Leadership in Community Organing

There are some fundamental qualities a leader may require in community organizing. According to Joan Minieri and Paul Gestos, these qualities are:

1. Deliver: If a leader promises to do something, he does it.
2. Have a following (or want to build one): Leaders know other people in the community who share theirs concerns. Leaders identify other people who can be brought into the project.
3. Are accountable: Others in the organization or community care about what a leader is saying or doing on their behalf. Leaders check in with the people they represent.
4. Listen: Leaders have their ear to the ground and take the time to ask people what they need and what they think.
5. Motivate others: Leaders bring out the best in other people.
6. Get respect and give respect: Other people listen to leaders and experience them as trusted colleagues.
7. Rise the occasion: In a crisis, others can count on leaders to respond.
8. Are angry: Leaders are comfortable expressing their dissatisfaction with oppressive people and institutions and are ready to direct their anger at doing something productive.
9. Are hopeful: Leaders believe that change is possible and that they have a role in creating their own future.
10. Understand self-interest: leaders know what’s important to them and what they want to get from building the organization.
11. Want to build collective power: Leaders know that building collective power is the way to create long-term solutions to social problems.
12. Have a sense of humor: Leaders understand that humor sustains communities and individuals and prevents bitterness and burnout.