TEAM

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