Let Joy Guide You: The Power of Fun in Change Work

Explore the Role of Laughter, Creativity, and Connection in Community Organizing

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Social change work is often characterized by its intensity, whether it involves organizing protests, building mutual aid networks, or dismantling oppressive systems. The enormity of the challenges can weigh heavily, leading many to associate activism with sacrifice and struggle. However, joy—a deep, abiding sense of fulfillment, connection, and vitality—can and should be a central element of this work.

Joy is not a frivolous distraction from the “real” work of social change; it’s a vital force that strengthens movements, fosters resilience, and builds solidarity. This article explores how joy has played a pivotal role in historical and contemporary activism, from Saul Alinsky’s strategic insights to the revolutionary frameworks of adrienne maree brown and Audre Lorde. Together, these thinkers remind us that joy is both a necessary antidote to burnout and a transformative power that reclaims our humanity in the face of dehumanizing systems.

Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good

Cover of adrienne maree brown’s “Pleasure Activism” via StoryGraph

Adrienne maree brown’s Pleasure Activism provides a powerful framework for reclaiming joy as an act of resistance. Brown argues that pleasure is a vital tool in both personal healing and collective transformation. She writes, “What you pay attention to grows.” By embracing pleasure—whether it’s through art, dance, or community—activists nourish themselves and build more effective, sustainable movements.

In Pleasure Activism, brown explores how pleasure connects us to our most authentic selves and each other, cultivating movements that prioritize healing and joy. She invites us to rethink the traditional narratives of struggle and sacrifice, advocating instead for a politics of joy and abundance. In this light, pleasure isn’t an escape from the world’s troubles; it’s a radical act of transformation. By focusing on what brings us joy, we build the foundation for a world that is not only just but also vibrant, connected, and thriving.

Audre Lorde’s The Cancer Journals

Cover of Audre Lorde’s “The Cancer Journals” via Wikimedia

Audre Lorde’s work is another cornerstone of joy and self-preservation within change work. In The Cancer Journals, Lorde writes about her battle with cancer not just as a personal struggle but as an act of resistance to the oppressive forces of invisibility, marginalization, and illness in society. Lorde’s focus on self-care as an essential act of political resistance invites us to understand that joy—whether in survival, art, or relationships—is an essential radical practice.

In a time where communities face oppressive conditions that can lead to burnout and despair, Lorde’s reflections on care, creativity, and joy provide a balm for weary souls. In Lorde’s words, “When we are silent about our pain, we transfer that pain to those who will listen." Lorde encourages us to vocalize our joys, victories, and the small moments of lightness that fuel us, finding in them the strength to keep moving forward.

Radical Rules to Consider

Cover of Saul Alinsky’s “Rules For Radicals” via Wikimedia

In his seminal book Rules for Radicals, Saul D. Alinsky offers a set of guidelines for effective community organizing. Among his insights is Rule #6: “A good tactic is one your people enjoy.” This deceptively simple statement carries immense weight. Alinsky understood that joy isn’t just a byproduct of activism—it’s a critical element of sustaining movements. If people find fulfillment, laughter, and camaraderie in their shared efforts, they’re more likely to stay engaged, innovative, and resilient.

Joy doesn’t diminish the seriousness of social change work; it enhances it. When strategies are enjoyable, they become inherently sustainable. Organizing a community garden, hosting a teach-in with music and food, or marching alongside friends while chanting and singing transforms the grind of activism into something life-affirming. The work becomes the reward, even as it seeks broader systemic change.

Resist With Joy

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History is full of examples where joy served as a form of resistance. During the Civil Rights Movement, activists often sang songs like We Shall Overcome, not only to inspire courage but also to find solace and strength together. Similarly, in the Zapatista movement, celebrations of Indigenous culture—complete with food, music, and dance—helped unite communities against oppression. Joy in these contexts wasn’t escapism; it was revolutionary.

Even in individual acts of defiance, joy can be found. Think of the humor and creativity in protest signs or the small victories celebrated within mutual aid networks. These moments of lightness are far from trivial. They’re acts of reclaiming humanity in the face of dehumanizing systems.

Why It Matters

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1. Sustainability: Movements fueled by joy are inherently more sustainable. Burnout is a real threat in activism, but joy replenishes energy and keeps people committed for the long haul.

2. Community Building: Joy fosters connection. It’s easier to build solidarity and trust when people share laughter and uplifting experiences.

3. Strategic Power: Joy disrupts the narrative that activism is drudgery. It attracts new participants, shifts public perception, and reminds people that a better world is possible and worth fighting for.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Joy in Movements

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1. Celebrate Victories: No matter how small, every win deserves recognition. Take time to acknowledge progress and share successes.

2. Integrate Creativity: Bring art, music, and storytelling into your work. Creativity fuels the spirit and makes gatherings more engaging.

3. Create Space for Fun: Organize events purely for enjoyment as well, like potlucks, picnics, or game nights. Building relationships outside of the work strengthens the work itself.

4. Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on the privilege of being part of something bigger than yourself. Gratitude can transform frustration into fulfillment.

Joy as the Compass

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Social change work is inherently challenging, but it doesn't have to be joyless. Joy acts as a compass, pointing us toward the actions and strategies that resonate with our values and build genuine connections. From Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals to adrienne maree brown’s Pleasure Activism and Audre Lorde’s reflections on self-preservation, joy emerges as a powerful tool for sustaining movements, nurturing creativity, and fostering community.

When we center joy in our work, we invite more people to join us, not out of obligation but from the shared belief that a better world is not only possible but already taking root. Whether singing together at a rally, sharing food at a community event, or creating art that envisions liberation, joy strengthens our resolve and deepens our relationships.

In the words of adrienne maree brown, “What you pay attention to grows.” By paying attention to joy, we create movements that are not just about resisting oppression but about building lives and communities worth living in. Let joy guide you, energize you, and remind you that the fight for justice is also a celebration of life.

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