Led by Bevan Woodward.
- How can advocates remain sane and avoid burnout?
- The book "In the Tigers Mouth: an empowerment guide for social action" (Katrina Shields) is good resource on avoiding burnout.
- Burnout is an occupational hazard for high acheivers. Advocates are particularly prone, because they often have a lack of support, working on their own.
- Symptoms include: exhaustion, rest doesn't re-energise, can't sleep, dependence on drugs or stimulants.
- Solution: have to stop.
- Prevention: be aware it can happen to you, no matter how strong you are. Need to reduce goals: otherwise you can get overwhelmed by the number of problems that emerge.
- Aspirational goals take a long time to acheive. Have some achievable goals. Bevan has big goal of getting cycle and pedestrian access on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, but also works on local pathway projects, speed limits etc.
- Self care: reward yourself- massage, yoga, meditation, taking days off. Supervision and counselling.
- The work should be fun, even if the goals are serious (think M*A*S*H!).
- Work smart- don't bang your head against the (Berlin) Wall. Wait for shifts in circumstances that can be used. Is the NZ National Cycleway the fall of the Berlin wall for NZ cycling?
- Have a hobby that is nothing to do with your advocacy.
- We must tackle burnout so we don't put off potential volunteers.
Questions and comments:
- Delegation is important in avoiding burnout.
- How to manage email? Can set a certain time slot to deal with email, e.g. turn the computer off before 9.30 pm.
- Also need to remember maintenance of the group: keeping the group together, teamwork.
- Important to recognise burnout in time, in the early stages.
- important to remain positive, so people help.
- Skills such as 'Compassionate Communcation' (Non-Violent Communication) or 'Verbal Judo' can be useful.
- Personality and relations are an important feature of advocacy.
- Sustainable Business Network has had instruction from a Buddhist nun on meditation.
- Do what you enjoy. Allocate tasks according to what people enjoy, don't do things that no-one enjoys.
- Keep an eye on burnout in others in your group. It can be difficult to see.
- Keep in mind that as a volunteer, tasks are not being imposed on you from outside- you are offering your time and energy.