As summer arrives, we notice the burnout conversation slowing. Our assumption is that this is a reflection of people taking time to rest, disconnect, and recover. We’re following the trend: this will be our last Bi-Weekly Wellbeing Brief until September 2026—a small reminder that rest is part of the work. At Do Good Leadership Collective, we believe wellbeing isn't just something we research, but also something we model and embody. We’ll see you in the Fall. In the meantime:

Across countries, subsectors, and identities, leaders are increasingly describing burnout not as an occasional consequence of difficult seasons, but as the expected backdrop of social impact work. The work of reported wellbeing innovations have slowed this season, although there are still efforts of people gathering, organizing, educating, and imagining healthier ways forward.

Welcome, June! We know many of us are gearing up for this month's celebrations: Pride, Juneteenth, and the official first day of summer. These celebrations are much needed and warranted, as our social impact and nonprofit communities continue to navigate burnout that is becoming more widespread and consequential.

Heads up: this brief is longer than usual. We think that says something about the state of our sector. Over the last two weeks, our inboxes have circulated around the central theme of burnout. This is likely in part due to the Center for Effective Philanthropy reinforcing—for the fourth year in a row—that burnout is one of the sector’s most pressing challenges.

As today’s Bi-Weekly Wellbeing Brief falls on May 4th, it feels fitting to borrow the phrase that has offered many generations the courage and protection needed to fight for something bigger than ourselves.

And for nonprofit leaders, organizers, funders, and changemakers, that sentiment feels especially relevant right now as we continue to navigate burnout. For those that continue to carry the heaviest burdens and whose labor is made invisible–we continue to produce these briefs for you. May the 4th be with you!

Conversations about burnout continue to circulate–and we’re moving beyond simply naming the problem and into a more nuanced understanding of why burnout is happening and who is most impacted. Across this edition’s articles and findings, there is a growing recognition that burnout is directly connected to systems, inequities, and leadership practices.