Community leader is a designation, often by secondary sources (particularly in the

media Media may refer to: Communication * Media (communication), tools used to deliver information or data ** Advertising media, various media, content, buying and placement for advertising ** Broadcast media, communications delivered over mass el ...

), for a person widely perceived to represent a community. A simple way to understand community leadership is to see it as leadership in, for and by the community. Community ‘is frequently based in place and so is local, although it can also represent a community of common interest, purpose or practice’.Anderson L., O'Loughlin P. & Salt A. (2001). ''Community leadership programs in New South Wales'', UTS Shopfront, for the Strengthening Communities Unit, NSW Premier’s Department, Australia December 2001 Community leaders are not necessarily elected to their positions, and usually have no legal powers, but they are often used by the media and the

police The police are a constituted body of persons empowered by a state, with the aim to enforce the law, to ensure the safety, health and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder. Their lawful powers include arrest and t ...

as a way of determining the general feeling within a particular community, or acting as a point of liaison between that community and authorities.

Building healthy communities

Community leadership together with knowledge and skills, volunteering, networks and partnerships have been identified as among the five key indicators for stronger communities and civil society Gauntlett E, Hugman R, Kenyon P & Logan P (2000), ''A meta-analysis of community-based prevention and early intervention action'', Policy Research Paper 11
, Department of Family and Community Services, Western Australia March 2000 Effective community leadership is increasingly recognised in

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...

as elsewhere, as an important contributor to local social development. The leadership approach is based on a premise that individual development enhances community capacity. This is accomplished through training that equips people with the tools and understanding of the decision making process and allows their views to be expressed and incorporated into future development and planning. The acquisition of new skills also enhances effectiveness in addressing issues affecting their communities. It should also strengthen the community's capacity to identify opportunities and address crises in innovative ways.

References

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External links

'Leadership Theory: Definitions of Community Leadership

What is a community leader? Are you one?

The Center for Community Leadership
Community building