How to Process Major Mission Setbacks to Fuel Sustainable Action
Are you feeling drained like we are by all the setbacks facing our work? Struggling to process the cycle of progress and backlash? Would you like to create space for your team to discuss their sadness, anger, and fear, but also maintain (or rebuild) momentum?
In this episode of our "Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy" series, host Rusty Stahl interviews Meico Marquette Whitlock about the concept of "social impact grief". Whitlock explains how this emotional response to setbacks, policy reversals, and systemic resistance is a part of changemaking work, but often goes unacknowledged, creating a dynamic among activists that he describes as "driving with the parking brake on."
The discussion includes practical strategies and exercises for both individuals and organizations to get back into gear. Meico emphasizes that grief isn't linear and shouldn't be avoided, but rather embraced as fuel for continued work.
The episode concludes with information about Whitlock's books, retreats, and consulting services, which position self-care as essential for sustainable social change work.
BIO:
Meico Marquette Whitlock is The Mindful Changemaker and The Mindful Techie. He works with changemakers who want to improve their well-being so they can sustainably increase their well-doing in changing the world.
He is the author of the Amazon bestseller How to Thrive When Work Doesn’t Love You Back: A Practical Guide for Taking Care of Yourself While Changing the World and The Intention Planner.
He has worked for more than two decades across the non-profit, public, and private sectors, during which time he has used information technology to improve well-being in underserved communities as a software and web developer, communications director, trainer and facilitator, and mindfulness teacher.
As a transformational speaker, trainer, and coach, he facilitates transformative experiences that foster well-being in a hybrid world. He has worked with organizations such as the U.S. federal government, Cigna, and the World Wildlife Fund, and has been a featured speaker on ABC News, Fox 5, and Radio One.
Meico is a former triathlete, loves salsa dancing, and makes the world’s best vegan chili! He holds an M.S. in Information Science from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from Morehouse College. He is also a certified trauma-informed mindfulness teacher.
Related Episodes:
Nonprofit Staff Resilience and Well-Being in Turbulent Times with Loretta Turner
Wellbeing as Strategy: Reimagining Philanthropic Practice with Laura Bacon
Happy Healthy Nonprofit People with Beth Kanter
Resources Discussed in Episode:
Services:
Virtual Wellness Retreat for Changemakers (August 2025)
Publications:
Newsletter (scroll down main page to “Sign up for Updates” just above footer)
Book: How to Thrive When Work Doesn’t Love You Back (here’s a digital preview of the book)
Book: The Intention Planner
Social Media:
Online Courses:
Post-Election Email Series:
In the episode, Rusty mentions that Fund the People used Meico's tips to help their team debrief after the election in fall 2024. Here are the emails Meico shared at that time. Although the election is in the rear view, the messages and tips are still relevant:
