Top 8 Ways to Avoid an Empty Cup

Barbara Klein, LWVOR 1^st VP / Communications Chair

At several state League events, Mark Kendall has distributed motivational quotations compiled by Marianne Germond (LWVOR Voter Service).  Recently, the phrase placed at my chair read:

“Remember to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup” (source unknown)

As lead of the LWVOR strategic goal on Burnout-Avoidance, I thought this was a perfect theme.  The Burnout Committee* has worked to establish a simple blueprint for local Leagues, units, state League, committees, staff and members.  To produce this guidance, we’ve listened to local leaders and members, as well as borrowing from other organizations and research from various companies. 

We are presenting those ideas here. Nevertheless, we are always open to other suggestions.  I’d simply ask that before making your suggestion, (and to avoid duplication or labors of perfection), that you re-read the Top 8 to evaluate if your idea is already covered in some way (perhaps in different language/terminology).  Still, if you wish to propose your concept to be incorporated, contact me, Barbara Klein at Communications@lwvor.org 

Organizational Blueprint for Avoiding Burnout 

My candle burns at both ends, it will not last the night - Frankie Eleon

LWVOR strives to cultivate an atmosphere that protects members and staff from uncivil behavior, overcommitment and feelings of burnout. We endeavor to approach burnout-protection proactively by providing role descriptions, expected terms of service, staff resources, when appropriate, as well as avoiding unrealistic expectations or assumptions of volunteer jobs which may lead to burnout and increase turnover of leadership or membership.

Understanding that most members are aware of steps for self-care, there still may be times for personal outreach, offering appropriate tools for self-care or venues to share concerns. Above and beyond all, we encourage members to take courage and draw energy in our shared League Mission. 

Top 8 Actions to Avoid Burnout 

Use these Top 8 actions to avoid volunteer burnout and keep volunteers engaged, supported, and sustained.  Keep it simple—focus on clarity, support, and sustainability. These few consistent practices can significantly reduce burnout and improve volunteer retention.

The best way to sustain your mission is to sustain the people who make it possible.

1. Provide Training

Preparation and training reduce anxiety. Well-trained volunteers feel more confident, and more resilient. Give your volunteers information, including task-specific skills, before they begin.  Offer support and supervision on an on-going basis.  

2. Define Roles Clearly 

Lack of clarity breeds stress and duplication. Strive to eliminate uncertainty and ambiguity. Provide volunteers with a clear role.  Keep a record of the process for all jobs (reduced to tiny steps).  Descriptions should include time commitments and expectations.  Provide regular feedback when possible, and structured guidance if needed. The more volunteers understand their role and how they are performing, the more secure and effective they will feel.

3. Listen More 

Ask for Feedback and act on it.  Feedback is a two-way street. Regularly ask volunteers what support they need, what’s working, and what isn’t. Showing that you listen - and respond - reinforces that their voices matter. This not only helps prevent burnout but strengthens trust and engagement. Make lists of recommendations for possible action from members.

4. Work in Committees 

Volunteers who work independently can feel isolated over time. Committees (even if just 2 or 3 members) accomplish more than one person working alone.  Provide time to work together (regular check-ins, team meetings, or debrief sessions) to maintain connection, communication, and morale.  Define and prepare tiny chores for committee members.  Perhaps rename a ‘committee’ to the more friendly ‘team.’ 

5. Foster Relationships

Members want to socialize and learn but also need to feel welcome and connected to a purpose.  Develop a simple and ongoing process to make members feel part of the whole.  Let them know they matter and recognize their contributions.  Building friendships (through activities or projects) will provide personal guidance for handling emotionally demanding or stressful situations.  Consider positive and fun elements to an event to make it more celebratory.  Having more fun should be a vital part of League.  Strong personal relationships and time for interaction reduce stress.   

6. Strive to be Good Role Model to Manage Workload

• Plan meetings with clear objectives – define your “container” (scope) of the meeting.
  

• Keep meetings on time.
  

• Avoid overcommitment by rotating projects and sharing the load. 
  

• Create clear start and end dates of projects to provide a sense of accomplishment.
  

• Regularly check workload and adjust if needed.
  

• Take steps to manage and diminish communications and excess email.

  
  

7. Protect Members’ Well-being

Preventing burnout isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about creating a culture of care. The best way to sustain our mission is to sustain the people who make it possible.  There are infinite ways to approach this.  Some examples include: avoid overloading your most reliable volunteers (‘workers’); encourage volunteers to take time off and enjoy vacation without guilt; allow for easy leave and re-entry; check-in regularly about workload; learn what someone wants to do (their ‘super power’) and employ that; give them a chance to be heard and share with others. 

8. Consider Capacity – NOT Perfection 

Do not demand perfection.  As the saying goes “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”  When reasonable, be satisfied with the work of others; there is no need to reword or rework everything that is done.  The latter leads to duplication of efforts, which we hope to avoid.  Regarding “duplication” - whenever possible, think of the word “Repurpose.”  Consider reusing materials or efforts in a variety of ways.   Encourage members to understand that a ‘wish-list’ is not a ‘to-do’ list.   

*“Burnout Avoidance Committee” includes lead, Barbara Klein (LWVOR 1^st VP/Communications), Lisa Bentson (former LWVOR president), Mimi Alkire (LWVOR Secretary), Annie Goldner (LWVOR nominating committee chair), Kathleen Hersh (MLD or Membership, Leadership and Development Chair) and Abby Hertzler (LWVOR Administrative Director) as well as Mark Kendall, LWVOR President