Blogmas Day 7: #Insight2016 Why the voluntary sector needs to celebrate!

Today has been a day to celebrate. The second annual Expert Citizens Insight Conference has left me feeling excited, inspired and even more passionate than ever about changing the system for people with multiple needs. It’s vital that we see the gaps, scrutinise, evaluate, challenge and question; but today has made me realise that it’s also vital that we celebrate success too… and here’s why

When your job is to advocate and challenge the staus quo and your goal is to change a huge intricate system; it can sometimes feel like swimming through custard. Taking the time to celebrate our achievements reminds you that there is a city full of passionate people who want the same things as you. Hearing success stories reminds you that the ends are always worth the means, no matter how exhausting. Celebrating amazing outcomes shows you that change, however big or small, is already happening.

Every industry and sector has it’s own awards, celebrations, galas etc., We think nothing of celebrities receiving awards for making music, wearing clothes and eating kangaroo testicles. The voluntary sector is full of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the most vulnerable people in our society alive. We needn’t feel shy about patting one another on the back every now and then.

Celebrating is also vital for our self care (as is listening to Neil Young, see previous blog). You can’t celebrate brilliant work without being Solution Focussed. Whether you realise it or not celebrating is a way of saying “That’s ace, let’s do loads more of it.” Events like the Insight conference give people the opportunity to come away from the office for a day, get inspired and head back to their desks the next day ready to change the world.