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December 09.2025
3 Minutes Read

Why Nonprofit Leaders Should Prioritize Taking Breaks for Self-Care

Peaceful ginger cat snoozing on striped sheets, photorealistic.

The Importance of Taking a Break in the Nonprofit Sector

In the often overstressed realm of nonprofit leadership, taking a break is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. As stressed-out teams rally to tackle various social issues, the burnout among nonprofit leaders has reached alarming levels. According to a recent study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy, half of nonprofit leaders reported feeling more concerned about their own burnout than at any other time in recent history. This reality highlights the need for self-care and time off amidst relentless demands.

Self-Care as a Foundational Practice

Leading a nonprofit organization entails juggling fundraising, community outreach, staffing, and emotional investments in the mission. This multifaceted role can quickly lead to exhaustion. Experts such as Turcois Ominek and Linda Handley emphasize that self-care should not be viewed as a selfish act but rather as a foundation for sustainable leadership. Ominek states, "Self-care should be a leadership imperative." This sentiment encapsulates the view that leaders, when well-rested and in good mental health, can effectively guide their teams towards fulfilling their missions.

Why Nonprofit Leaders Delay Self-Care

Many nonprofit leaders may feel guilty about stepping away from their responsibilities, perceiving their role as one that requires relentless devotion. The misconception that one must always be available can be damaging. Leaders often overlook warning signs of stress, finding themselves trapped in a destructive cycle of working harder instead of working smarter. Yet, recognizing the importance of breaks and mental health could change this narrative.

Strategies for Incorporating Breaks into Nonprofit Leadership

To foster a healthier work environment, nonprofit leaders must prioritize taking regular breaks. Here are some effective strategies:

  • Set Boundaries: Define clear working hours to help maintain balance and prevent burnout.
  • Delegate Effectively: Trust your team with tasks to lighten your load and empower them, thereby allowing you some space to breathe.
  • Schedule Breaks: Make it a habit to take brief walks or engage in mindfulness exercises.
  • Create a Supportive Culture: Encourage your team to take time off, ensuring a positive culture around taking breaks.

Long-Term Benefits of Prioritizing Self-Care

Integrating self-care and scheduling breaks into regular practice not only enhances personal well-being but can significantly boost team morale. By modeling healthy behavior, leaders cultivate an environment where staff feel valued and empowered. Teams that prioritize self-care tend to be more effective, engaged, and driven.

Conclusion: Take a Step Towards Wellness Today

The holiday season is an ideal time to encourage yourself and your team to take a break. As the author notes, allowing teams to take time off without pressure to use Paid Time Off can be incredibly revitalizing. So go ahead, take those naps and celebrate being human. Your well-being is essential to the mission at hand.

For nonprofit leaders, the message is clear: self-care and taking breaks are paramount for your health and your organization's success. Emphasizing these practices can lead to more balanced, effective, and motivated teams, making a lasting impact on the community they serve.

