Burnout is a system problem

It's not a weakness, inadequacy or something we end by 'being stronger' or 'pushing through'. 

It’s a result of ways of working that do not support us, and a symptom of a dysfunctional society.

It’s a system problem manifesting in individuals and so there is work to do at two levels. 

First, within us - our bodies, hearts and minds. 

Secondly, as a community, in how we come together, the working styles we embody and our relationship to conflict, scarcity and belonging.  

We need to stop thinking of resilience as endurance, and instead treat it as a product of thriving. 

Internal Revolution goes to the root of burnout, and empowers you to make the individual and collective changes needed to not just struggle by, but thrive.

Over five weeks, Internal Revolution will take you on a journey inside out, starting with:

  • Understanding the root causes of burnout, including internalised capitalism & the emotional weight of changemaking.

  • Your body's stress responses, and practices you can use to calm an overwhelmed nervous system & heal stress in the body.  

  • Understanding your emotional needs & boundaries. Because real self care - indeed, self-preservation - isn't yoga or face masks, but honouring your emotional, physical and spiritual needs.

  • Your purpose & callings in changemaking. Stories of saving the world perpetuate the danger mode in our body, and when we attach our motivation to something outside of us, it's easy to crash and burn. This module lays the foundations you need for long-haul work.

  • Collective Care.  You'll learn the collective practices that lead to burnout, and how you can empower your community or organisation through collective storytelling, ritual and collective visioning,

Internal Revolution is designed by and for changemakers, to give you the skills, tools and community you need to take action, end burnout, and create communities of thriving.

Why join Internal Revolution?

You know the cycle.

You see systems of oppression, economic injustice, the planet in strife and your heart is aflame. You know we can do more, must do more. 

You volunteer, join a campaign, take to the streets, or even show up to work because it's your full time job, but…it’s just too much. 

Before long, you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, guilty, irritable, depressed. 

Your effectiveness is compromised and you start to wonder whether you should quit the work you deeply care about. 

Burnout is real, but there is a way to end it. 

Who is Internal Revolution for?

Perhaps you’ve always been a helper. 

Maybe you were the university student who spoke up when lectures were laden with prejudice, or the adult, unable to sleep after watching one too many news stories that day.

You feel things.

You see things.

And you know change is possible.

You also know that stress & burnout mean you aren't having the impact you desire, and thriving probably feels a long way off. 

Internal Revolution is for changemakers, activists, organisers, volunteers, for-purpose entrepreneurs & non-profit workers and all those looking to end burnout cycles & culture as they strive to be the change they want to see.

About Internal Revolution

What You'll Learn

  • Week 1: Why We Burnout & What To Do About It

    You'll learn how and why we burnout, including the collective & cultural influences (read: internalised capitalism) on burnout, the emotional toll of change-work and the importance of doing the work you feel called for.

  • Week 2: Working With The Body

    We can’t think our way out of stress, though that is usually what we try to do. Instead, we need to respond to stress at the level of the body, using feelings & sensations.

    This module will explore the role of the body in both stress & thriving, and empower you with tools to end the stress response, rather than place a temporary band-aid over the symptoms. Expect a body-first approach, with hands on, practical somatic exercises to calm your nervous system.
  • Week 3: Balance, Needs & Boundaries

    As changemakers, we often hold ourselves to unrealistic standards of enthusiasm and effectiveness, and it's easy for our life & work to go out of balance.

    This module will help you understand & fill your emotional, physical & spiritual needs, while empowering you to create balance, meaning and joy.
  • Week 4: Why You Can't Save The World

    Change can be slow, and whether it's the climate crisis or anti-racism - the work ahead will take more than one generation. Understanding our purpose in changemaking - why we do what we do - is crucial to maintaining hope & resilience.

    These lessons will help you see changemaking as service, understand your vision, goals & motivation, and explore why we need to step beyond stories of saving the world.

    You will also cultivate relationships with your movement ancestors - those who came before you in the work of change - while strengthening your connectedness to those who will follow in your footsteps.

  • Week 5: Collective Care

    Thriving isn't something we do alone, and creating cultures that support our wellbeing requires not just a change from us as individuals, but us as a community, in how we come together.

