Daily Resource Highlight - 8/09/2021

Posted by on August 09, 2021 at 4:10 PM

Below are the highlights and featured resources of this past week’s Daily* Resource.

August 2, 2021 - Are You a Leader? There Are Many Paths to Leadership

What is a leader? I’m asking honestly, because the more I think about it, the more I think it’s a very ambiguous term. I just found one dictionary definition that says “a person who leads,” which….is very unhelpful. Next you’re going to tell me that a follower is “a person who follows”!

Here’s my just-made-up definition: somebody who inspires action. Working off of that definition, I’m struck by how many Bridge Alliance member organizations want to support all kinds of leaders. The Ministerium, for instance, empowers clergymen throughout Indiana to make an impact beyond their own congregation. As Rev. Hicks discusses in his interview on The Fulcrum, these faith leaders are striving to build a better nation through advocacy and community organizing.

On the other side of the spectrum are whistleblowers. These men and women are, almost by definition, mostly on their own -- after all, they are trying to shine light on people and institutions that are escaping scrutiny and accountability. And yet, I would call them leaders, as they are looking to inspire action and change for the betterment of the country.

The Project on Government Oversight has been working for years to protect these individuals, in part by advocating for more robust protections and support. As part of this work, they are asking supporters to fill out a short survey about your knowledge of whistleblower protections in America. You can access the survey by clicking here.

 

August 4, 2021 - I C U Helping Our Country, Do U?

You know that feeling you get when you meet somebody and it’s clear from the start that they have “it”? That intangible quality where you know they are going to succeed? I got that feeling when I met Gary Sheng of Civics Unplugged (CU).

But for us to succeed, we’re going to need many young leaders like Gary. Fortunately, Gary agrees, which is why he and the CU team established the Civics Unplugged Fellowship. This is a three-month leadership program for Gen Zers that helps participants unlock their personal potential (or their “superpowers” as CU puts it), and then supports them in making a tangible difference.

High school students can apply for the fellowship here. And if you know a high schooler who has tons of potential, you can nominate them for a fellowship here. The deadline is August 31st, but don’t wait! They are accepting students into the program on a rolling basis, and spots fill up fast.

So again, if you know a young man or woman who is eager to make a difference, give them the opportunity to discover their full potential with Gary Sheng and other national leaders (like Andrew Yang, Dwayne Johnson, etc.). It’s an opportunity that can truly change their life.

Featured