What's Happening?
In the realm of women's advocacy and funding, there is a pervasive sense of urgency that often leads to burnout and unsustainable practices. The constant pressure to address immediate issues can transform well-intentioned efforts into exhausting marathons. This urgency is largely driven by short funding cycles and the need to respond quickly to news-cycle-induced campaigns. Kiersten Marek, a clinical social worker and founder of Philanthropy Women, suggests that advocates should prioritize personal well-being and adopt a calmer approach. Marek argues that calmness does not equate to disengagement but rather provides the steadiness needed to ask better questions and allow answers to emerge over time. She advocates for longer-term funding strategies
and a focus on organizational stability to reduce the pressure of constant crisis management.
Why It's Important?
The call for a calmer approach in women's advocacy is significant as it addresses the sustainability of efforts aimed at social change. By reducing the emphasis on urgency, organizations can focus on long-term goals and create a more stable environment for both funders and advocates. This shift could lead to more effective decision-making and a healthier work culture, ultimately benefiting the causes these groups support. Additionally, by funding operating capacity and allowing time for sense-making, organizations can foster innovation and resilience. This approach not only supports the mental health of those involved but also enhances the overall impact of advocacy efforts.
What's Next?
Advocacy groups and funders may begin to experiment with longer-term funding models and reduced reporting requirements to alleviate the pressure of constant urgency. This could involve separating urgent issues from important ones in decision-making processes and prioritizing the funding of permanent staff positions and organizational capacity. As these practices become more widespread, they may lead to a cultural shift within the sector, where calmness is seen as a strength rather than complacency. Stakeholders might also explore new strategies for integrating calmness into their work, potentially leading to more sustainable and impactful advocacy.
Beyond the Headlines
The emphasis on calmness in advocacy work highlights broader ethical and cultural dimensions. It challenges the prevailing notion that urgency is synonymous with importance and suggests that a more measured approach can lead to better outcomes. This perspective encourages a reevaluation of how success is defined in advocacy, promoting a focus on long-term impact rather than immediate results. It also underscores the importance of psychological safety and the need for environments where experimentation and improvisation are valued. As this mindset gains traction, it could influence other sectors, encouraging a more balanced approach to social change.
