LibraryScenariosHow to navigate power dynamics in volunteer communities
Scenario

How to navigate power dynamics in volunteer communities

Our community garden was supposed to bring the neighborhood together but instead it's become this weird power struggle between the people who have time to be there all day and those of us who can only help on weekends. I still believe in what we started but I don't know how to address the dynamics without seeming like I'm complaining.

Rabia
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Good intentions don't prevent communities from replicating the same hierarchies they hoped to escape.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Forgiving parents?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.