Given that community leadership involves inviting people to believe in our vision, I propose Fifteen Principles of Community Leadership (following posts 5.3.3.2 to 5.3.3.6 inclusive) when supporting families in our Focus Group and protecting vulnerable people within them – including children. To make the Sub-Chapter easier to read I have divided up the fifteen principles into 5 posts of 3 principles each.
These are brief descriptions of the principles – loads could be written about each one. But to have knowledge of them, and be aware of how we respond in our organisations so we can include them is at least a good start. And it might be a good exercise, as you read the principles, to think about leaders you had or have, or organisations that you have been, or are involved in to check on the presence of the principles. If they have been present, or are, what encouraged or is encouraging them, and if not, can you think of a reason why not?
Remember; as you read – we want to invite practitioners in the Pillars to believe too! (To this end, there is a separate Chapter on this entitled Getting The Pillars To Believe).
Based on my experience, I propose that if we community leaders adhere to these principles, as best we can, we will by our very actions be invitational.
The invitational bit is very important to me, personally, because even though it may take longer to garner believers, they will tend to be loyal and true to the principles.
It also models the voluntary type of engagement that we are encouraging in families.