Leadership is for Service!

It is truly heart-breaking to see the impact of corrupt leadership on our world currently. It seems that many in leadership are driving with selfish motives rather than motives that seek to serve the good of all who elected them or all for whom they were appointed. Leadership is one of the most sacred of appointments as it is concerned with guiding people and processes to a productive end. Leadership involves a journeying collaboratively so that the ideas of all and values of all are given due consideration.

Dictatorship and autocracy stand with too much power in today's world, even in places seemingly democratic. In some situations, the leaders have a driving cohort of unseen individuals behind them with agendas that are not declared and not of the people who depend on them. In other situations, it is a matter of one individual making all the serious decisions and then either driving all ahead of them to make the decisions real or proceeding in solo runs with no regard for those who should be in co-leadership, at some level.

Children in our schools, learn about leadership and take leadership roles from Junior Infants upwards. They are elected or appointed onto Student/Pupil Councils, Green Schools Committee, Sports and Activity Committees .... They learn to lead as part of active teams where every voice matter's, no matter how small or young. They learn to put the good of the school and the school community to the fore in their deliberations and actions, always functioning as part of a team. They make a difference and bring everyone with them so that the end result is owned and celebrated by everyone. Enthusiasm and shared interest usually drive’s a positive energy and generous time giving and talent sharing.

It is very important that we involve children and young people in discussions in our local communities also so that their voice may be heard and make an impact. It is even more important that we do so in order to involve and grow their leadership into life in family and community. The leaders of tomorrow in our country and perhaps even beyond are in our families and schools now! May they grow to be leaders who are just, fair, community serving and appropriately progressive. May all grow to participate in teamwork to learn the value of each voice and person. Let us nurture leadership among our young so that will be counter corrupt and service focused!

Cathy Burke
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes