Defending joyful democracy is courageous work.
But let’s be real: it’s also exhausting.
The organizers, civil rights advocates, and legal defenders on the frontlines of this type of democracy are up against relentless challenges. Burnout is high. Resources are stretched thin.
And yet, we need them to keep going.
That’s where the Joyful Democracy Coaching Initiative comes in.
What is the Joyful Democracy Coaching Initiative?
We believe that sustaining joyful democracy starts with sustaining its defenders.
This initiative connects credentialed professional coaches with joyful democracy-defending leaders, staff, and volunteers to provide high-quality, confidential coaching, a space to restore energy, navigate challenges, and reconnect with purpose.
And the best part?
It’s a volunteer-driven effort by coaches who care.
How it Works
Coaches would offer up to 5 private coaching sessions to participants. Each coaching agreement is set between the participant and the coach according to the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics.
Each session is set at a symbolic rate of $7.25/hour—the US federal minimum wage—to honor the financial constraints many in this field face. The participant and coach may agree to waive this fee or donate it to a cause they choose.
The goal? Resilience, well-being, and self-efficacy—so democracy defenders can sustain their work with more clarity, confidence, and joy.
Ways to get Involved
✅ Are you part of a democracy-defending organization?
We’d love to offer coaching to your team! Whether you’re a national organization or a grassroots effort, we’re here to support your people. Apply to explore how we can bring coaching to your staff, partners, and volunteers.
✅ Are you a coach ready to make an impact?
Your skills can help sustain democracy. If you’re a credentialed coach, this is a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer to provide coaching sessions to democracy defenders who need support.
✅ Want to help spread the word?
Know a joyful democracy-defending organization that could benefit? Know coaches who’d love to give back? Help us make connections—it takes a community to sustain a movement. Send them this page or write us an email with their contact information.
Join Us
Let’s bring more joy, resilience, and sustainability to the work of defending democracy.
Click below to apply for participation as a coach, an organization, or a participant.
Together, we can make democracy stronger and more joyful —one coaching conversation at a time.
For additional questions, opportunities to collaborate or other matters, please contact us at joyfuldemocracy@thesocialleadershipcoach.com.
Learn more about the co-creators of this initiative by exploring The Social Leadership Coach About page.
FAQs
Q: Can non-credentialed coaches participate in the Joyful Democracy Coaching Initiative?
A: Absolutely! Non-credentialed coaches are welcome to contribute in meaningful ways, such as coordinating efforts, designing, and offering group learning opportunities.
For individual coaching engagements, we prioritize coaches who hold credentials from internationally recognized bodies (such as ICF, EMCC, IAC, Association for Coaching, or Board certification). These credentials ensure that coaches are bound by well-established standards and ethics, making it easier to create clear coaching agreements with their matched clients. If you’re a non-credentialed coach interested in individual coaching, we encourage you to explore credentialing pathways while engaging in other impactful roles within the initiative!
