Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways

by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun

Overview

A timely, delightfully readable, and much-needed book. —Booklist, starred review

Social justice work, we often assume, is raised voices and raised fists. It requires leading, advocating, fighting, and organizing wherever it takes place—in the streets, slums, villages, inner cities, halls of political power, and more. But what does social justice work look like for those of us who don't feel comfortable battling in the trenches?

Sensitive souls—including those who consider themselves highly emotional, empathic, or introverted—have much to contribute to bringing about a more just and equitable world. Such individuals are wise, thoughtful, and conscientious; they feel more deeply and see things that others don't. We need their contributions. Yet, sustaining justice work can be particularly challenging for the sensitive, and it requires a deep level of self-awareness, intentionality, and care.

In Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul, writer Dorcas Cheng-Tozun (Enneagram 4, INFJ, nonprofit/social enterprise professional, and multiple-burnout survivor) offers six possible pathways for sensitive types:

- Connectors: relational activists whose interactions and conversations build the social capital necessary for change

- Creatives: artists and creators whose work inspires, sheds light, makes connections, and brings issues into the public consciousness

- Record Keepers: archivists who preserve essential information and hold our collective memory and history

- Builders: inventors, programmers, and engineers who center empathy as they develop society-changing products and technologies

- Equippers: educators, mentors, and elders who build skills and knowledge within movements and shepherd the next generation of changemakers

- Researchers: data-driven individuals who utilize information as a persuasive tool to effect change and propose options for improvement

Alongside inspiring, real-life examples of highly sensitive world-changers, Cheng-Tozun expands the possibilities of how to have a positive social impact, affirming the particular gifts and talents that sensitive souls offer to a hurting world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506483436
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	06/20/2023
Pages:	227
Sales rank:	149,621
Product dimensions:	5.75(w) x 8.75(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is a writer and leader whose work with various nonprofits, social enterprises, and faith-based organizations has given her opportunity to engage with a broad range of social issues toward solutions in the areas of homelessness, affordable housing, energy access, youth leadership, HIV/AIDS, and international development. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her social entrepreneur husband and two young sons.

Editorial Reviews

03/20/2023

Cheng-Tozun (Start, Love, Repeat), editorial director at Christian nonprofit PAX, offers valuable guidance for those who want to fight for social justice without standing at the front of a rally with a bullhorn. Sensitive, introverted people have unique gifts, such as “empathy, perception... and an innate ability to bond with others,” the author explains, but are prone to burnout in the activist world of “protests and pushback, debates, and callouts.” For that reason, before volunteering or working at a social justice organization, sensitive people should consider its environment, in terms of both its culture and its physical space (obtrusive lights and sounds can become overwhelming); seek out “supportive, meaningful relationships” in social justice communities; and avoid working for causes that might induce “empathy fatigue” in the long run. Cheng-Tozun outlines roles sensitive people often thrive in: their attention to detail makes them ideal record-keepers (for example, archivists or historians), and their thoughtfulness is especially useful in disciplines such as engineering, where empathy “is at the very heart of creating products and technologies that address major social inequities.” Herself a sensitive person who built a meaningful social justice career—encountering more than a few episodes of burnout along the way—the author draws usefully on her own experiences to deliver an encouraging message that reframes sensitivity as an asset, not a liability. This practical, energizing entry will prove a handy resource for the withdrawn. (June)

Publishers Weekly

"This practical, energizing entry will prove a handy resource for the withdrawn." — Publishers Weekly

"Entering into activism can feel imperative but daunting, especially for those of us who are introverts or shy. Cheng-Tozun proposes a quieter, but no less impactful, approach: her gentle guidance urges us to get curious about finding our way to quiet activism, allowing us all to join in the march toward making the world a brighter place. A soulful book." —Karen Walrond, author of The Lightmaker's Manifesto and Radiant Rebellion

"I wish this book existed earlier in my career, as it would've saved me so much struggle and stress! I'm so grateful for Dorcas Cheng-Tozun's voice, and her boldness in sharing her struggles and wisdom with us so that we know we're not alone as sensitive souls. We can make a unique difference in the world! The reflection questions after each chapter are also incredible and powerful journaling prompts that make this book priceless as a guide on our journeys." —Grace Chiang Nicolette, vice president of Programming and External Relations, Center for Effective Philanthropy

"If you identify as an introvert, highly sensitive person, or empath you need Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun to learn how to best bring your strengths, talents, and sense of purpose to social justice causes that are near and dear to your heart." —Christine Rose Elle, author of The Happy Empath and Daily Affirmations for Women

"Dorcas Cheng-Tozun fosters freedom for the sensitive soul to just be and allow Spirit to create in and through us. This book is an important read as we learn to recognize and make room for the diversity of contributions that actually sustain justice work." —Lucretia Carter Berry, PhD, president, Brownicity.com

"Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul is the first book I have read that fully embraces what so many of us who are sensitives feel: a need to serve the greater good of humanity but to do so in ways that avoid burnout, compassion-fatigue, and apathy. Dorcas Cheng-Tozun gifts sensitives with an incredible framework to understand and practice advocacy and activism on scales that reflect personal authenticity, sustainability, and optimal use of our time and energy while creatively and effectively contributing our often-prodigious empathy, conscientiousness, and heart-centered leadership." —Tracy Cooper, PhD, author of Thrive: The Highly Sensitive Person and Career

"Writing with empathy and winsome honesty on this timely topic, Cheng-Tozun offers key insights relevant for all social changemakers. Her lived experience as a sensitive activist—along with the vivid stories of many others—provides a hopeful path forward for those who want to engage sustainably and authentically in the work of justice." —Jody Chang, Chief Operating and Portfolio Officer, Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund

"The work of justice is hard. Moving the needle on lasting social change requires a deep dive into who we are, where we are from, our values, and an understanding of the gifts we each bring to the world. Those gifted with sensitivity have incredible insights others do not, naturally set apart from the status quo of ego-centered engagements. Their heart-centered connection to people and places is what this present moment is desperately calling for. In Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul, writer Dorcas Cheng-Tozun takes you on an affirming journey of self-discovery and contemplative reflection on each person's unique place in pursuing change to create a world in which all can thrive." —Byron Chung, executive director, Ignite Institute at the Pacific School of Religion

From the Publisher

07/01/2023

Cheng-Tozun (Start, Love, Repeat) recognizes that social justice work is difficult for individuals considered highly sensitive persons (HSPs) or sensitive/empathic but emphasizes that society needs more of these individuals as social reformers. She notes that sensitive/empathic people often feel split between their need for social justice and their limited tolerance for stress and stimulation, which can lead to burnout. This book provides tools to find areas where sensitive/empathic readers can make a difference but also cope with stress. The author provides tips on what to consider when finding a social justice niche and underscores that one will find conflict in many nonprofit sectors. She offers advice that would assist anyone seeking employment, including assessing physical spaces and organizational culture. Cheng-Tozun provides relevant examples of social reformers who fit her definitions of sensitive/empathic who created change but also struggled, including Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Bishop Desmond Tutu. She also provides anecdotes of people making positive changes (in ways relatable to sensitive souls) through art and theater, bridging gaps, recordkeeping, engineering, mentoring, and research. Several chapters include reflection questions. An appendix offers various sensitive/empathic categories for reader self-identification. VERDICT This inspiring book is recommended for anyone interested in social justice and enacting positive change.—Erica Swenson Danowitz

Library Journal

Lam gracefully narrates a thoroughly researched memoir enriching listenerswith tools of introspection and valuable information to find their role impacting social justice withpowerful sensitivity.

Booklist Starred Review