Balm in the Burnout – Episode 11: Joy as Mutual Aid in Dangerous Times, with Kelly Wilson of Do’gooders MN

Host: Megan Hadley, MA, NBC-HWC
Guest: Kelly Wilson, founder of Do'gooders MN

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode, host Megan Hadley sits down with Longfellow South Minneapolis neighbor, community organizer, and chronic joy-instigator Kelly Wilson. Kelly shares how personal burnout, systemic harm, and collective grief led her to create Do’gooders MN—a grassroots group spreading radical joy, mutual aid, and connection across Minneapolis.

From free LGBTQ+ weddings to hoodie drives and neighborhood networks, Kelly shows what becomes possible when we stop waiting and start working with who we have and what we’ve got. It’s incredible what we can accomplish together when we organize.

Key Topics:

• Kelly’s background as a wedding photographer, connector, and “get-it-done” human
• The origin of Do’gooders MN and the creation of “Unabashed: A Celebration of Love and Pride”—a free day-long event hosting 12 LGBTQ mini-weddings
• Mutual aid as joy, resistance, and nervous system support
• Chronic illness, grief, and estrangement as part of this activist’s journey
• Collaboration, delegation, and asking for help without apology
• Burnout in community care, and the necessity of rest and boundaries
• The ripple effect of micro-actions: hoodie drives, gifting events, and more
• How to build something without a plan, a budget, or official credentials
• “Zooming in” instead of being crushed by the big picture

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need a five-year plan to make an impact—start small and start local
• Mutual aid thrives on collaboration, not perfectionism
• Rest is not abandonment—it’s strategy and survival
• Everyone has something to contribute, including you
• Joy can be its own form of protest and protection

Connect with Kelly Wilson & Do’gooders MN:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook (Personal): Kelly Wilson
• Facebook (Group): Do’gooders MN
• Website: dogoodersmn.com
  
  

Support the Podcast:

Balm in the Burnout is listener-supported. Contribute to the work or to the Community Scholarship Fund: Venmo: @HHW-LLC

Learn more about host Megan Hadley’s coaching, workshops, and offerings at:
 harvesthealthandwellbeing.com

Thank you for listening - we would appreciate a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!