Sustaining Activism Resources
Sustain your work, balance your life, and work more positively
- Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak
It's no secret that there is a high turnover rate in the nonprofit sector, especially in the small, grassroots community. Now more than ever it is important that not-for-profit organizations learn steps that they can take to retain and sustain staff. Most professionals have experienced burnout first-hand and there are preemptive tools we can use to keep it from affecting others. People, whether they are volunteers or employees, are the most important ingredient in any organization and we have a responsibility to keep them healthy and happy to sustain the Sector and our missions.
We
all have so many things to get done in a day and it seems the work just
piles up on us all. Nonprofit work can be some of the most demanding
employment or volunteer time out there. In order to better serve your
organization, clients, and yourself, it is ESSENTIAL that you and your
organization are able to set boundaries that promote a healthy and
sustainable individual.
The issue of sustainability is being
discussed more and more throughout the sector. Younger generations of
nonprofit employees are looking for jobs that all ow them to have an
attainable balance between their work and personal lives.
Organizations such as Urgent Action Fund are looking at the impact of
sustaining activism (or lack thereof) internationally in activist
communities. Emily is currently exploring funding specifically
targeted at supporting organizations who build in self care strategies
into their organizational culture.
There will ALWAYS be more
work...it won't ever end, so it is important not only to learn how to
prioritize our work tasks, but to prioritize ourselves. You can find
tips in the EDA Consulting newsletter on how to take time for
yourself. EDA Consulting will have updated resources listed on
this web page soon for tools and reading on self care and balance in
your life. Be sure to check back!
The Sustaining Activism Fund
In partnership with Kirsten Westby, Emily Davis has begun to explore a
program that would work in collaboration with nonprofits to help
recognize and retain staff at social justice organizations. At this
time the planning for implementation is on hold, but we continue to
research the issue where possible.
If you are interested in the Sustaining Activism Project/Fund please contact EDA Consulting.
Ideas for Finding Balance
- Set aside daily, monthly, weekly with NOTHING on your calendar- yes, that's right leave it blank for YOU!
- Take an aimless walk. Don't plan where to go, just see where the day takes you and notice anything that comes across your path. Take a 1/2 hour to try this exercise.
- Practice meditation for five minutes. Focus on your breath and just be aware of how your body feels. Start at your toes and work your way up to the top of your head.
- Plan a creative activity for yourself. It could be anything from writing a poem (don't worry about the quality, no one is watching!), creating art work, or explore something new in your community.
- LAUGH! Set aside time to play board games or see a funny movie or show with friends or family.
- Walk away from your computer...slowly back away. It won't follow you unless you allow it to.
- Try to get some rest and attempt to sleep seven to eight hours per night.
- Journal about
your day, your week, your month. Get your thoughts on paper. It often
helps to give us perspective and release some of the tensions that have
been running through our minds.
- Ask your organization to consider some strategies that would sustain the staff. Maybe that is a group outing to bowl or attend a sports game. Work together to relax.
News, Articles, and Reading
- Not So Fast
- Doing Good While Doing Well
- Sabbath, by Henry Muller
Websites and Resources
- Health Bridge Alliance:
The HealthBridge Alliance is a nonprofit organization that exists to
improve the effectiveness of helping professions by providing tools,
training, and support to people at risk of or experiencing secondary
trauma. It is our vision to create a culture of care in individuals,
organizations, and communities.
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