Burnout and Belonging: The Impact of Organizing and Activism on Youth Well-Being

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: The Role of Youth Identity Formation in Organizing for Educational Justice (Table 4)

Abstract

Although youth organizing can promote positive developmental outcomes, it can also be associated with physical and psychological costs, including burnout and exhaustion. Drawing on survey responses from 636 youth organizers, participating in the 2021 ACLU Summer Institute, this study examines factors associated with their physical health, mental health, and flourishing. Findings reveal that some youth experience significant costs of activism that can take a toll on their physical and mental health. At the same time, results suggest that youth who develop a sense of community and connectedness with other activists may benefit in terms of health, mental health, and flourishing. Findings from focus groups will add further nuance and texture to these associations. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Jerusha O. Conner, Villanova University

• Emily Greytak, ACLU

• Laura Wray-Lake, University of Rochester

• Carly Evich, Purdue University

• Elan Hope, North Carolina State University