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12.02.2025

How Alice Wong’s Lessons Can Transform Nonprofit Advocacy Practices

Update Honoring Alice Wong: A Trailblazer in Disability Advocacy In a world shaped by systemic injustice, Alice Wong stood out as a beacon of resilience and advocacy. Her recent passing on November 14, 2025, at the age of 51, leaves a void in the lives of many who were touched by her work, humor, and unyielding spirit. From founding the Disability Visibility Project to making significant contributions to disability policy at a national level, Alice was a force of nature whose legacy deserves to be celebrated and honored. A Shift in Perspectives: Embracing Wholeness Alice Wong's advocacy for the disabled community went beyond the typical confines of activism. She believed in treating marginalized individuals as complete, multilayered human beings—not just as victims of societal oppression but as vibrant individuals deserving of joy and complexity. This perspective is crucial for nonprofit organizations aiming to engage authentically with diverse communities. Reconsidering our views on professionalism is integral to fostering inclusive environments. As Alice noted, traditional definitions often exclude voices that don’t neatly fit into a narrow mold. Advocacy with Humor: The Power of Joy One of the lessons Alice imparted was the importance of finding joy in advocacy. Life as a disabled individual can sometimes feel heavier due to societal stigmas and prejudice, but Alice's life exemplified that joy and activism can coexist. Nonprofits must recognize that the fight for equity doesn’t preclude the celebration of our achievements. Joy is not merely an afterthought; it is an essential component of resistance. A Community of Care and Support As advocates, we often talk about empowerment, but Alice’s commitment extended into actionable support for others. She utilized her network, resources, and influence to elevate the voices of disabled individuals, ensuring that they not only felt seen but heard. Nonprofits can take heed of this model by adopting community-centered approaches that prioritize access and visibility for marginalized voices. How can organizations better support their communities in this manner? It’s a pressing question that deserves further contemplation. The Future of Disability Advocacy: Insights from Alice Looking ahead, Alice Wong’s legacy should inspire nonprofits to broaden their understanding of advocacy. This means not just addressing policies and access but also including the elements of community care and personal joy. As we continue the work that Alice championed, we must frame our future endeavors around the notion that advocacy is about creating spaces that welcome laughter, joy, and human experiences. Nonprofits must advocate for systemic changes while simultaneously fostering environments where social connection and joy are encouraged. Practical Steps for Nonprofits To honor Alice Wong's legacy, nonprofits can implement several actionable insights: Encourage Diverse Voices: Explicitly commit to amplifying the narratives of disabled individuals in your programs and outreach. Foster Joyful Spaces: Create environments where joy is integrated into the work culture, acknowledging that rest and celebration are vital. Support Community Care: Prioritize community-building initiatives that support mutual aid and long-term care. The loss of Alice Wong resonates deeply within the nonprofit sector. While we reflect on her contributions, we must also commit to carrying her lessons forward. It is essential to build a movement that celebrates diversity, accessibility, and the multifaceted joy of human existence. In Alice's reality, advocacy was not just a career; it was an art of living fully and unapologetically.
11.26.2025

Discover the Transformational Power of Hope for Nonprofits

Update A Bright Ray of Hope in Challenging Times As nonprofit organizations strive to make a difference in their communities, it’s crucial to celebrate progress amidst chaos. While the world often feels inundated with negative news, stories of triumph ignite hope and remind us that positive change is possible. From electoral victories to environmental advances, recent developments illuminate the unwavering spirit of humanity. The Ripple Effect of Social Movements Eleven months after a spate of electoral victories swept across the United States, the progressive impact of these elections sends ripples of hope through civil society. For example, the election of New York City’s first unapologetically progressive mayor, Zohran Mamdani, embodies the confluence of grassroots activism and institutional change. His victory demonstrates that when people mobilize for social movements, they can effect tangible changes. Similarly, social movements across the globe continue to illuminate paths for change. A recent youth uprising in Nepal saw Gen-Z activists overthrow a corrupt government, proving that the energy and resilience of younger generations can catalyze significant transformations. Parallel movements advocate for basic rights and dignities worldwide, sparking action in communities resonating with progressive values. Environmental Triumphs and Community Initiatives In an era when climate change dominates discussions, it's refreshing to spotlight achievements in sustainability. Costa Rica continues to lead by example, operating on almost 100% renewable energy. This nation invigorates a commitment to environmental stewardship, while Scotland’s wind power sector has created over 42,000 jobs and produced renewable energy far exceeding demands. In collaboration with environmental advocates, innovative community initiatives emerge like the one in Portland, which raised over 200K to assist individuals facing hunger and help cover SNAP benefit losses. Such grassroots movements foster a shared sense of responsibility, demonstrating that nonprofits can creatively address pressing social issues while inspiring local residents. Empowering Women’s Leadership Perhaps hope springs most vividly from the stories of women leading communities worldwide. Namibia's newly appointed women leaders, including the country’s president, showcase a collective political strength that can influence governance and social justice policies. By prioritizing women's voices in top government positions, Namibia sets an inspiring blueprint for gender equality. In Ireland, Catherine Connolly’s election as the progressive, pro-Palestian president similarly signals a shift toward leadership committed to addressing core social issues. As these stories spread, they empower women, invigorate future leaders, and create avenues for lasting change in various societies. Community Resilience in Challenging Times Current events unveil a narrative of resilience as communities determine collective directions amidst crises. In Chicago, a judge ruled that ICE agents may face arrest if they attempt to detain individuals simply accessing the court system. Such legal breakthroughs reflect the power of grassroots organizing to challenge unjust practices targeting marginalized populations. Moreover, the creative direct actions taken by communities resisting ICE raids—from employing symbolic whistle alerts to forming inter-organizational coalitions—speak volumes about the dynamism and courage of ordinary people working together. Organizations and nonprofits persist in innovating solutions, suggesting new paradigms of community engagement rooted in empathy and understanding. Lessons and Opportunities for Nonprofits In a landscape marked by turmoil, understanding and disseminating positivity is essential for nonprofits. Embracing the wealth of inspiring stories fosters hope in social justice work, empowering community members to believe in their capacity to enact change. By sharing risks and rewards through powerful narratives, nonprofits reinforce connections that make change sustainable and actionable. As nonprofits navigate their roles, they must leverage the momentum generated by recent victories to reinforce community resilience and uplift members’ voices. Operationalizing these insights can open the door to collaboration among various stakeholders, driving innovation in problem-solving and advocacy. Conclusion: A Call to Action For nonprofits, harnessing this wave of hope is vital. The world needs positive narratives to counteract despair, and these recent developments present crucial opportunities to forge new community pathways. As challenges persist, sharing uplifting stories and advocating for change reinforces fundamental principles of justice and solidarity. Join forces with others in your community, share inspiring moments, and remember: your activated voice matters. Let's advocate for positivity and progress together.
11.26.2025

