How do you manage and sustain your own well-being and motivation as a community engagement practitioner?

Clearly articulate your mission and goals: Develop a compelling and concise overview of your line of work that highlights its purpose, impact, and alignment with your organisation’s aim. I aim to transform communities together. I have invested my all in the youth and community sector. Knowing that I am fulfilling my purpose through my line of work helps me keep motivated at all times (including waking up in the morning with a smile). #TheYouthandCommunityGuy #Youthwork #CommunityEngagement

In my experience your own-well being as a community engagement practitioner is tied to your community. You should have a clear understanding of what they want and how you can help them to achieve it!Otherwise the task becomes really difficult and you will end up frustrated. This will invariably affect your wellbeing.

In my view, managing my well-being and motivation as a community engagement practitioner involves setting realistic goals, taking regular breaks, engaging in activities outside of work, and seeking support from peers and mentors.

Ultimately community is about straddling the fence between towing the company line and wanting the best for the community that you're there to serve. These two things don't always align and that can definitely lead to some tough times as a Community Manager. Over the 20 years I've been doing this the one thing I will always tell people is to be as transparent and honest as possible. In tough times it will earn you a lot of trust.

Purpose is the compass that guides community engagement practitioners through both challenges and triumphs. It’s not just about understanding your goals, but deeply connecting with the 'why' behind your work. This sense of purpose fuels resilience, helping you navigate obstacles with clarity and determination. It also anchors you in moments of doubt, reminding you of the broader impact you’re striving to create. By continually aligning your actions with your core values, you sustain your motivation and ensure that your work remains not only effective but also deeply fulfilling.

You're no good to the community if you're on your knees. Your tendancy is to be empathetic, nurturing and selfless but you're a battery not a perpetual motion machine - you'll run out of energy and will burnout. Don't give out your personal phone number, give your work email address or ask them to dm your on social medis. If you're out and about, state politely that you're not at work. Turn on your 'do not disturb' functions so your notifications are silenced to allow you to switch off properly. Remember you're a mediator, mentor and advisor. You're not friends, even though you're friendly. Make that distinction clear. Take time for selfcare, reflection and recuperation, it will extend your 'shelf life'.

I am what I call "Dangerously Curious"! I love to learn new information and techniques for managing conflict, especially in rural communities who are having their personal comfort and local capacity stretched by the rapid spike of inbound migration throughout Montana. Maintaining a growth mindset, and broadening my understanding of rural needs, helps me prepare our communities and encourage the diversity and additional capacity that newcomers can bring to our State. I love Strong Towns by @Charles Mahron and Renewing Indigenous Economies by @Terry Anderson. Important insights to understand as we move into a new economic landscape in Montana.

Learning to say no is a crucial skill in managing your wellbeing & Motivation. Burnout is real. Need ideas? To OTHERS: I am unable take that on right now. My plate is full, I have to pass this time. Thank you for thinking of me, but I can't accept. I'm not up for that today. To YOURSELF: This will consume my personal (family, workout, sleep, etc.) time & I am unwilling to break the promise I made to myself. No isn't the same as saying never. I value myself enough to say no. This isn’t aligned with my current priorities. People who care about me understand. I can't give to others unless I first give to myself. When turning down opportunities/offers say you appreciate their offer & would love to be involved some other time.

My work in community engagement is filled with secondary trauma from years of working to solve homelessness. That absorbed trauma from people experiencing homelessness left me exhausted! My feelings of fatigue and depletion use to make me feel guilty. "Maybe I am not 'tough enough' to be a social worker?" I worried. It wasn't until I sought out therapy from a trauma-informed practitioner, that I came to realize how those small "t" traumas repeated to turn into big "T" TRAUMA coping behaviors. Having a space to dump that trauma out with a skilled professional is such a gift. Together we unpacked my wounds. Today, not only am I a healthier and happier human, but I am an empathetic leader using trauma-informed skills at work.

Community engagement often requires change management. It can be a change to involve people in decision making and a change to implement what communities ask. Engagement functions are often a single role, small team or fringe function. And engagement practitioners often deal with people's dissatisfaction. The Double Loop Model is a change theory. It depicts the top loop, as the dominant system. From underneath rises the second loop, the emergent system. To sustain change, it is encouraged to form communities of practice to nourish and grow influence. This could look like training, conferences or speaking with like minded peers. Connecting over enthusiasm can help build morale, motivation and perspective.

