Recognize the work
Employee resource group leaders often organize activities, support peers, and advise the organization alongside their primary roles. Discuss how this work fits into working time and how contributions will be recognized. Do not rely on goodwill as a permanent operating model.
Make sponsorship concrete
Agree what a sponsor will actually do: remove a budget barrier, connect a proposal to a decision-maker, or help secure accessible meeting space. Schedule check-ins around these responsibilities rather than visibility alone.
Plan for continuity
Share knowledge, document recurring tasks, and create a realistic route for new leaders to step in. A sustainable group should not depend on one person being continually available. Ask members what they value before adding more events.