Happy New Year. I reserve the right still to say that even though we're almost at the end of January, simply because this is my second week back after the festive break.
(I went to St Kitts for Christmas, New Year and Carnival. It was awesome and I will write something about it separately.)
And my long rest gave me the space to think about what is needed for the year ahead so I've been reflecting on what I think is going to be needed to do this work in 2025.
I recorded a video because I wanted to us to feel a little bit more connected - but in case you don’t have capacity to watch, or prefer the written word, the text is below.
Just so we’re all clear on what "this work" means, I mean the essential work of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and building truly inclusive spaces and communities that will ensure we have a fairer world that is equitable for everybody who lives here. This work is big, long-term, and not a one-off project.
2025 has had a brutal start. It has become clearer and clearer that the forces clinging to the oppressive status quo will do whatever it takes to maintain their power. These forces operate politically, economically, and globally, perpetuating oppression and division. It's tough out there, folks. We are really going to need to commit to doing this work in 2025.
Our priorities for 2025
1. Rest
Rest is fundamental. I’m not talking about expensive retreats or lavish vacations, although those can be enjoyable. Rest means understanding what truly fuels and nourishes you and creating space for that. It includes basics like getting enough sleep, spending time in nature, and eating well. Rest can also be active—moving your body, stepping away from screens, or engaging in activities that energize you. Rest is resistance, as Tricia Hersey emphasizes in her book Rest is Resistance. When grind culture weighs on us, we must remember that rest is a radical act of self-preservation.
2. Resilience
Resilience is key, but not the kind born from trauma or enduring harm. It’s about steadfastness and anchoring ourselves in the core values of equity, liberation, and transformative change. This resilience fuels the long-term efforts needed for this work. Rooting ourselves in our values reminds us why we do this and sustains us through challenges. And let’s not forget, rest builds resilience—we cannot pour from an empty cup.
3. Community
We cannot do this work alone. Building and sustaining community is essential. This includes finding people who energize and uplift you—your “energy angels”—and protecting your energy from “energy vampires.” Community means coming together to share openly, hold each other accountable, and co-create solutions. Liberation is about collective action so building and nurturing community will be essential!
This year, I’m excited to explore ways to build community through this platform. But I’ll need your help, commitment, and energy too. Let’s create spaces to learn, share, and grow together.
So, here’s to 2025. A year of rest, resilience, and community. Let’s find joy and capture moments of sustenance, even in these challenging times. Subscribe, upgraid to paid and share your thoughts in the comments.
And most importantly, join me in this essential work. Let’s build together in 2025 and beyond.
Speak soon
Collette x
Doing the work is a reader-sponsored publication, written by Collette Philip, Founder of Brand by Me. It’s for justice-focussed brand and comms professionals and anyone who is ready to do the real work of anti-racism and inclusion . Do upgrade to paid, if you’re able because that will help to supercharge this space and keep it going in what’s going to be a very tough year ahead.
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