Jumping ship gracefully
October 10, 2021 6:13 PM Subscribe
I've served a stressful four year volunteer term on a non-profit board. Then I got re-elected.
I was kind of sweet talked into running again (we stagger the elections), and figured, why not? There's always a person or two who thinks they can do better and will run as well. As I mention above, it was extremely stressful, and I need to get out but gracefully. It is beginning to affect my health (interpret that however you want).
I'm happy to have made it through the entire first term. Many people quit in disgust, or worse.
So....I'd like a graceful, kind, and diplomatic way to resign.
I was kind of sweet talked into running again (we stagger the elections), and figured, why not? There's always a person or two who thinks they can do better and will run as well. As I mention above, it was extremely stressful, and I need to get out but gracefully. It is beginning to affect my health (interpret that however you want).
I'm happy to have made it through the entire first term. Many people quit in disgust, or worse.
So....I'd like a graceful, kind, and diplomatic way to resign.
Awww, hey that is hard. I just stepped down after a very stressful three year term at a non-profit after being strong armed into another term I said no. And it's challenging. But I just said that the last eighteen months have been really hard in so many ways that I don't have spare time/cycles to give to the world above and beyond what I am doing to keep myself alive and stable. I didn't say exactly that but I definitely implied it. I let the executive director know before I told the rest of the board.
In your case I am sure you are concerned that you sort of implied that you could serve another four years by running for election but honestly, I'd go with a script like above. These are people you volunteer your time with, where you work for free, it's okay to just not be able to do that any more.
posted by jessamyn at 6:42 PM on October 10, 2021 [6 favorites]
In your case I am sure you are concerned that you sort of implied that you could serve another four years by running for election but honestly, I'd go with a script like above. These are people you volunteer your time with, where you work for free, it's okay to just not be able to do that any more.
posted by jessamyn at 6:42 PM on October 10, 2021 [6 favorites]
I agree, don't worry too much about this, just be clear and polite, your circumstances have changed and you are no longer able to serve. Do it quickly and with no ambiguity. Don't be too specific or you will invite argument about why you should still be able to do it.
I work a lot with volunteers at my non-profit, and the only thing worse than having nobody come forward for a role is having somebody say they can do the thing and then not actually fulfill the responsibilities. You are doing them a favour by being straight with them.
posted by rpfields at 6:56 PM on October 10, 2021 [5 favorites]
I work a lot with volunteers at my non-profit, and the only thing worse than having nobody come forward for a role is having somebody say they can do the thing and then not actually fulfill the responsibilities. You are doing them a favour by being straight with them.
posted by rpfields at 6:56 PM on October 10, 2021 [5 favorites]
do it and don't feel guilty about it. one thing that nonprofits need is a leadership pipeline, and long-serving folks like you stepping down is how they get it.
posted by fingersandtoes at 7:16 PM on October 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by fingersandtoes at 7:16 PM on October 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
I've administered and observed a lifetime of co-op/non profit elections and it's not an unusual situation. Resign gracefully and let a runner up be seated.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 10:04 PM on October 10, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by a humble nudibranch at 10:04 PM on October 10, 2021 [3 favorites]
Don't forget - you don't owe them anything. You have donated your time and sanity for 4 years, without compensation. They owe you - gratitude at a minimum, and a lot more.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 12:14 AM on October 11, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 12:14 AM on October 11, 2021 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: His thoughts were red thoughts: Brilliant, and I only think I'll add "I wish you all the best." Thanks all for your thoughts.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 9:13 AM on October 11, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 9:13 AM on October 11, 2021 [2 favorites]
Definitely don't overthink. I've worked with boards a long time. People resign, it happens. Also, people have medical crises, their family has to move away, etc. - a million things can change a board member's status, and the point of having a board is that it's a body that can self-reorganize. No individual is irreplaceable. They might enter a period of disorganization when you leave, but in the end, that might be healthy for them as they are responsible for making a new order emerge. Organizations have life cycles, and your leaving may precipitate a life cycle change that in the end could be healthy for both you and them. No guilt!
posted by Miko at 9:49 AM on October 11, 2021
posted by Miko at 9:49 AM on October 11, 2021
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This thread is closed to new comments.
For example:
[Dear XYZ,
It's been an honour to serve on the board since 201X, and it was most gratifying to be relected
However, my personal situation has changed, and I no longer have the time or capacity to serve the on the board. The board deserves a member that can provide sufficient time and attention.
As such, I tender my resignation. I recognize that this is an inconvenience so soon after the election process, and I apologise for that.
Regards,
intrepid_simpleton]
If anyone asks, well, your reasons are personal and you don't want to talk about it.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 6:36 PM on October 10, 2021 [48 favorites]