Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Chapter Nine:Spreading the Love-Engaging the Co-Creators
Chapter 9 expands on what we've learned from Chapter 8-now that we know who the co-creators are, how do we keep them and attract new ones? All I could think of during the reading of this chapter is BURNOUT. We're introduced to Teresa Greenlees who says that she just doesn't think she has the same fire as a mover and a shaker in her community as she had in the past. Can you recall a time that you once could identify yourself as a co-creator? What has changed? Why doesn't the title "co-creator" fit anymore?
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I don't know that I can claim the title co-creator. However, I have been very active with my city's Democratic Club-and I often feel burned out. I think that very early on, the pressure is so great to do so much that it can end up feeling like a burden instead of joy to serve your community. There was a time when I couldn't wait to participate in a fundraiser or volunteer for GOTV campaings; now, I shrink back and hope that someone else will step up to help. In my community, we've got to find a better way to recruit "new blood".
ReplyDeleteI think people can be burned out by various factors. One can be when they try to implement change within the city and they have nothing to show for it. Also life in general can help with the burnout due to have other obligations and then having to help with co-creation.
DeleteBurn out for me happens when I feel I cannot anything more to a particular project. That definitely happened to me as a Project Director for AmeriCorps. Don't get me wrong - I still am a major supporter of AmeriCorps and believe the nation has greatly benefited from the thousands of volunteers who have served. However, as Project Director I tired of the endless required paperwork, which I could not imagine anyone reading. In addition, approximately a third of our budget was made up of cost shares from nonprofits hosting one of our AmeriCorps members. I tired of acting as a "tax collector" trying to get funds from agencies that really could not afford to make such a contribution. In my last year with AmeriCorps, I was managing $1.5 million in grants with three different program years and over 100 members. I was the only full-time staff person, but was still earning less than my male predecessor. I was stressed out and ready to leave. I'm just blessed that the directorship of the Detroit Center came my way.
DeleteThe one time I can say I felt like a co-creator was when I helped with the setup of the Dilla Youth Day at the Charles H. Wright Museum. It was something I was interested in and it was successful, which helped keep that "creative fire" going. Over time I think it dimmed down because of the fact that while I can see myself as a co-creator, that title feels a bit bland because anyone at every level can be seen as a co-creator but when people look up creator of something, its normally one person, not an entire team.
ReplyDeleteGerrard -
DeleteOur author tends to apply the word, co-creator, to individuals. However, I definitely believe it can be applied to a team of people. For instance, this morning I came to the realizations that this past weekend the staff served as co-creators of the Wolverine Outdoor Stage. That really was a great feeling to see how an event can build community.
While I can't recall a specific instance where I was a co-creator in my own city, I have been active in supporting cultural aspects within it. In regards to the burnout factor, I think it's natural for all of us at one time or another. Regardless of how passionate you are for something, there comes a point where you need to take a step back from the heavy lifting, knowing that others can help carry the load while you take a bit of a reprieve. The key to burnout is, you have to make sure you don't deplete your overall passion for your cause, effort or "co-creator" initiative.
ReplyDeleteMike -
DeleteI think one of the keys to identifying burnout is having a good friend or loved one be honest and tell you - "I think you've had enough." With that realization, either you'll find a way to rekindle your passion or you should do everyone a favor and move on to the next challenge.