Every person has leadership potential, and service clubs provide a forum for young leaders to unlock theirs. Someone with a desire to lead will decide to step forward when the easier choice might have been to stand still. The service club experience at a young age can help students accept their own identity as a leader, enhance their knowledge of how to be a leader who is others-centered, and develop their ability to move an idea into purposeful action.

What do K-Kids members who have a desire to lead look like? You might notice club members:

• Show an increased willingness to step forward to volunteer.

• Display humility when entrusted with leadership positions.

• Gain energy by solving problems and addressing big issues.

• Steadily increase their involvement.

• Say, “I am a leader”.

How can you support more members in finding their desire to lead? 

• Provide training to elected leaders on not just the technical aspects, but on the soft skills of listening, recognizing and empowering.

• Praise and recognize members who lead with humility and/or display leadership that is others-centered.

• Pay attention and show appreciation to members who contribute more than before.

• Talk about leaders and leadership in terms of something all members have the capacity for, not just officers.

• Make sure the club’s operations and decisions are student led.