Sustainable activism: Taking care of ourselves while fighting for public education and our profession
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 3, 22 May 2026, page no.17
In record numbers, members of the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) have been active in campaigns for a better future for their profession and public education, whether via MP delegations, high vis activities, or parent and online engagement.
Achieving change can take time, and sustaining passion and dedication can be tough. The impact of unsustainable activism can be burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. The QTU recognises how vital wellbeing is to the long-term sustainability of our movement and our ability to have an impact.
The weight of the world should not be on our shoulders as individuals. We are part of a movement and share this struggle together.
Members are encouraged to practice sustainable activism and self-care. So how do you maintain your activism and involvement without burning out?
Healthier activism
Some reminders:
- Ask for help — don’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
- Take care of yourself first.
- Your wellbeing is as important as others.
- Pace yourself and take time to rest.
- Take a break when you need to.
- Focus your energies — be realistic.
- Focus on your spheres of influence.
- You don’t have to be an expert.
- Accept that positive change can take time. We do make a difference.
Source: Amnesty International, "Sustainable Activism and Self-Care".
Positive self-talk (challenge the internal voice)
| Negative frame | Positive frame |
| That was a complete failure. What a waste of time. | That didn’t go as planned, but I can see ways to learn from it. Next time it will be better. |
| I am terrible at this. I can’t do anything right. | I should be proud of myself for giving it a try. I know I can learn how to do it better. |
| I’m not going to work with that person anymore. They are completely unreliable. | What are the reasons that person is finding it difficult to complete these tasks? If I can find that out, I can help them work out how to do it. |
Source: Amnesty International, "Sustainable Activism and Self-Care".
Increase resilience
Treat every problem as a learning opportunity
What could you do different next time? What worked well? What didn’t? What would you say the cause of the problem was? How could you try to avoid it in the future?
Make sure you have a realistic workload
Do you have the capacity to achieve everything you’ve set for yourself? Have you agreed to take on too many tasks from others? What do you need to be able to achieve your goals? If you’re unable to get what you need, do you have the ability to reduce your goals?
Have a strong support network
Find people who can help you work through possible solutions (reassure, encourage and inspire) — perhaps your Organiser or fellow activists?
Source: Amnesty International, "Sustainable Activism and Self-Care".
Remember that in the marathon of a career in education, there are some major peaks, but many minor peaks also, with troughs in between. After each “mini-peak”, there is an opportunity to reflect on successes or failures and re-adjust.
This short downtime serves as a break, so remember to identify these troughs and breathe. Research consistently shows that the most important influence on a child’s education is YOU, so remember the airplane analogy: put your own oxygen mask on first so you can be your best for others.
To check out the Amnesty International guide, click here.