Open Briefing is delighted to feature this guest post by Shreya K.C, a youth advisor with the Iris Project. Shreya is a passionate Nepali socio-climate justice activist with extensive experience working alongside diverse groups of young people worldwide to champion their meaningful participation in decision-making spaces.

The Iris Project is building a global community of young people working to protect and restore their local natural environment. They recognise that mental health and wellbeing are essential foundations for environmental action. Open Briefing is proud to provide holistic security support to the winners of their Iris Prize – young people and teams leading groundbreaking ideas to protect and restore nature.

We were honoured to welcome Shreya onto our recent Peer Supporter training programme, which equips participants to take on an informal role championing the wellbeing and resilience of their co-workers and fellow activists. In this post, Shreya shares how the training enhances her role as a wellbeing focal point for the Iris Prize grantees.

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In climate activism and justice movements, there seems to be an unspoken rule: the more you sacrifice, the more committed you are. I used to believe that, too. I saw activists–including myself–pushing through exhaustion, going through mental distress, and relegating self-care to the sidelines. What if it’s not just unsustainable but also harmful?

That’s what led me to the Peer Supporter Training from Open Briefing.

I wanted to challenge myself to break this cycle, not just for me, but for the people I work with and everyone who is working in the climate and other forms of justice movement. At the Iris Project, we have realized that the funding and capacity building support alone are not enough to sustain youth leadership and movements. Wellbeing must be at the heart of what we do–just as much as strategizing, organizing, and advocacy.

Impact of peer supporter training

The training gave me tools I didn’t know I needed. I learned how to recognize stress – in myself, and in my peers. I came to understand that stress is not necessarily a bad thing; it’s a sign, a response to external pressures. The problem arises when we ignore it or push through without addressing it.

One of the most valuable lessons for me was how to create a safe space for other people to open and I am still learning and practicing this. Before the training, I often felt helpless when peers shared their stress with me. I was afraid I might make things worse. The training equipped me with practical skills to listen – really listen – without feeling the need to fix everything.

I have used these skills and learnings in various ways. I have shared about it in Iris Project monthly advisory calls, and also with prize winners and runners-up.

I’ve also had conversations with fellow activist friends who are on the verge of burnout, gently reminding them (and myself well) that rest is not a luxury–but a necessity.

Personally, l have also made changes too. I say “no” often, especially when I am overwhelmed. I dedicate time to rest and explore other hobbies that bring me joy, smile more, sleep more, and – most importantly – I’m learning to be kinder to myself.

What needs more focus?

The training was a good foundation. I believe more needs to be done at a holistic level:

• Far too many activists still believe that suffering is a proof of commitment. We need to proactively resist this and actively put efforts to balance passion with compassion.
• Personal wellbeing is important, but we also must deal with the financial and social pressure that makes activism so exhausting.
• Wellbeing is not only about self-care, and it is also not an individual responsibility; it must be woven into the way teams and movement’s function. Regular check-ins, proper rest time, and shared accountability for mental health and wellbeing is imperative.

Moving forward

At Iris Project, we don’t just support activism and advocacy – we support the people and cause behind it. That’s why we are prioritising mental health and wellbeing as any other form of capacity building.

To any activist reading this: I want you to believe that passion and wellbeing are not opposing forces. We can – and must – hold both. Let’s make that shift together.