Having leadership and being a leader means taking charge and guiding others towards a common goal or vision. It is about possessing the ability to inspire and motivate others, and to make decisions that benefit the overall welfare of a group or organization. Leadership involves setting a positive example by leading with integrity, authenticity, and empathy, while also promoting collaboration and creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed. To me, leadership is not just about holding a position of authority, but it is also about fostering an environment of trust, respect, and support.
The five leadership organizations that interest me are:
1. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights:
- Mission/Purpose: The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition of more than 220 national organizations working to promote equal rights, justice, and opportunities for all. It was founded in 1950 by A. Philip Randolph and Arnold Aronson.
- Promotion of Leadership: The organization promotes leadership by advocating for policies and legislation that protect civil and human rights, organizing leadership development programs and trainings, and supporting grassroots community efforts.
- Impact: The Leadership Conference has been instrumental in shaping civil rights laws and policies that have positively impacted marginalized communities, ensuring equality and justice for all. Their advocacy work has led to significant social change.
2. Leadership for a Better World:
- Mission/Purpose: Leadership for a Better World is an organization that aims to develop ethical and transformative leadership skills in individuals to create positive social change. It was founded by Susan R. Komives and Wendy Wagner in 1996.
- Promotion of Leadership: The organization promotes leadership by providing resources and tools for individuals to enhance their leadership abilities, offering training workshops and programs on social justice leadership, and emphasizing the importance of values-based leadership.
- Impact: Leadership for a Better World has impacted individuals and communities by empowering leaders who are committed to addressing social issues and making a difference in the world. Their programs have inspired countless individuals to become active agents of change.
3. The Center for Creative Leadership:
- Mission/Purpose: The Center for Creative Leadership is a global nonprofit organization that aims to develop leadership capabilities in individuals and organizations. It was founded by H. Smith Richardson in 1970.
- Promotion of Leadership: The organization promotes leadership by offering executive education programs, conducting research on leadership development, and providing coaching and consulting services to individuals and organizations.
- Impact: The Center for Creative Leadership has had a significant impact on leadership development by working with thousands of leaders and organizations worldwide. Their research and programs have contributed to a deeper understanding of effective leadership practices.
4. Girl Scouts of the USA:
- Mission/Purpose: The Girl Scouts of the USA is an organization that aims to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912.
- Promotion of Leadership: The organization promotes leadership by providing girls with opportunities to develop leadership skills through their various programs, activities, and badges. They focus on empowering girls to take on leadership roles and make a positive impact in their communities.
- Impact: The Girl Scouts of the USA has a significant impact on girls' leadership development by instilling confidence, fostering teamwork, and providing a supportive environment for girls to grow and thrive. Many successful women leaders credit their experiences in Girl Scouts as the foundation for their leadership journey.
5. Young Women's Leadership Network:
- Mission/Purpose: The Young Women's Leadership Network is a network of all-girls public schools and programs that promote academic excellence and leadership development. It was founded by Ann Rubenstein Tisch in 1996.
- Promotion of Leadership: The organization promotes leadership by providing a rigorous academic curriculum, mentoring programs, leadership development workshops, and college preparation support to young women from underserved communities.
- Impact: The Young Women's Leadership Network has a significant impact on the lives of young women from disadvantaged backgrounds by empowering them to become future leaders. Their schools and programs have helped countless girls achieve academic success, gain confidence, and pursue higher education.
After researching these organizations, my perspective on leadership has expanded. I have realized that leadership is not limited to traditional positions of authority, but it can be nurtured and developed in individuals from diverse backgrounds. These organizations emphasize the importance of leadership skills, values, and social responsibility in creating positive change. They promote the idea that leadership is not only about individual success but also about contributing to the betterment of society. Learning about these organizations has reinforced my belief that leadership is a collective effort and that anyone, regardless of their background or status, has the potential to be a leader and make a difference in their community and the world.
First, I want you to write two paragraphs on what having leadership and being a leader means to you?
Next, you are going to research five leadership organizations that interest you.
I wanted you to answer the following questions.
1. What is their mission or purpose and who founded the organization?
2. How do they promote leadership within their organization and community?
3. What impact do they have in their area?
4. Would you be interested in learning more about this organization.
Lastly, after researching these organizations, answer the following question.
Did learning more about different leadership groups change your perspective on what leadership is? You must stay why?
1 answer