ABSTRACT
Resourceful, empowered and effective organisations and communities need strong leadership. This chapter discusses the nature and role of leadership in the community context. We look at how:
Good leadership is essential for effective community development to take place
The nature of the leadership will impact on the nature of the community organisation, and vice versa
The role of the community development worker is to support and help develop community leaders
The nature of community leadership needs to reflect the principles and values of community development
Leaders in community organisations have an essential role in focusing the work of the organisation, setting an example of good practice, supporting group members and promoting leadership potential in others
An essential role of community development workers is to identify and nurture existing leadership and develop new leaders.
