You are right, Shooting Star, in the cycling advocacy world, it is mostly men. Not so, in the worlds where I was volunteering. I must say, though, the only volunteer gig I have truly enjoyed is my bike leading/teaching with AMC. I am doing what I'd be doing anyways, and there was no learing curve in terms of the part in dealing with people. However, after a couple of years on the bike committee, I did step down. Too much work for someone with a full time job. Now that I am working less, I do occasionally go to meetings, when i know they are discussing an issue I have been involved with. They have asked me to rejoin the committee, but, I always say no. I am happy to lead rides and teach at the bike workshop, but that's it. I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about your partner's tolerance for endless committee meetings. I have no tolerance for that! I spent too many hours listening to arguing about whether it would be tuna or egg salad served at functions. Also, as an educator, I spent 32 years in endless, mind numbing committee meetings, staff meetings, etc. when it could have been done by memo or email. I also intensely dislike asking people for money. I just can't do it, no matter how much I believe in a cause.
My current job takes a lot of emotional strength, and part of my self care is being selfish with how I spend my time. That means taking lots of time for fitness/cycling, being with my DH and friends, and just overall not doing anything else that's a drain on my energy, like sitting in endless meetings. Laura *should* proceed thoughtfully, but burnout is pretty common in volunteer organizations for all the reasons that have been discussed here. I am not perfect, and at this point in my life, I have stopped doing things and seeing people that don't make me happy!