Taking Care of Ourselves & Each Other in Challenging Times: A Message From Our Team to You

July 2, 2025

Hi everyone,

We feel it too—this moment is heavy. Political shifts, social unrest, and the unrelenting pace of our work weigh on us all. NCCASA sees you: the advocates taking late-night hotline calls and meeting survivors at the hospital, the executive directors securing critical funding, the students organizing for change, and the leaders guiding their teams through uncertainty. Your resilience inspires us. But even the strongest need space to rest and renew.

Why This Work (and YOU) Matter

Every survivor who finds safety, every policy changed, every community educated—it happens because of *you*. In a world that often dismisses or politicizes trauma, your commitment is a radical act of hope. The movement leans on your courage, and we are profoundly grateful. Never doubt your impact.

Keeping Our Flame Lit: Practical Ways to Guard Against Burnout

  1. “Permission to Pause:” Your worth isn’t tied to productivity. Take that lunch break. Close your laptop at 5 p.m. when you can. Say without guilt.
  2. Connect Vent: Lean on your team, our Coalition, or peers. A quick call to debrief frustration can diffuse stress. You’re not alone—we’re an ecosystem of support.
  3. Micro-Restoration: Small moments add up. Walk outside, savor coffee mindfully, or blast a song that energizes you. Your nervous system needs these resets.
  4. Boundaries = Sustainability: It’s okay to mute the news or log off social media. Protect your emotional space—it’s not selfish, it’s strategic.
  5. Celebrate Tiny Wins: Solved a paperwork snag? Supported a colleague? Acknowledged your own effort? Celebrate it. Joy is fuel.

Our Commitment to You

We’re here to champion YOU—whether through training resources, policy and system advocacy, or just being a sounding board. Reach out if you need support strategizing workload, accessing wellness tools, or navigating systemic challenges. Your well-being is foundational to our mission.

Deep Gratitude, Always

To every one of you showing up, even on the hard days: thank you. Your labor is the heartbeat of this movement. When the climate feels overwhelming, remember the community standing with you—across campuses, agencies, and towns all over North Carolina. We’re in this together, and we protect each other.

Take a breath. Reach out if you’re struggling. And know: your work is sacred, and so are you.

With solidarity and respect,

NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault