Service and Leadership
Though leadership may not be
the first word that comes to mind when one ponders the benefits of service, the
two do go hand in hand. Service not only builds, but requires, leadership
skills. According to the business dictionary leadership involves:
1. Establishing a clear vision
2. Sharing that vision with others so that they will follow
willingly
3. Providing the information, knowledge, and methods to
realize that vision
4. Coordinating and balancing the conflicting interests of
all members and stakeholders
Effective service necessitates
all these aspects of leadership to adequately serve a particular group. First,
a vision is needed. A group to serve must be chosen; a purpose must be formed.
Without a clear vision, a service organization will be futile, lacking clear
direction. In TEAM our goal is to help youth not only graduate high school but
prepare for college and life after graduation. Furthermore, TEAM allows the
youth to take part in many service opportunities around Cache Valley. Some of
these projects include Relay for Life, helping with the after-school program at
Wilson Elementary, Loaves and Fishes, safe driving rallies, and many more.
Second, sharing the vision with
others proves a necessity. Service requires leadership as one must recruit
others to join their cause. The influence of one person is certainly felt to a
degree, but the influence of many willing hands can have monumental effects. One
of the most crucial elements of successful service organizations is their
ability to recruit members and volunteers. TEAM, with only one mentor, would
prove an ineffective program. We need mentors and youth to lead by recruiting
more mentors and more high school students to join, thus keeping the program
running year after year for the benefit of all.
Third, a plan to accomplish the
vision must be created. This generally occurs early on in the creation of an
organization such as TEAM, but must also occur throughout for different events
and activities. Our site coordinators formulate the weekly and monthly plans
and let everyone know what is expected of them. The youth also have
opportunities to lead as they become heads of certain service projects
themselves.
Finally, the interests of all members of the
organization must be coordinated. The program director and site coordinators
make sure that the mentors and youth alike know what is expected of them via
email or face-to-face communication. Leadership comes in as each individual is
responsible for a certain aspect of the program- from bringing materials, to planning
an activity, to simply showing up at a certain place at a certain time.
Overall, successful service
requires leadership on the part of all the individuals involved. As they formulate
a goal, recruit others, work toward the vision, and maintain personal
responsibilities leadership qualities are utilized and strengthened.
Youth organize food donated into backpacks to give to needy
families.
Blogpost written by Mollie O'Donnell
