Burn out in non-for-profits in Montreal
I wrote this short but powerful rant after turning down a project in the non-for-profit organization that I collaborate with. My intention is for these words to offer insight, validate your own experience, or resonate with individuals you may know who are involved in the non-for-profit sector in Montreal.
August 1st, 2023
Today, I faced a difficult decision. Despite being considered the perfect fit for a project that deeply resonated with my lived experience in Quebec society, I had to say "No." It wasn't an easy choice, and I feel a mix of sadness and grief over not being able to bring a program to life that could have made a #meaningful_impact.
As I reflected on my values and goals, I realized that certain practical constraints played a significant role in my decision. The project, unfortunately, didn't have sufficient funds to support #fair_compensation. While my passion for the initiative was strong, I had to prioritize my financial well-being, all the while remaining committed to driving positive change.
I also want to take this moment to share a profound realization from my conversations with my change agent colleagues and ✨ my friends💖
To address #systemic_problems like #employability, #racism, #unequal_opportunities, and #poverty, we need essential resources: time, money, motivated individuals, proper equipment, suitable space, and qualified personnel. In this pursuit of #meaningful_change, cutting corners and compromising on resources is not the path to progress.
As a change agent, facilitator, equity advocating and practicing professional there is a lot of my work that takes a modelling approach. I was not able to come to terms with the idea that no matter the quality and the depth of my work, the offer the organization had for me did not only disrespect the skills and the lived experience I brought to the table, but also perpetuated poverty for my identity.
The trend I am noticing in Montreal's #non_for_profit sector is burn-out. When organizations and the people within these systems are burnt out and under-appreciated, the programs they put out into the world lack the impact they could have had.
These organizations have begun to see themselves as passive recipients of funding from donors and stakeholders, which has diminished the impact of their work to mere symbolism.
This principle is well-known: similar to how we can't inspire change in others if we haven't changed ourselves, it's difficult to support others effectively whenwe're facing our own struggles. Non-for-profits could take a moment to reflect on this idea of self-sufficiency.
It's time to acknowledge that we all deserve better, and the impact we make is often a reflection of the support we receive.
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