Emergent Leadership

A position or a title does not necessarily define leadership; sometimes, leadership emerges when everyday people identify a problem and inspire others to work with them towards a solution. Through our experience in Tijuana with Border Angels and other non-profits, we met ordinary people doing extraordinary works of service by dedicating their time and efforts to provide aid and assistance to otherwise strangers. We were inspired and, at times, in awe as we met mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters who have chosen to dedicate their time and resources to serve as volunteers, coordinators and even co-founders of fundraising groups with the primary goal of offering assistance and aid to individuals who were living in several of the migrant camps in Tijuana.

Meeting these people and learning their stories inspired us to think about how these devoted citizens were moved to become involved. What motivated these people when media sources are polarizing citizens around the situation at the border? Although these students and volunteers may not hold the formal title of “Founder” “CEO” or “President”, the leadership contributions of these everyday volunteers facilitates a lasting impact for these programs. These so-called volunteers are perceived to be followers, but are actually emerging leaders motivating others to get involved and inspire others to take action and ask “what am I doing and how am I contributing”? Without these emerging leaders, change would be nonexistent. These emergent leaders are essential to starting a movement, fostering leadership, and creating change at the border. We hope that sharing their story will empower others to be emergent leaders.