Why Community Organisers Are So Prone to Burnout
Naming our vulnerabilities — with an invitation at the end
A few weeks ago, I paused my engagement in the Authentic Connection Group I’d been running for almost three years.
I paused a Circling practice group I was facilitating with my friend.
I cancelled Wednesday morning meditations I’d been holding for a few months. (even though barely anyone was coming)
I also messaged the Community Working Group at The Salisbury Centre to say I may or may be skipping some meetings in the next few months.
I think I caught myself just before burnout. But that’s only because I’ve experienced burnout before, and I knew how the stage just before feels.
Otherwise, I was on a downward spiral to get overwhelmed and resentful again.
While this time I escaped it, I’m asking myself: Why is burnout such a normal condition among community organisers? Most people I know who do community work are exceptionally self-aware and well-versed in self-care. They typically have resources and knowledge to support themselves and keep their efforts at healthy levels.
And yet, organisers are among the highest-risk groups when it comes burnout. A poll by re:power shows it’s the biggest…
