I would like to see us grow in developing a deep…
““I would like to see us grow in developing a deep understanding of the need for healing as an abolitionist practice. Many of us come to this work with our own wounds--whether from childhood trauma, racism, homophobia, or the violence of police and prisons. In fact, many of us draw energy and inspiration from these wounds and the anger they create. But we are also drained by these traumas. Or find ourselves neglecting our bodies and spirits in the same ways that we may have been neglected in the past. As a result, our movement can be very 'head' oriented--talking, planning, thinking, writing--and not body and emotion oriented. This work doesn't have to be individualistic or separate from movement work; we can include it all in our movement spaces and make it a collective activity, just like the community recovery movement. But a movement against a violent and violating phenomenon like the PIC cannot hope to be successful if we don't directly address and heal the effects of that violence.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Healing from trauma must be collective, integrating body, emotion, and spirit, not just intellectual work, for abolitionist movements to succeed.
In simple terms: Collective healing essential for abolition.
Key Takeaway
Integrate holistic healing in activism.
Themes
activism
healing
collective
trauma
spirituality
Mood
empowering
reflective
Type
activist
psychological
When to use this quote
- movement workshops
- support circles
- policy planning
Key Concepts
holistic practice
community care
Questions to Reflect On
- How can movements embed body‑centered practices?
- What resources support collective healing?
A Different Perspective
May be hard to implement in large groups.