    In this module you'll learn the collective practices that lead to burnout, the power of cyclical working & following nature's guidance.

    You'll also learn tools for managing conflict, and how to use collective storytelling & visioning, to make real, lasting change in your community.

The Structure

Internal Revolution begins on Wednesday, 9 March 2022 and takes place over five weeks. 

Each week you'll receive access to video content, reflection prompts, worksheets & meditations. This is the primary course content, and can be completed at your own pace. 

Optional live community calls will take place each week of the course to cover the module content in more depth with Q&A. 

These calls will be recorded if you can't make it, and will take place on:

Community Call 1
Wednesday, March 16
7am UK | 9am SAST | 6pm Sydney | 8pm New Zealand

Community Call 2
Wednesday, March 23
7am UK | 9am SAST | 6pm Sydney | 8pm New Zealand

Community Call 3
Wednesday, March 30
8am UK | 9am SAST | 6pm Sydney | 8pm New Zealand

Community Call 4
Wednesday, April 6
9am UK | 10am SAST | 6pm Sydney | 8pm New Zealand

Community Call 5
Wednesday, April 13
9am UK | 10am SAST | 6pm Sydney | 8pm New Zealand

Price

This work should be accessible to all. You can find out more about pay-what-you-can options in the FAQ.

  • $350.00

    Price in AUD. This is approximately $250USD. See FAQ for Pay-What-You-Can options.

    Join Now

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Facilitator

Activist & Coach

Laura Hartley

Hi, I’m Laura.

I’m an activist, writer and founder of an online school for changemakers & activists.

I believe that each of us has a role to play in creating a more beautiful world, and that if we're serious about dismantling systems of oppression, we need to examine how and where these systems reside within us, and as us.

The work of this school & these courses if to help you heal burnout culture, deepen your impact, and create the conditions for social healing & collective thriving.

In my free time, you can find me engaged in non-violent climate activism, travelling, salsa dancing, gluten free baking or listening to Krista Tippett’s On Being podcast.

Follow more on Instagram at @laura.h.hartley

FAQ

  • When does this course start?

    October 10, 2021 and it runs for four weeks.

  • Is this course live or downloadable?

    The course is primarily made up of videos, exercises and worksheets you can complete at your own pace. In addition, there is a live community call on Sundays. Recordings will be made available if you cannot make it.

  • I can't make the live call

    Not a problem! You'll get a recording and the majority of the work is available for to watch & work through in your own time.

  • How long do I have to complete this course?

    This course has five modules, and takes place over four weeks. You can complete the course at your own pace, now or in the future. You'll be able to access the course for at least one year.

  • I can't afford this. Do you offer scholarships or discounts?

    Yes! If price is an obstacle for you, I offer a pay-what-you-can option. You can reach out to me at [email protected], to learn more.

    If you would like to purchase access for your group or organisation, you may be able to receive a discounted rate. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.

  • How much work is this course?

    Plan about 90 minutes for the first week, and 60 minutes each week thereafter.

  • I have another question....

    No worries. Just email me at [email protected] and I'll come back to you

Course Outline

  • 2

    Workbook - Download In Full

    • Internal Revolution Workbook - You can download in full or with each module.

  • 3

    Rising Above Cultures of Burnout

    • Burnout to Thriving: Mapping the Territory

    • Burnout Cycles & Cultures: Why They Happen

  • 4

    Embodying Solutions to Stress

    • Speaking Body Language

    • Fight, Flight or Freeze: Your Body's Survival Response

    • The Science of Stress

    • Embodiment Practices

  • 5

    Balance, Needs & Boundaries

    • Balance & Boundaries

    • Having Needs Doesn't Make You Needy

  • 6

    How To (Not) Save The World

    • It's Not Your Job To Save The World

    • Sustainable Motivation

    • The Art of Non-Attachment

  • 7

    Building Cultures of Thriving

    • Collective Burnout Practices

    • Embracing Nature's Cycles + Time Abundance

    • Cultures of Belonging

    • Collective Storytelling

  • 8

    You're done!

    • Thank You!

Price

This work should be accessible to all. You can find out more about pay-what-you-can options in the FAQ.

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