The Case for Collective Care in Uncertain Times

By Nella Rohan, ArtWell Staff Writer

“Meditation without action leads to stagnation, and action without reflection leads to burnout. Balance is key” - Gohan,  A Shaolin Monk

We're living in a moment where uncertainty is no longer the exception—it's the norm. Every headline seems to forecast another storm: layoffs across industries, an impending recession, rising costs of living, political division, and the steady erosion of fundamental rights and social safety nets. For many, the pressure to simply keep it together is relentless. In times like these, the cracks in our systems become impossible to ignore—and so does the need for something deeper than individual resilience.

As economic and social instability grow, it's clear that self-care—often sold to us in the form of products, services, and "wellness" routines—can't fully sustain us. In recent years, the concept of self-care has dominated wellness discourse, from social media influencers to corporate wellness initiatives. We are constantly encouraged to "take time for ourselves," "set boundaries," and "prioritize our own needs." While self-care is essential, the phrase sometimes doesn't resonate with people. Whether that is due to its overuse, making it somewhat of a trite platitude or the performative way it can be trotted out or lazily tacked on as an afterthought in workspaces. "Here is an unholy amount of work that will probably extend into your weekend. Thank you for your dedication to the team, and OH! Make sure you do some self-care!"

It is clear that self-care alone won’t save us—especially when we live in a culture that worships individualism. We’re taught that being strong means handling everything independently and asking for help signals weakness. While self-care is important, it often becomes just another responsibility to manage in isolation, further entrenching the myth that we’re supposed to be self-sufficient at all costs.

And in the nonprofit sector, this contradiction is especially sharp.

Self-care is important, but it isn't always accessible, and the folk suggesting it are often disingenuous, not intentionally but because they also exist within a culture of unrealistic expectations and overwork. Self-care implies individualist behavior, but we need each other more than ever right now. Focusing solely on individual wellness often ignores the broader systems and communities in which we exist.

Enter collective care: a practice rooted in community, mutual support, and shared responsibility.

Performative Self-Care vs. Real Support

Many of us in nonprofit spaces are openly encouraged to prioritize self-care yet tacitly discouraged through unspoken workplace norms. We're told to "take care of ourselves," but we're praised for working through illness, skipping breaks, or always saying yes to more. Self-care becomes performative—a buzzword in emails or meetings—but the structural support needed to make it real is missing.

What we really need is collective care—an intentional, shared practice that ensures no one is left to struggle alone. It means creating environments where people can ask for help without fear and where wellness isn’t just lip service—it’s embedded in how we work, relate, and lead.

Why Collective Care Matters Now

“We are each other’s harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.” -Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet and Educator

As economic pressures rise, layoffs mount, and uncertainty expands its reach, it’s not just individuals who are feeling the strain—entire sectors are stretched thin. This is especially true in arts and education, where funding is limited, and workers are expected to give endlessly for little pay and even less stability. Burnout is rampant, yet the culture often treats exhaustion as normal—or worse, as noble.

For those of us doing community-facing work, collective care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. When we pour into others without being poured into ourselves, we run dry. But when we invest in each other, the work becomes sustainable—and more impactful.

At ArtWell, this shift toward collective care is not just aspirational—it’s happening. Our Executive Director, Malia, models what it looks like for a leader to genuinely care about the well-being of our collective. She encourages us to take PTO and gives staff time off when we’ve been pushing hard or are collectively feeling depleted. She regularly shares resources for local wellness events and workshops and even suggested a staff retreat to a spa for bodywork—not as a perk, but because rest and restoration are essential for long-term engagement.

This kind of leadership is rare in a nonprofit culture that often talks about care but doesn’t walk the walk. Malia’s approach sends a clear message: your well-being matters, and modeling care is more powerful than preaching it. In a field where so many are burned out and unsupported, ArtWell is trending in the right direction. We have the potential to be leaders in the nonprofit space—not just in programming but in how we care for the people behind the work.

Recognizing Burnout and Offering Support

"Self-care is essential, but collective care is what keeps us strong” -Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, Poet and Activist

Collective care starts with awareness—of ourselves and each other. But in a culture of individualism, asking for help is hard. Many of us have been conditioned to power through, minimize our struggles, or suffer silently.

Here are some signs of burnout to watch for in yourself or your colleagues:

• Emotional exhaustion or feeling “numb.”

• Increased irritability or detachment.

• Difficulty concentrating or meeting deadlines.

• Withdrawing from others or avoiding communication.

• Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or insomnia.

And here are simple ways to support a colleague who may be struggling without being invasive:

• Offer to take a small task off their plate or extend a deadline.

• Invite them for a walk, coffee, or break—space can be healing.

• Share a helpful resource (wellness event, support tool) without pressure.

• Ask, “How are you feeling lately?” and really listen.

• Gently encourage them to take time off and affirm that it’s okay to rest.

Sometimes, just being seen and supported is enough to ease the burden.

Reimagining the Future of Work

As we navigate these uncertain times, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to reimagine what work and care can look like. Let’s challenge the toxic ideals of overwork, martyrdom, and individualism and build cultures where care is collective, intentional, and ongoing.

I want to be clear that I am not suggesting we forgo taking care of our own needs to tend to the needs of others. In many ways being self-sacrificial and people-pleasing is what has burned us out. But ensuring we have the energetic bandwidth available to show up for ourselves is a major part of collective care. Caring for others can be especially energizing because it is not just about weathering the storm—it’s about building something better on the other side.

Let’s not wait for the next crisis to realize how much we need each other. Let’s build the culture of care now—and lead by example.

Journaling Prompt:

How does collective care show up in your life or workplace? What’s one small, meaningful way you can support a colleague or community member this week?

Let’s keep this conversation going—share your thoughts or experiences, and let’s build a more caring future together.