How Nonprofits Can Promote Kindness While Fighting Fascism

Update Why Kindness Is Essential in Our Fight Against Fascism In the tumultuous times we find ourselves in, fighting against the rise of fascism is no small task. Individuals and communities navigating through what seems to be a gradual erosion of civil liberties, have started showing visible signs of stress. This relentless challenge is demanding, not only of our political engagement but also of our emotional resilience. Among the myriad of stressors, it is crucial to remember that kindness toward ourselves and others is an indispensable ingredient in maintaining our collective mental health and fortitude. The Pressure of Current Realities As we strive to oppose authoritarian tendencies, we often find ourselves reacting to stress and fear in instinctual ways. People are increasingly snapping at one another while feeling the strain from societal issues—from job insecurities to health crises. Just like the manifesto penned by anti-fascist intellectuals in 1925, which highlighted the duty to speak against oppressive regimes, we too have a responsibility to lend compassion not just to others but also to ourselves. The Ripple Effect of Emotional States Understanding our emotional responses is significant; failure to address underlying stress can lead to misguiding our feelings toward our families or peers, inadvertently reinforcing a cycle of hurt and discontent. As we engage more in community efforts to support marginalized individuals, it's essential to spread empathy. When our energy is utilized to lift others, we foster a sense of community, one that thrives on connection, support, and resilience against the oppression we face collectively. Fostering Connections Amidst Division The rise of fascism sees a sepulcher of fear that you might find reflected within the confines of our homes as well as our communities. In this light, engaging in outreach—whether it’s a simple check-in with a friend or organizing events that bring people together—can serve as a balm to the fractures growing within our society. Nonprofits particularly play a vital role here as they bridge these connections, ensuring the voices of those who are marginalized do not fade away. Strategies to Mitigate Stress and Foster Kindness To combat the virulent waves of stress, here are strategies that we can implement: Be Patient: Allow yourself moments of grace. Understand that everyone has unseen battles. Seek Community Engagement: Participate in community activities meant to fortify connections and offer support to one another, which is vital in elevating our spirits. Limit Media Consumption: With the current political climate, it's often overwhelming to be inundated with distressing news. Set boundaries that allow you to stay informed while protecting your mental peace. Engage Creatively: Arts and music can remind us of hope and beauty amidst chaos. Attend local performances or read uplifting literature. Practice Self-reflection: Name your emotions to create awareness. This helps regulate feelings and prevents potential outbursts. The Imperative of Proactive Kindness As we stand firm against the tide of fascism, kindness is not a luxury but a necessity. Through intentional communication, self-care, and community involvement, we not only advocate against oppressive systems but also cultivate a nurturing environment for future generations. This commitment to kindness can empower nonprofits and community organizations to be powerful agents of change. Building a Supportive Community Let’s move forward with mindful kindness towards ourselves and others as our foremost strategy in this battle. By fostering supportive environments within our communities, promoting mental wellness, and advocating for social justice, we can cultivate strength that withstands authoritarian pressures. Let's prioritize compassion now, so we can effectively fight for a more just and democratic future. Consider sharing your emotional strategies and support for one another as actionable steps in combating the stress and anxiety stemming from these challenging times.

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