Sustaining Service
- Andrew Estep, CAE
- Apr 22
- 2 min read
Throughout this month, we’ve been exploring the risks and responsibilities that come with board service. That commitment can take a toll—especially when hard decisions pile up. This week, I’m focusing on how individual volunteers can build their own resilience and how organizations can better support those who serve.
A few years ago, 501 Commons published a thoughtful three-part series on sustainable leadership by guest blogger Amy Erickson. While the series is geared toward nonprofit staff, the lessons apply just as well to board members and volunteers—and offer a valuable reminder that organizations also share in the responsibility to support those who serve.
I’ve seen this firsthand. My first role in the nonprofit world was as a volunteer coordinator, working with the people who kept the organization running day to day. We lived by one essential principle: to take care of others, we must first take care of ourselves. Otherwise, we’re sacrificing the very people we rely on. And nobody wants that.
In this first article, the author makes the case for self-care and explains the impact that ongoing stress can have in our lives.
This article argues that we can build our “emotional intelligence” through intentional and attentive self-awareness. Fortunately, volunteer work can be a very safe place to build this awareness. Note that there is a broken link in this article. The correct link is here: Daring to Lead 2011: A National Study of Nonprofit Executive Leadership.
In the final installment, the author shares a few ongoing exercises that nonprofit leaders can do to foster and build their resilience. This resilience is one of the benefits of nonprofit leadership. With it, your confidence and courage will grow, and you will become a stronger leader.
Supporting our volunteers isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart investment in the strength and sustainability of our organizations.
What does your organization do to support your volunteers?
