Chernihiv Activists Strengthen Resilience and Motivation in Human Rights Activities

Overwork, stress, professional burnout… How to avoid falling under their influence and support yourself while working with survivors? Answers were sought at the training “Motivation, Stress Resistance, and Combating Professional Burnout,” organized for activists of the NGO “Chernihiv Public Committee for Human Rights Protection” and representatives of the “Chernihiv Region 1325” coalition to create a safe space for conversation about their own state and resources.

The training was conducted by supervisor, psychologist, and expert on gender-based violence of the NGO “Center ‘Women’s Perspectives'” Olena Kalbus.

Together with her, participants:

* worked with V.V. Boyko’s methodology “Diagnostics of the level of emotional burnout”;
* studied the impact of stress on our lives;
* learned to recognize burnout symptoms and determine what stage they are at;
* looked for tools to maintain emotional stability and resources.

During exercises and discussions, activists better understood themselves and each other.
Participants noted how important it is to be able to talk openly about fatigue, fear, internal exhaustion – and receive support.
Thanks to the training, representatives of the “Chernihiv Region 1325” coalition not only received practical tools for overcoming burnout but also created a safe, supportive environment.
Because self-care is not selfishness, but the basis of high-quality help to others.

The project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union and the Transatlantic Foundation/Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation.