RECAP: Routine Reset for Social Impact Practitioners

In light of the new realities we are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us find ourselves needing a space for reflection and re-centering. With that in mind, on Thursday, April 9th, CSIS hosted a routine reset virtual gathering to provide an opportunity for social impact practitioners to begin the process of crafting a positive routine that takes into account the current context. 

We were joined by CSIS alumni, students from the School of Social Policy and Practice, and other impact leaders. Participants came to the call seeking connection, balance, and support. Many expressed a desire to work with other social innovators and changemakers to establish a sense of how to move forward. 

The event began with a self check-in. Everyone was asked to consider how they were doing in the present moment by answering some guiding questions, including “Who and what are you grateful for right now?” and “What weather are you feeling like right now?” After some individual reflection, the participants were split up into small groups to identify commonalities in their feelings, intentions, and gratitude. This was also a time to catch up with familiar faces and to establish new connections. 

The main activity was the Wellness Audit. Inspired by the Wheel of Wellness, a tool used regularly by CSIS, the Wellness Audit is designed to help the participant evaluate various dimensions of their health, and identify which dimensions they may want to improve. Participants created a visual of these wellness dimensions as pieces of a wheel. 

The wheel segments wellness into eight parts, including physical wellness, intellectual inquiry, and environmental connection. The participants were asked to score how satisfied they had felt about each area in the past 2 to 4 weeks of their lives. A list of guiding questions was used to promote comprehensive and holistic reflection. Each ring of the wheel received its own score; the closer to the center, the lower the score. 

Once every segment of the wheel was marked with a score, the participants were able to begin turning reflection into action. Everyone was asked to rank their three lowest wellness categories and select one to improve upon. How might that area be improved by just 1%? In small groups, participants were able to work collaboratively to develop answers to that question. 

The gathering concluded with a discussion of the resources available for individuals and social impact organizations, with everyone sharing opportunities they were aware of. One of the key takeaways for all participants was to know that they have the support of this community during this period of adjustment, both in their personal and professional lives. As one participant shared, “this community gives me new life every single time.”

Interested in trying out the Wellness Audit? Check out the slides and a recording of the session.