Boundaries Are A Social Justice Issue

We often think of justice as something happening 'out there'—in the courts, on the streets, in the laws. But justice starts with how you allow yourself to be treated. Setting boundaries is not just a 'self-care' tip from a wellness influencer; it is a fundamental assertion of your own dignity. When you say 'no' to a toxic boss, or 'that is not okay' to a family member, you are practicing the very equality you want to see in the world. You are declaring that your time, energy, and mental health have value.

If you let people walk all over you, you are unintentionally teaching them that some people are more important than others. You are reinforcing a hierarchy. Equality means that everyone’s needs matter equally—including yours. This is a hard pill to swallow if you have been socialized to be a people-pleaser. You might feel guilty for setting a boundary, as if you are being 'mean.' But remember: clear is kind. Being honest about what you can and cannot tolerate is an act of respect for everyone involved.

In the context of activism, boundaries are what prevent burnout. If you try to fix every problem and attend every protest without ever stopping to breathe, you will crash. And a crashed activist cannot help anyone. You have to have the discipline to say, 'I am offline today,' or 'I cannot take on this project right now.' This is not being lazy; it is being sustainable. We are in a marathon, not a sprint. We need you in this for the long haul, and that means you have to stay healthy.

Practice setting small boundaries first. Turn off your notifications at a certain hour. Decline an invite that feels like a chore. Speak up when someone interrupts you. These small acts of self-reclamation build the foundation for larger acts of justice. When you value your own dignity, it becomes impossible not to value the dignity of others. You start to see how interconnected we all are. Your 'no' is a powerful tool. Use it to build a life that reflects the world you want to live in.