As we continue to witness genocide in Palestine, political violence in America, and the increasing appropriation of public wealth by a few – including water privatization efforts around the world, we cannot help but wonder – are we facing advocacy burnout?

Burnout is defined as “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration.” Apathy is defined as “lack of feeling or emotion; lack of interest or concern”. Apathy suggests a lack of passion —or perhaps a lack of action. Burnout is the result of prolonged stress, a physical and mental deterioration resulting from unbearable amounts of stress in the body. Burnout can lead to apathy. Apathy is often a misunderstood symptom of burnout. 

Why are we discussing burnout? We are grappling with our own questions of action and how to advocate for change.  Where do we place our advocacy efforts when there is so much to act on? How do we demand change when so much needs to change? How can we capture an action-oriented audience? What does speaking freely look like in today’s extremist cancel culture? What are the steps to advocate in today’s political climate? 

In November 2023, we heeded the use of water as a weapon of war. A year and a half later, the UN wrote on thirst as a weapon in the Palestinian genocide, due to the Israeli state intentionally withholding water from Palestinians. Water is the most essential human right for life and flourishing. October 7th, 2025, marks two years of human rights violations and genocide. Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip. There is a clear intent to destroy the Palestinian people, history, culture, and property. There is still an intent. Amidst genocide, we are watching the faults of our international systems. We are advocating for change, for justice, for peace. We, our organizations, our communities, our networks, recognize the genocidal actions, but we cannot put an end to them. The world leaders have recognized the Palestinian state, a result of ongoing advocacy efforts by individuals and groups worldwide. We have made progress, yet the genocide carried out by the Israeli state prevails. 

As genocide lingers in every corner of our lives, political and water-related monstrosities emerge that demand action, attention, and advocacy. The assassination of a right-wing American extremist ignited conversations of selective empathy and apathy. Moreover, a grander conversation of free speech has occupied the media’s attention. Who has free speech? What is free speech? What is considered hateful versus divisive or not status quo? Is speech ever free? Our news is debating who can, and what news, can be shared. What about the news that is not in the headlines? What about the quiet battles we are facing, we are fighting for?

Our comrades in the African Water Justice Network (AWJN) are fighting against tariff increases of 280% in Ghana. The tariff is described as a “systemic, multifaceted crisis” where citizens are being made to pay for the state’s inability to protect the rivers and ecosystems. Approvals of such tariffs would betray public trust, supercede citizens’ right to water, and ensure clean, accessible and affordable water in Ghana. In El Salvador, we are witnessing the repressive state power criminalize water defenders speaking out against violence. We are seeing how “defending human rights or protesting peacefully can cost you your freedom”. The right to defend rights is under attack. 

With ongoing genocide, debates of empathy and apathy, and immediate struggles for water justice and affordability – we are seeing before our eyes, an overwhelming burden for action. How can we demand your attention and your advocacy, when we too, are trying to keep a finger on the pulse? Advocacy burnout is real, apathy is a symptom, yet our plight prevails. 

Don’t let our calls fall on deaf ears. Together, let’s be present, be informed, and take action. 

“Uprisings and revolutions are often considered to be spontaneous, but it is the less visible long-term organising and groundwork – or underground work – that often laid the foundation.” – Rebecca Solnit