I’ve seen it again and again, and despite knowing better, I’ve fallen victim to it myself more times than I care to admit. Working as a community organizer – in whatever field, paid or volunteer – vision, dreams, and ambitions almost always outstrip resources and abilities. After years martyring themselves over small victories and large losses, some burn out, some break down, and some leave in frustration and bitterness. Even worse, some stay in frustration and bitterness, angry, exhausted, and negative, pulling the organization down with them. It’s a nasty thing to do to yourself, and a bad way to treat a good dream.
What I consider the greater crime, however, is the culture of wear-down that perpetuates this cycle. How many terrific, smart, passionate people get so worn down by the demands, expectations, disappointments, losses, and low-income of a career in the community and non-profit sector that we lose them after a few years, with a net loss to the community of invaluable experience, momentum, and expertise? As people interested in the health and vibrancy of our community, it’s poor behaviour to demand that our volunteers and employees sacrifice their own to the cause.
Whenever I hear the adjective “tireless” applied to a community worker, hear jovial references to their round-the-clock presence at the office, see their time and work undervalued, I worry about the future of the organization they work for. It’s a process of attrition, a death by a thousand cuts. The fall may be slow, but it’s inevitable.
A community’s greatest asset is its skilled workers; protect yourself, and the important work you do, by avoiding the pitfalls.
I’ve given this a lot of thought, having been involved in the community sector a long time, and often fallen into the traps described above. As paid staff, volunteer, and Board member, I’ve both asked too much and been asked too much. There’s not a mistake on this list I haven’t made myself, sometimes over and again. So, as much to remind myself as to educate anyone else, here are seven strategies for making a positive difference in both your own life, and that of the community! Read the rest of this entry »
