In this conversation, Jennifer McDowell and Wesley Jamison explore the intersection of leadership, youth development, and health and wellness. Wesley shares his journey from being a young fitness enthusiast to leading MissionFit, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering youth through health and wellness programs. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for young people, the role of failure in the learning process, and the significance of active listening in leadership. Wesley emphasizes the importance of morning routines and self-care for effective leadership, as well as the need to build identity and brand in youth development. The conversation also touches on the balance between achieving results and fostering leadership development, crafting impactful stories for fundraising, and the essence of the common good in allowing individuals to express their authentic selves.

In this powerful conversation, Abby Baldwin and Jennifer McDowell share their experiences as AmeriCorps Vistas and community organizers in Baltimore, exploring what it truly means to create lasting change from the ground up.

The Art of Community Listening: Abby and Jennifer discuss how genuine community engagement begins with vulnerability and deep listening to understand what communities truly need, rather than imposing outside solutions.

Storytelling as Social Change: How personal narratives and shared experiences become powerful tools for building connections and fostering understanding across diverse communities.

Lessons from Baltimore: Real stories from their organizing work, including both the challenges of professional organizing and the victories that come from persistent, purpose-driven effort.

Cultural Celebrations Matter: The significance of honoring cultural traditions and community celebrations as essential elements of building stronger, more connected neighborhoods.

Legacy and the Common Good: Reflecting on those who paved the way before them and how their work contributes to a larger vision of collective progress and social justice.

The Power of Persistence: Why curiosity, vulnerability, and commitment to the common good are essential qualities for anyone working to create positive change in their community.

This episode offers an honest, inspiring look at community organizing through the eyes of two practitioners who understand that meaningful change happens through authentic relationships and shared commitment to something greater than ourselves. Whether you're involved in community work or simply interested in how positive change occurs, Abby and Jennifer's insights will leave you thinking about your role in building stronger communities.

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In this episode of Leadership for the Common Good, leadership strategist and renowned organizer Arnie Graf joins Jennifer McDowell for a powerful conversation on how we identify, nurture, and sustain leadership within our communities.

Drawing from decades of experience, Arnie shares lessons from mentoring emerging leaders, organizing for social change, and navigating complex political environments—including how to strategically organize against figures like Donald Trump. Together, they explore the distinction between problems and issues, the power of relationship-based organizing, and the importance of reflection and self-care in sustaining the work.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, community organizer, or leadership coach, this episode offers grounded strategies to help you grow and support the next generation of values-driven leadership.

Visit Common Good Coaching to learn more and stay connected: https://www.commongoodcoaching.com

Keywords: leadership development, community organizing, political strategy, self-care, hidden leaders, mentorship, Trump resistance, grassroots leadership, organizing tools, nonprofit leadership