Hello,
2020 was full of challenges, overwhelm and heartache. Like me, you are probably tired. If you are an out-of-school time (OST) professional, I can only assume you are exhausted. There is much to do in 2021: there are lots of exciting things shaping up for CalSAC that I want to share with you. There are also millions of young people who need our collective support, intentional programming and caring leaders to continue moving forward through the pandemic. I want to know your ideas for what is needed and how we can make the most of 2021 together. But first, I want to know: what will you do to rest?
Tricia Hersey of The Nap Ministry advocates for rest – not just as a healing practice essential for being creative, compassionate and impactful, but also as an act of resistance against grind culture and the pervasive capitalistic notion that our value is based on what we can produce. Especially in helping professions, we are often taught that it is selfish to stop and that our willingness to grind reflects our commitment to the work. What it ultimately does is hurt and hinder the people we need most – those who are making a difference for young people.
This fall at CalSAC, our Board of Directors approved 6 health and wellness days for the staff team through the end of the year. This action encouraged staff to slow down and rest, recognizing the many transitions and uncertainty faced in 2020 by our team. It was essential to the board that they show up for the staff team, so that the staff can continue to show up authentically for the CalSAC community every day. We were grateful to be able to honor the incredibly hard work of our staff team – and recognize that this action also supports the overall long-term strength and sustainability of the organization.
Rest will look different for everyone – it may come from a Board of Directors, supervisor, or it may be an individual who personally commits to step back to take a breath. I’ve been finding refuge in the guidance of my mentors, one of which shared this great article about navigating 2020, and now 2021. In whatever form, we all need and deserve rest, in order to do the important work we’re doing for youth and families. To quote The Nap Ministry, “If you are not resting, you will not make it. We need you to make it.”
Wishing you a good solid nap in the near future and a practice of restoration, so that you can continue to do the crucial work of connecting, encouraging and leading young people across the state every day. It is an honor to work and rest alongside you.
In community,
Sara Reyes
Interim Executive Director
sreyes@calsac.org