Centering Nonprofit Program Leadership in Community
After a transformative few weeks in Rwanda over the summer of ‘24 with a youth empowerment leadership exchange program, I was reminded of the power of stepping out from behind our screens to connect directly with the communities we serve. It was a deeply meaningful experience—immersive, challenging, and inspiring, centered in community and lifted and propelled towards empowerment and joy.
My time in rural Rwanda reinforced the profound impact of community. Youth and young adults, just a generation removed from genocide, participated in workshops, “fun days,” entrepreneural site visits, and other program activities. Their curiosity, joy, and resilience highlighted the importance of in-person engagement—shared activities that foster connection and belonging and support.
Visiting youth-run micro-businesses—raising goats, crafting goods, planting cassava, and many other creative and innovative entrepreneurial ventures—underscored the value of emphasizing and amplifying economic empowerment. These ventures provide not only income but also dignity and purpose and yes, community.
The brilliant young nonprofit staff, many shaped by their experiences during Rwanda’s darkest days, were eager to provide and receive mentorship: share knowledge, offer feedback, and promote self-care as a leadership ethos. True nonprofit organizational and program leadership is reciprocal—a blend of teaching, learning, and empowering others. Some key takeaways:
A reminder that in-person interactions generally foster a stronger sense of community due to the ability to directly connect with others through non-verbal cues, physical presence, and spontaneous interactions, which can be harder to replicate in a virtual space.
Facilitate learning by breaking into smaller groups and encouraging shared reflection.
Build on strengths while delegating other responsibilities to nurture growth.
Create spaces and opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and joy.
Emphasize reciprocal mentorship, coaching, and support
What made this experience exceptional was the intentionality of Rungano Ndota Initiative and Rwanda Youth Partnership , the organizations that produce the leadership exchange program and sustain them beyond visiting delegate activities. Their model—grounded in community visits, micro-loans, and participatory leadership—demonstrates how vision, passion, and commitment can empower entire communities.
The memories linger: joyful dancing and sing-alongs with youth and staff, heartfelt one-on-one conversations, and sharing drinks and reflections with fellow leaders and delegates at sunset. These moments reaffirmed that centering community which brings about a sense belonging and joy and empowerment is as essential to the impact of nonprofit organizations and programs as strategy and resources.
As I left Rwanda, I carried with me not just insights, new friendships, and a grateful heart, but a deeper commitment to embodying community, joy, and empowerment in my own work. Together, we can shape a more just and compassionate and joyful world.