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Read “Aftershock” Now

Read “Aftershock” Now

IDA invites you to read this column on our Sustainable Activism Blog by guest blogger Dallas Rising, executive director of the Animal Rights Coalition and member of IDA’s Council of Sustainable Activism.

If you haven’t had the great pleasure of reading pattrice jones’ “Aftershock: Confronting Trauma in a Violent World: A Guide for Activists and their Allies”, then open another window in your browser this minute and order yourself a copy immediately. Or, if you’re more of a traditionalist, call or email your local, independent book-seller and ask them to special order a copy for you if they don’t have one in stock. If your library doesn’t have a copy in stock, do the public a service and request that they stock this incredible title.

IDA_COSA_Dallas_RisingWhile it was published in 2007, this is still one of the most effective tools for activists who carry trauma both related and unrelated to their activism. It’s important for those of us who are repeatedly exposed to violence to learn about the toll this takes and how to best minimize the damage it can wreak on our psyches and work. (Remember, witnessing violence imposed on another is traumatic, and it can be traumatizing to align yourself with a victim of violence, even by speaking up on their behalf in an atmosphere where that isn’t the norm.)

I have a well worn copy on my bookshelf and it’s a title I make sure to have on the shelf at the Animal Rights Coalition’s all vegan store in Minnesota, Ethique Nouveau, at all times. I’ve given copies to friends, and I’ve given copies to the support teams of activists who have been prosecuted for their work to stand up for justice. I’ve told countless people about this book, and now I’m telling you.

Written in a direct and personal style, it feels like jones is addressing the reader directly. Her voice is direct and grounding.

Maybe you’re wondering why I’m going on about a book written years ago when it seems like resources for activists are popping up everywhere these days. Many of the books written with activist audiences in mind focus on tactics for being more convincing or on things we can do to be “more effective”. The focus is on what we project outwardly, not on our own internal landscape. Many of us are walking wounded in some regard, as a result of the painful knowledge we carry and of which we are constantly reminded. jones addresses that inner part of ourselves and makes a strong case for why attending to our animal emotions is a critical part of healing a damaged and violated planet.

As trained psychotherapist and decades long activist, jones addresses about a third of her book to mental health workers, giving them guidance in how they can best support their activist clients.

Ultimately, however, it’s our responsibility to care for one another in our collectives, organizations, groups, and the greater movement. “Aftershock” not only makes a great argument for that statement, but illuminates a path for us to succeed at it, too.

Dallas Rising serves on In Defense of Animals’ Council of Sustainable Activism and is the executive director of the Animal Rights Coalition. She lives in Minneapolis with her interspecies family.

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