Setting Boundaries in Volunteer Organizations: Balance Commitment & Self-Care

If you’re volunteering with a sexual violence (SV) or domestic violence (DV) organization, chances are your heart is in the right place—you’re here because you care deeply about making a difference. But caring that much can also come with challenges. Advocacy work often means showing up for others during some of the hardest moments in their lives. It’s meaningful and rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips for maintaining healthy boundaries and building a culture where everyone—volunteers and survivors alike—can thrive.

The Emotional Toll of Advocacy Work

Advocacy work is powerful—it changes lives, builds communities, and creates hope. But for volunteers in SV and DV organizations, it can also be emotionally heavy. Many volunteers come to this work because they’ve walked similar paths or because they feel deeply connected to the cause. This empathy fuels their dedication, but it can also make it hard to step back when they need to.

The nature of this work often means hearing traumatic stories and offering intensive support to survivors. It’s not just the time you give—it’s the emotional energy you invest. Over time, this can take a toll, leaving you feeling drained, overwhelmed, or even questioning whether you’re doing enough.

And then there’s the guilt. For so many volunteers, the stakes feel incredibly high, making it difficult to set limits. You might think, “If I step back, who will step in?” But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Setting boundaries isn’t about walking away—it’s about showing up as your best, most present self for the work that matters.

By understanding the unique challenges of this work and recognizing the importance of boundaries, you can create space for yourself to recharge and continue making a meaningful impact.

Tips for Volunteers: Setting and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries

Volunteering in SV and DV advocacy is a labor of love, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing your own well-being. Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re bridges that allow you to keep giving your best to the cause while protecting your mental and emotional health. Here are some practical ways to set and maintain healthy boundaries as a volunteer:

1. Recognize Your Limits

It’s okay not to be available 24/7. Advocacy work is emotionally demanding, and recognizing your limits is a strength, not a weakness. Pay attention to signs of emotional fatigue, like feeling irritable, overly tired, or emotionally detached. When you notice these signs, take them as reminders to pause and recharge.

2. Communicate Openly

Boundaries work best when they’re clear. If you’re feeling stretched too thin, let your coordinator or team leader know. Try saying something like, “I care deeply about this work, but I’m feeling overwhelmed right now. Can we adjust my responsibilities temporarily?” Open, honest communication ensures everyone is on the same page and helps you avoid overcommitment.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

You can’t care for others if you’re running on empty. Find self-care practices that work for you—whether it’s taking a walk, journaling, meditating, or simply unplugging for a while. Consider a “decompression ritual” after shifts, like listening to music, lighting a calming candle, or talking with a friend, to transition back into your personal space.

4. Lean on Peer Support

You’re not in this alone. Connecting with fellow volunteers can provide a safe space to share experiences, vent frustrations, and celebrate wins. If your organization doesn’t already have a peer support group, consider starting one—it’s a simple way to build community and strengthen resilience.

5. Remind Yourself of Your ‘Why’

When the work feels overwhelming, reconnect with your reason for getting involved in the first place. What drives you to show up? Reflecting on your values and purpose can help you stay grounded and remind you that setting boundaries is part of honoring your commitment to the cause.

Taking care of yourself isn’t just good for you—it’s good for the survivors and communities you support. By setting healthy boundaries, you’re ensuring you can continue making a difference in a way that feels sustainable and fulfilling.

Strategies for Leaders and Coordinators: Supporting Volunteers in Maintaining Balance

Leaders and coordinators play a crucial role in fostering a healthy, supportive environment for volunteers. When balance and boundaries are encouraged from the top, volunteers feel empowered to protect their well-being while staying committed to the cause. Here are some practical strategies for supporting your team:

1. Foster a Culture of Boundary-Setting

Boundaries start with leadership. Model healthy behaviors by setting your own limits and encouraging open conversations about balance. Share messages like, “It’s okay to say no to extra shifts if you’re feeling stretched,” and celebrate volunteers who advocate for their needs. This helps normalize boundary-setting as a strength rather than a weakness.

2. Provide Clear Expectations

Unclear roles can lead to confusion and overcommitment. Make sure each volunteer understands their responsibilities, including the time and emotional energy required. Regularly revisit expectations and check in with volunteers to ensure they feel comfortable with their workload.

3. Encourage Self-Care and Mental Health Support

Create opportunities for volunteers to prioritize self-care:

• Share resources like stress management workshops, mental health apps, or self-care tips specific to advocacy work.
• Partner with local therapists or counselors to offer discounted or free sessions for your team.
• Remind volunteers that their well-being is a top priority by including self-care in your team meetings or newsletters.

4. Recognize and Address Burnout Early

Keep an eye out for signs of burnout, like decreased enthusiasm, irritability, or withdrawal from team activities. When you notice a volunteer struggling, approach them with care:

• “I’ve noticed you’ve taken on a lot lately. How are you feeling? Is there a way I can help lighten your load?”
  Proactive conversations show volunteers you’re invested in their well-being and can help prevent burnout before it worsens.

5. Create Opportunities for Peer Support

Encourage connection between volunteers by facilitating peer groups or informal gatherings. A simple coffee chat or debrief session after an event can provide a much-needed space for volunteers to share their experiences and support one another.

6. Celebrate Efforts, Not Just Outcomes

Advocacy work often feels like an uphill battle, and volunteers need to hear that their contributions matter. Take time to recognize their efforts—whether it’s a kind word after a shift or a shout-out in your team newsletter. Feeling valued can make all the difference in sustaining motivation and morale.

As a leader, your support can make advocacy work sustainable and fulfilling for everyone involved. When volunteers feel empowered to maintain healthy boundaries and prioritize their well-being, they’re better equipped to show up for the work that matters most.

Finding Strength in Balance

Advocacy work is a journey of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to change. But to sustain this work, we must prioritize the well-being of those who make it possible. Whether you’re a volunteer navigating the emotional demands of the role or a leader fostering a culture of support, maintaining healthy boundaries is key to ensuring that everyone involved can continue to thrive.

Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable path forward.

If you’re ready to take the next step in supporting yourself or your team, consider these actionable ways to deepen your commitment to balance:

• Share this article with your fellow advocates to start a conversation about maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Reflect on your current practices and identify one small change you can make today.
• Connect with us to learn more about resources and strategies for sustainable advocacy.

Remember, your strength and passion are essential, but so is your well-being. Let’s ensure it remains a source of fulfillment, not exhaustion. Because when we care for ourselves, we can care for others even better.