Joyful democracy is democracy where people are empowered, engaged, and energized, not just enduring the fight, but thriving in it.
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 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 reflect the economic realities many democracy defenders face and to honor their work. Participants and coaches can choose to waive this fee or donate it to a cause of their choice.
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 joyful 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 inspired to put your know-how at the service of joyful democracy?
Your skills can help sustain joyful democracy.
If you’re a coach credentialed by an internationally recognized body (like ICF or EMCC), we would love for you to join as a volunteer coach. Please apply now to provide individual coaching sessions to joyful democracy defenders who need support.
If you’re a non-credentialed coach, you are welcome to contribute your expertise in various ways. You may volunteer to help coordinate this initiative or provide group learning opportunities for volunteer coaches and/or participants. We would love to have events like yoga/art/dance classes, facilitated discussions, communication workshops, etc. You could make that happen!
✅ 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.
Ready to support or receive coaching? Apply now to be part of this movement!
Click below to apply for participation as a coach, an organization, or a participant.
Democracy is sustained by people. People are sustained by community. Let’s take care of those who take care of us.
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 can contribute in valuable ways, such as coordinating efforts, facilitating group learning experiences, or offering workshops on topics like resilience, leadership, or well-being.
For individual coaching engagements, we prioritize coaches with credentials from internationally recognized bodies (such as ICF, EMCC, IAC, Association for Coaching, or Board certification). These credentials ensure ethical standards and clear agreements between coaches and clients.
If you’re a non-credentialed coach passionate about providing individual coaching, we encourage you to explore credentialing pathways while engaging in other impactful roles within the initiative. We’d love to have you as part of this community!
Q: Who qualifies to receive coaching?
A: Coaching is available to individuals working to defend joyful democracy, including organizers, civil rights advocates, legal defenders, and others involved in civic engagement, justice, and democracy-building efforts. This includes both staff and volunteers at nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, grassroots initiatives, and similar spaces.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway! We’re here to support those doing the hard work of sustaining democracy.
Q: What types of challenges can coaching help with?
A: Coaching provides a space to reflect, strategize, and build resilience. Some common topics include:
- Preventing burnout and sustaining energy in demanding work
- Navigating leadership challenges and decision-making
- Strengthening communication and conflict resolution skills
- Managing stress, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion
- Clarifying goals and aligning personal values with professional work
- Reconnecting with purpose and motivation
Every coaching experience is unique, based on what you need most.
Q: How do I know if coaching is right for me or my organization?
A: If you or your team are facing stress, decision fatigue, or the emotional toll of working in democracy-defending spaces, coaching can provide relief and support. Coaching is ideal for those who want to:
- Gain clarity on challenges and next steps
- Build resilience and prevent burnout
- Strengthen leadership skills and self-efficacy
- Have a confidential, supportive space to process their experiences
If you’re still unsure, feel free to reach out with questions or apply for a conversation to explore fit.
Q: How are coaches matched with participants?
A: Participants provide information in their application about their needs and preferences. We then match them with a credentialed volunteer coach whose expertise aligns with their goals.
Matching is based on availability, coaching style, and the specific challenges participants are facing. Once connected, the coach and participant establish their own coaching agreement based on the ICF Code of Ethics.
Q: Is coaching the same as therapy or mentorship?
A: No, coaching is distinct from therapy and mentorship:
- Therapy focuses on healing past wounds, mental health concerns, and emotional processing. Coaching, on the other hand, is forward-focused and action-oriented.
- Mentorship involves guidance from someone with expertise in a specific field. Coaching does not provide advice or directives but helps clients develop their own insights and strategies.
Coaching is about empowering individuals to find their own solutions, navigate challenges, and build sustainable well-being.
