Cultivando Nuestro Futuro Leadership Institute: A Community-Based Leadership Development Model in the Southwest

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Disrupting Systems and Structures: Youth and Community Action for Liberation, Resistance, and Transformation

Abstract

Objectives
In spite of demographic changes that are occurring across the US, there is continued inequitable representation of people of color in leadership roles across all sectors in society (Jackson & O’Callaghan, 2009). This inequity is especially felt and seen in what have been designated as majority-minority states where the population of people of color is larger than the white population. This paper introduces how a community-based organization located in the Southwest is responding to this challenge with the creation of a leadership institute focused on taking a proactive step in the development of primarily young emerging leaders of color from historically underserved communities. Traditional and indigenous philosophies are utilized to connect emerging young leaders to the preservation of land and water based traditions. The leadership institute introduces young adults to the importance of understanding the intersections of land, water, policy development, legislation, local decision-making, activism, and community-based research. Informal data collection over the past several years demonstrates the positive impact of a community-based institute on the development of strong, critically conscious young leaders.
Framework
Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Indigenous Philosophies inform the entire scope of this work. CRT takes the position that race is utilized in creating hierarchies and inequities in society. Race and racism are no longer seen as something scholars, academics, and community members need to prove, but, are instead regarded as structural (Bonilla-Silva, 2017). Indigenous Philosophies (Meza-Gutierrez, 1997; Villanueva, 2013) focus on the importance of placing indigenous thought and philosophies at the center of discussions, work, and research.
Methodology
The initial phase of this work is descriptive and based on utilizing what scholars refer to as engaged scholarship (Peterson, 2009). Engaged scholarship can be used as a means of creating a more informed and critical consciousness that is rooted in community-based work.
Data Collection and Analysis
Data collection has consisted of field notes, journal entries, and anonymous surveys since the start of the leadership institute in 2013. Formal data collection has not yet taken place given the complexities and power dynamics involved when formal research is conducted in community spaces. This initial phase focuses primarily on the development of the leadership institute and is descriptive in nature.
Findings
Based on discussions with the leadership institute participants, it is clear that their connection with the institute has significant impact in terms of deepening their understanding regarding the importance of community-based research, understanding the complexities of land and water resources across Southwestern communities, and most importantly, in planting seeds of critical consciousness in the minds and hearts of emerging young leaders of color.
Significance
This paper highlights the important work that is taking place in regards to community-based leadership development of emerging young leaders of color in the Southwest. This work offers insight on how scholars, organizations, and communities can work collaboratively to take active roles in helping to guide young leaders who more deeply understand the intersections of land, water, and traditions.

Author

• Virginia Necochea, University of New Mexico