Community Leadership

In May 2004 I went on a service trip to Reynosa, Mexico with 15 dedicated students.  We embarked on the journey with senses heightened not knowing quite what to expect.  For those that have traveled the sights and sounds that we encountered are not foreign.   Small cinder block houses serve as homes.  By US standards a 400 square foot house would be much too small but our task was to build such a house alongside and with guidance from community members.  Our friends were so very kind to us, welcoming us with sincere smiles and a genuine interest in getting to know us.  We laughed a lot on the work site and around the dining table.  We also told stories of family and faith and struggle and triumph.  For our Mexican friends their lives are filled with much similarity over the really big questions in life- faith and family, health and the hope for a better life for our kids.  But the risk of the failure is much greater.  Amidst the laughter and joy we listened and learned about struggle, real struggle, not our kind of struggle.  Ramon was only 24 years old and desperately wanted to make a life in the US, but could not.  He seemed defeated often, knowing full well he could make it in the US if given a shot.

I came to conclude that week that every really strong community has a hero or a heroin, a champion of a cause.  Someone that people look to, especially in tough times.  I met Lupita on the work site when she called down to me to pass her a bucket of cement.  She was balancing on the corner of two cement walls about 15 feet off the ground.  Lupita needed me to throw her cement buckets to get the bucket line started for the foundation of the walls.  I was immediately impressed with her physical prowess.  She was stronger than any of us W&M folks.  I later learned that she is stronger than most and in many ways.  Lupita brings hope to her community with her relentless energy and hope.

She carries her community when they need it.  She is at her best when others are down.  We became close friends and I have visited twice since.  I know her better now.  She is a leader in a tough place to lead.  She is kind and hopeful.  She is determined and she has a vision for her community.

I once told her about how we talk a lot about leadership at W&M.  She was intrigued and pleased.  Her suggestion was that we DO something about it.  She told me that she learns most and best when she practices.  I promise Lupita that I will carry her message with me.  We must practice leading.

I keep this photo of Lupita in my office as a daily reminder of the importance of community leadership.   I think we need that more now than ever.