Sustaining passion: The experience of being an environmentalist in a small nonprofit organization

The nonprofit sector represents work which can “make a difference.” This arena of work, however, is characterized by limited resources and unlimited need, an environment of long hours, low pay, lack of security, and constantly being the underdog—conditions which easily lead to burnout. Little is understood about how to help those working in the nonprofit sector continue to sustain their passion.; The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a deeper understanding of how commitment to one's passions are maintained. Specific focus was placed on environmental professionals working in the nonprofit sector. The overall research questions were: What is the experience of strongly committed environmental activists working in small nonprofit organizations? What happens over time to the commitment and passion these individuals bring to their work? What role does learning play in maintaining long term commitment and passion? A process of narrative inquiry interviews provided in-depth information about the experience of work from the vantage point of the individual being studied. Participants included nine individuals working in small nonprofit organizations for at least ten years. Each participant was nominated as being exemplar in her or his work and passion.; The findings show that commitment for environmental nonprofit work is supported and sustained through a deep longing to improve the world, the continual fostering of connections to humanity and to the earth, and an openness for continual learning about the self. The research participants' strong belief systems and systemic ways of thinking drive their work and fuel a continual evolution of their understanding of who they are within their work and within the world. Three main conclusions were drawn: (1) The ability of environmental activists to sustain commitment to their passions arises from their ability to experience work as vocation. (2) Through vocation, environmental activists experience learning as a way of being. (3) By deeply engaging both conscious learning and unconscious knowing the activists continually renew and strengthen their sense of vocation. This process is a part of their learning to be who they are called to be.; This study has enhanced the understanding of the relationship between learning and passion with practical and theoretical applications for adult learning, higher education, and nonprofit management. Many questions have also been sparked, suggesting many diverse areas for further research. Such information is valuable to researchers, educators, fenders, and practitioners alike in the quest to enhance the efforts of people dedicating their lives to work for the common good.