Last updated on Jun 27, 2024

Here's how you can juggle continuing education and your community organizing job.

Balancing education with community organizing can be as challenging as it is rewarding. You're passionate about making a difference and equally committed to personal growth through continuing education. This can often feel like a high-wire act, but with the right strategies, you can maintain your equilibrium. By integrating your learning into your organizing efforts, prioritizing effectively, and leveraging your community network, you can enhance both your career and your education without sacrificing one for the other.

1 Prioritize Time

Time management is crucial when balancing continuing education with a job in community organizing. Start by evaluating your weekly schedule and identifying periods that can be dedicated to studying. This might mean waking up an hour earlier or using your lunch breaks effectively. Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals for both work and study. Remember, it's about quality, not just quantity, so focus on being productive rather than busy. Establishing a routine that includes regular study sessions will help you stay on top of your coursework while still fulfilling your job responsibilities.

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Heidy Martinez-Forsythe

I help justice impacted people tell their transformation story so that they can speak change into their community. Are you justice impacted? Would you like to help me change our community? Let's connect!
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Know what your learning style is; kenistetic, visual, auditory or tactical and establish a system that incorporates your learning style so that you can be intentional with your time management. You can wake up early but if your work in that time isn't intentional then the two extra hours can seem like a waste of time.

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2 Set Boundaries

To juggle continuing education with community organizing, setting clear boundaries is essential. Communicate your academic commitments to your colleagues and community members so they understand your availability may change. Don't be afraid to say no to additional responsibilities that conflict with your education goals. It's important to safeguard your study time just as you would protect time for a critical community meeting. By being transparent about your needs, you'll find that most people will respect your boundaries and support your efforts to grow.

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Heidy Martinez-Forsythe

I help justice impacted people tell their transformation story so that they can speak change into their community. Are you justice impacted? Would you like to help me change our community? Let's connect!
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Create boundaries for yourself by calendering family time and even rest time. If it's on the calendar you and those who share your calendar will know what you value. Redirect co-workers to checking your calendar so they know where you stand. It may be challenging but hold yourself to those boundaries because if you break them it will give others permission to do the same.

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3 Integrate Learning

Integrating your continuing education into your community organizing can create synergies between both activities. Look for ways that your coursework can inform your organizing strategies or how your organizing experiences can enrich your academic projects. This might mean choosing research topics relevant to your community work or applying new theories and methods directly to your organizing efforts. This approach not only makes your learning more practical but also deepens your contribution to the community.

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Bojing F.

Goal-Oriented | Problem Solver | Opportunity Hunter
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It's equally important to apply and integrate what you've learned into your actions as it is to gain that knowledge in the first place.

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4 Leverage Networks

Your network within the community can be a valuable resource when balancing studies with organizing work. Reach out to peers for support—perhaps someone can cover a meeting for you or share notes from a class you had to miss. Don't underestimate the power of study groups, either within your educational program or with fellow organizers who are also pursuing further education. Sharing insights and resources can help lighten the load and provide moral support during challenging times.

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5 Embrace Flexibility

Flexibility is key when you're managing a job and continuing education. Be prepared to adjust your study plan as community organizing demands fluctuate. Sometimes, unexpected events or crises will require your immediate attention, pushing academics to the back burner temporarily. When this happens, don't get discouraged. Adapt your schedule as needed and be ready to make up for lost study time when things settle down. Remaining adaptable will help you stay committed to both your job and your education.

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6 Self-Care Matters

Finally, remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity when you're juggling multiple responsibilities. It's easy to burn out when you're attending classes, completing assignments, and organizing in the community. Make sure to schedule time for rest and relaxation. Whether it's a quick walk, meditation, or a hobby you enjoy, taking care of yourself will ensure you have the energy and mental clarity needed for both your job and your studies.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can juggle continuing education and your community organizing job.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prioritize Time

2 Set Boundaries

3 Integrate Learning

4 Leverage Networks

5 Embrace Flexibility

6 Self-Care Matters

7 Here’s what else to consider

Community Organizing

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Here's how you can juggle continuing education and your community organizing job.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prioritize Time

2 Set Boundaries

3 Integrate Learning

4 Leverage Networks

5 Embrace Flexibility

6 Self-Care Matters

7 Here’s what else to consider

Community Organizing

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