FORGET cosy feelings of neighbourly togetherness and harmony over tea and biscuits. Abuse, intimidation, even a nervous breakdown might be your only reward for taking part in community consultations, according to new research on the psychological effects of community activism.
One woman working with the police to tackle drunk and disorderly behaviour had her windows broken. Another interviewed for the report, published by Renew Northwest, had the word “grass” daubed on the side of her house.
Suffering persecution for perceived links with authority is not the only source of stress, researchers found. Participants can also be overburdened by the emotional problems of people within their peer group and worn down by local conflict. Not being paid for their time and suffering doesn’t help.
Those most at risk from the kind of burnout experienced by top executives are community representatives on partnership boards and activists engaged in local campaigns and pressure groups.
Professor Carolyn Kagan, the director of the Research Institute for Health and Social Change at Manchester Metropolitan University, writes in New Start (Jan 13): “When [activists] liaise with professionals, they may be treated with suspicion and sometimes with what they consider intimidation. Other community members [can] view their involvement with distrust, with hostility, but [at] other times with gratitude and praise.”
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This emotional rollercoaster can be managed by support from professionals who need to experience the consultation process as a participant, not from on high, Professor Kagan concludes.
Managing expectations of all involved is also important, she writes. “In any project it is vital for everyone — organisers and participants — to be clear about the participation they are looking for; and to ensure adequate support and resources are in place for members of the community who are actively involved.”
For a summary of Professor Kagan’s research visit www.renew.co.uk