Across Aotearoa, elected members on local boards and councils are putting themselves forward to serve their communities.
Not for fame, not for fortune, but because they care deeply. They do it for their values, for their neighbours, for the places they call home.
But something is going wrong.
These good people are being unfairly criticised, abused, and in some cases, assaulted.
The result? Communities are losing their most compassionate, values-driven representatives.
Let’s be clear - it’s not the representatives who need to change. It’s the behaviour of those causing harm.
At WARN International we’ve begun running workshops for elected members to support them in their roles.
Our first workshop helps them reconnect with the deeper reasons they chose to serve – their values, their purpose, their hope to make a difference.
The second workshop equips them to manage the unwanted behaviour of others. And for those who need more, we offer one-on-one coaching.
We would prefer not to have to run the second workshop nor the one-to-one coaching.
Every single person we’ve worked with has a huge heart. They care. And, we are losing them because of the callous unthinking behaviour of others.
If you want to support those who support you, please communicate with kindness. Understand that they are doing their best, often under immense pressure, and for very little financial reward.
Yes, a small minority of elected members may be driven by ideology rather than community needs. Yet the vast majority are there for the right reasons.
Words can hurt. Abuse can destroy. Physical violence is unacceptable and those responsible will be held to account.
Let’s talk!
Elected Members of our Community need our Support.