Finding Support During the Pandemic - February 2022
One of the things that our clients value is that we’ve been in their shoes. All of our consultants have been Directors and senior leaders in non-profits.
We know what it’s like to take work home, and to have your sleep interrupted by stress. We’ve also been on vacation from Executive Director jobs only to get a call from the office with some kind of emergency to manage.
We’ve stressed about cash flow, funders’ expectations, grant-writing, meetings with partners who don’t share the same values, HR crises situations, losing another team member to the public sector, and more.
We see you.
We know that you’re dealing with the regular stresses of being a Director and on top of it see you adapting during the pandemic. We see you holding your teams together online, ordering PPE (personal protective equipment), and upping your food security and mental health games. We know that recruitment in our sector is incredibly challenging right now. We know that fundraising has taken a desperate turn and that you’ve most likely lost events -based revenue. We know that your inboxes are always full and the phones never stop ringing. We know how lonely it can be and how much pressure is happening on you to fix everything for everyone at all times. Oh - and you have to help recruit and train your bosses in your “spare time”.
I got a call yesterday from a Director who asked me if I knew of any support groups for Directors. Sadly, I didn’t have any to refer her to.
When I became an ED at 27 years old I had nerve-wracking imposter syndrome. I reached out to more experienced EDs in the field and that was my saving grace. Peer support was what got me through the toughest times. That, and time off. After seven years in that position, and some internal restructuring in that org, I went on Employment Assistance. I kept waking up at night for months with nightmares of cash flow reports, deadlines and staff meetings gone awry.
Eventually, I got back into the sector, but only for a few more years. Recovery from deep stress and exhaustion takes years. After having my baby, I knew I couldn’t go back to a 50 hour a week ED jobs. I also knew that my heart was still with my colleagues in the sector. Social Impact Consulting was born out of a desire to change the game for other EDs and staff in the sector.
We can offer theme-based coaching and lots of open space for people to share their challenges and ask for input.
Invest in yourself. Model self-care to your team. Give yourself a time out from the daily grind. And know - you are not alone.
In solidarity,
Marlo
For more information on the current climate for non-profits and charities in Canada, check out the Sector Monitor reports by the good people at Imagine Canada.
For mental health support, check out the Leo Support Line: https://www.leoquebec.org/ 1 855 768-7LEO (1 855 768-7536)
Art Hives network - Free community art studios in person and online. Gather in small groups to create art and build community. Groups are supported by a trained facilitator.