Being a community worker can come with hefty implicit expectations.
“You have to be deeply rooted in the community that you’re working from.”
“If you don’t show up everywhere, you’re not about supporting others.”
“You should always be accessible because community needs don’t happen on a 9-5 schedule.”
While there is truth to each statement, are they really contributing to a fruitful work system? The systemic belief in these statements can be interpreted as judgment, shame, and restriction to those trying to enter the nonprofit field. These expectations actually deter people from trying to contribute.
Ahead of the Curve
Sectors like tech and startups have shown that many of our “rules” around work culture don’t actually correlate with productivity and effectiveness. It used to be unacceptable to hold meetings on zoom or for people to nap or exercise in the middle of the day. The workday used to start by 9am. No dogs allowed in the office. Now, Zoom meetings, midday naps and workouts, and canine coworkers have all become the norm in highly impactful companies from Google to Facebook.
Yet, when you examine the nonprofit sector (and maybe even more so – the public sector), traditional expectations persist.
New Opportunities
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to see past these assumptions surrounding community work. It made sense that you had to meet with people in person to meaningfully connect and build trust. The fear that people would think less of you if you traveled or worked remote had a tight grip on so many.
These limiting beliefs were debunked once the pandemic hit. People were meeting with community members online daily – and still making meaningful connections. This dramatic shift proved that workers and clients can feel supported even when not in-person.
So, why are these old-fashioned expectations still ruling the world of community workers? It’s not talked about enough.
Let’s Talk About It
At a point, attending an in-person event can feel like a public gesture to “check the box” of support, but often won’t lead to any tangible transfer of resources. People have learned to get creative about showing support outside of the public eye which sometimes has a much higher value.
The benefits of being able to explore the bounds of remote work in ways not thought possible until the pandemic, feel endless. Overall wellness and workplace productivity have increased, social lives have improved, and minds have expanded.
The core of effective community work isn’t about physically being in specific places at certain times. It’s about having integrity and humility, finding a way to support where needed, and creating meaningful relationships with others.
Finding A Balance
Being forced to the extreme has helped to illuminate many unchecked assumptions about “how to do community work” that don’t seem to hold up. Of course, the full-remote scenario of the pandemic wasn’t optimal. There is a balanced, middle-ground that must be put in place now that it is safe and prudent to do so.
People are actually more productive when they can take care of themselves. Creating space for people to show up as their best selves makes a more resilient organization.
Hopefully, this forced break in patterns and habits will allow for a new opportunity to create the expectations that nonprofit professionals hold themselves to. A change will only happen by including those who want to contribute without having to bend a host of unspoken restrictions that stifle us from showing up as our full selves in life and work.
Edgecombe County, North Carolina
Attn: Rural Opportunity Institute (ROI)
Area L AHEC
1631 S Wesleyan Blvd
Rocky Mount, NC 27803
Email: info@ruralopportunity.org
Email: naomi@ruralopportunity.org
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