Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul

March 20, 2023
Cheng-Tozun (Start, Love, Repeat), editorial director at Christian nonprofit PAX, offers valuable guidance for those who want to fight for social justice without standing at the front of a rally with a bullhorn. Sensitive, introverted people have unique gifts, such as “empathy, perception... and an innate ability to bond with others,” the author explains, but are prone to burnout in the activist world of “protests and pushback, debates, and callouts.” For that reason, before volunteering or working at a social justice organization, sensitive people should consider its environment, in terms of both its culture and its physical space (obtrusive lights and sounds can become overwhelming); seek out “supportive, meaningful relationships” in social justice communities; and avoid working for causes that might induce “empathy fatigue” in the long run. Cheng-Tozun outlines roles sensitive people often thrive in: their attention to detail makes them ideal record-keepers (for example, archivists or historians), and their thoughtfulness is especially useful in disciplines such as engineering, where empathy “is at the very heart of creating products and technologies that address major social inequities.” Herself a sensitive person who built a meaningful social justice career—encountering more than a few episodes of burnout along the way—the author draws usefully on her own experiences to deliver an encouraging message that reframes sensitivity as an asset, not a liability. This practical, energizing entry will prove a handy resource for the withdrawn.

July 1, 2023

Cheng-Tozun (Start, Love, Repeat) recognizes that social justice work is difficult for individuals considered highly sensitive persons (HSPs) or sensitive/empathic but emphasizes that society needs more of these individuals as social reformers. She notes that sensitive/empathic people often feel split between their need for social justice and their limited tolerance for stress and stimulation, which can lead to burnout. This book provides tools to find areas where sensitive/empathic readers can make a difference but also cope with stress. The author provides tips on what to consider when finding a social justice niche and underscores that one will find conflict in many nonprofit sectors. She offers advice that would assist anyone seeking employment, including assessing physical spaces and organizational culture. Cheng-Tozun provides relevant examples of social reformers who fit her definitions of sensitive/empathic who created change but also struggled, including Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Bishop Desmond Tutu. She also provides anecdotes of people making positive changes (in ways relatable to sensitive souls) through art and theater, bridging gaps, recordkeeping, engineering, mentoring, and research. Several chapters include reflection questions. An appendix offers various sensitive/empathic categories for reader self-identification. VERDICT This inspiring book is recommended for anyone interested in social justice and enacting positive change.--Erica Swenson Danowitz

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2023
Award-winning writer and editor Dorcas Cheng-Tozun delivers a book that identifies people, gifts, and creative forms of activism that our world needs now. First, she defines the strengths of highly sensitive persons (HSP), then unpacks the achievements and talents of empath activists who have shaken and gentled the world--quiet change agents equipped with sensitivity, reasoned understanding, and expansive vision beyond winning debates: Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu, Rosa Parks, Iris Chang. Activists who lead marches are important and well known, but the world is also better thanks to quiet activism. HSP are natural listeners, advocates, and problem solvers and are often experts at making connections, understanding problems, and offering unexpected solutions. These sensitive souls may also be "craftivists," amplifying social movements through art--one stunning example is the architectural drawing of the slave ship Brookes, which captured the inhumanity of slavery and triggered increased opposition to it. Cheng-Tozun recognizes that HSP are by nature at increased risk for burnout, exhaustion, and anxiety. She reminds us that compassion starts with self-compassion, and that martyrdom is not helpful. Engaging writing that skillfully weaves compelling data, stories, and encouragement of HSP activism makes for a timely, delightfully readable, and much-needed book.

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