crucial in movements for social and political change, especially when the environment is discouraging. In times of widespread disillusionment, maintaining hope is what keeps the struggle for justice alive. As advocates, even when we feel we have nothing else to give, we can cultivate hope. We do this by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating our progress.
When things get tough, it can be hard to stay hopeful. As someone who helps people facing domestic and sexual violence, your work is incredibly important. Here are some tips to keep your spirits up, even when things seem difficult.
"Hope is essential to any political struggle for radical change when the overall social climate promotes disillusionment and despair." — bell hooks
1. Remember Your Impact
You make a difference every day. Whether you're providing a safe place, listening to someone, or helping them start over, your work matters. Celebrate the small wins and remember the lives you've helped change. As an advocate, you make a huge difference. Your kindness, listening, and guidance can change lives. You help people find their strength and rebuild their lives. Your dedication creates positive change and empowers survivors to reclaim their futures. Remember, your work is incredibly valuable and deeply appreciated. Keep shining your light, knowing you are making a difference, one life at a time.
2. Lean on Your Support Network
You don't have to do this alone. Talk to your colleagues, friends, and family when you need support. Sharing your feelings can help you feel better. It's okay to ask for help and take care of yourself.
3. Keep Learning
Stay informed about the latest information and resources to enhance our wo
rk. Learning new things can give you more tools to help others and remind you why you do this important work.
4. Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is essential. Do things that make you feel good, like reading, exercising, meditating, or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of yourself helps you stay strong and effective in your work.
5. Look at the Big Picture
Sometimes, it's hard to see beyond the immediate challenges. Remind yourself of the bigger goals of your work. Every small step forward contributes to the larger goal of ending domestic violence and creating a safer world.
6. Find Inspiration in Others
Look to other advocates, survivors, and leaders for inspiration. Their stories of resilience can remind you why your work is so important. Sharing these stories can also help build a sense of community and hope.
7. Celebrate Progress
Acknowledge and celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small. Each achievement is a victory. Recognizing these successes can motivate you to keep going.
8. Stay Resilient
Understand that setbacks are a part of any journey. As bell hooks suggests, maintaining hope is essential, especially when facing disappointments. Resilience helps you bounce back and continue striving towards your goals.
9. Show Grace
When fellow advocates are struggling, showing grace is crucial. Offering a listening ear and words of encouragement can make a big difference. Sharing resources or helping with their workload shows teamwork and compassion. By showing grace during stressful times, advocates set a positive example, fostering a supportive and resilient work culture.
In tough times, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. But by remembering your impact, leaning on your support network, staying informed, taking care of yourself, focusing on the big picture, finding inspiration in others, and celebrating progress, you can stay hopeful. Your work as a domestic and sexual violence advocate is invaluable, and your strength and dedication are truly commendable. Keep shining your light, and remember that hope can always be found, even in the darkest times.