The Community Manager role can sometimes feel lonely, as it's also very often a remote role. Therefore it is very important in a remote team (or not) to spend quality time with colleagues on: getting support, asking for ideas, brainstorming together and in general using synergies. Oftentimes, we find more inspiration when we put our heads together! There are also a lot of communities for people in community that offer guidance & resources. What's the most important in keeping a clear mind, is to "dare" to ask for help!

Something we don't talk about enough: community building can be a very lonely experience. Because you're busy making space for others, you're usually on the outside. Do not neglect your own personal community. Find groups where you can just be a member; not in charge, not responsible, simply a member who can enjoy the safety and freedom of participation without obligation.

Sometimes working in community can make you feel not quite part of the company and not quite part of the community. Don't be an island unto yourself, make sure that you try and an maintain objectivity and also remember to reach out to others in the same space.

Imagine yourself as a cup. You can't fill others' cups if you're empty. Make time to fill your own cup so you can continue serving others!

Something that has benefited my mental health and the ability to give my community 100% is to be a part of other communities I do not manage. This has given me support, ideas and an escape from being the moderator, manager and community builder as I get to experience what it's like being a community member instead. It's refreshing and boosts my creativity within my own community.

One of the best bits of self-care wisdom I ever heard came from a local politician, who told me “When people shout or get angry at me, I try to remember that they are just CARING… loudly”!

It's great to acknowledge your own accomplishments but, depending on your love language, that might not be enough. Make sure to celebrate your wins with people who understand HOW you need your recognition.

It’s much easier to celebrate your wins when you set clear engagement goals at the beginning of the process! By setting qualitative and quantitative goals you’re able to measure your success, motivate yourself, and have something measurable to promote.

When it comes to getting in my zone, here's my vibe: 1. Soaking in a steamy bath. A little piece of heaven, trust me. 2. Gotta treat yourself, right? Massages, spa days – total game-changers, I'm telling you. 3. Sippin' on some herbal tea: Nothing beats a warm cup of herbal goodness, especially with a squeeze of zesty lemon. It's like a hug in a mug. 4. Tuning in to good tunes: Whether it's some chill instrumental beats or groovin' to ethnic vibes, music is my therapy. 5. Strolling in nature: Fresh air, sunshine, and a leisurely walk – instant mood booster. 6. Movie nights: Rom-coms all the way! Who doesn't love a good dose of happily-ever-after? 7. Indulging in hot chocolate: A decadent treat that's perfect for cozy nights in.

Build Influencer Relationships: Beyond knowing your aim, purpose, and strategic goals, building relationships with community leaders will be the springboard to successfully generating a shared synergy and will support the accomplishment for your work. The truly authentic relationships you invest in become the proverbial “grease on the wheel” when you are able to manage up other community leader goals and aims—creating a much broader personal perspective of how your aim fits in while elevating the energy around your own!

I think self-care is very individual. What I find rejuvenating or fulfilling may not be remotely replenishing for someone else. That said, for me belonging to a community group where I feel supported and like I’m among those who understand the kind of work I do (but they are not my coworkers) gives me a boost. I think many in our profession are also natural helpers. Yes, it can be draining, but for some of us the ability to help someone new to the profession or who is going through a tough time is healing. It makes us feel a part of something bigger than ourselves. One other thing that has made me feel less burnt out is asking such groups for advice. My favorite community group is @LedByCommunity #LedByCommunity

I regularly reconnect with my "why" and resetting myself, especially during stressful times. Knowing that I'm working towards creating a better world for my autistic son fuels my passion and determination. I maintain a balanced approach by setting boundaries, practicing self-care rituals, and seeking support from peers and mentors. Engaging in activities that rejuvenate me, like spending quality time with loved ones or immersing myself in nature, helps me stay grounded and energized. I acknowledge that it's okay to ask for help when needed and to take breaks when necessary. By prioritizing my own well-being, I ensure that I can continue to serve my community with authenticity, empathy, and resilience.