RETHINKING DEVELOPMENT
Local Pathways to Global Wellbeing
St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
June 20 to June 24, 2005
"One Plank at a Time": Volunteer Harbour Management in Nova Scotia
Harbour management groups expressed their willingness to support each other and recognized the value and importance of each individual harbour to its respective community and the coastal region as a whole.
In recent years, as a result of government cutbacks, the management and maintenance of wharves and harbours in Nova Scotia has become the responsibility of volunteers. Although some wharves are functioning well, many volunteers are struggling to keep their wharf, a piece of infrastructure that plays an integral role in the social and economic health of their communities. The power of volunteers cannot be underestimated, however, no one can be expected to carry out the task of maintaining a wharf and harbour without the proper training and support.
This study has two objectives: 1) to develop a better understanding of what factors contribute to burnout in volunteers who manage wharfs; and 2) to determine if networking between harbour management groups can help solve the systemic problem of volunteer burnout. These objectives are met through quantitative and qualitative research including interviews, training sessions, meetings and surveys.
This study found that burnout often results from an accumulation of frustrating experiences such as trying to find information critical to reach the groupÕs goals. Often this frustration was a result of the government not being clear about their role at the wharves. The study also found that networking was an effective way for people to get the information they needed and share innovative ideas. Harbour management groups expressed their willingness to support each other and recognized the value and importance of each individual harbour to its respective community and the coastal region as a whole. Realizing that there is wider support for a community wharf helped reverse feeling of insecurity and created new hope for wharf sustainability.
Coastal Communities Network
www.coastalcommunities.ns.ca
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