The Fifth & Final Role of Latino Leadership

(CONTINUED FROM Millennium Mentors)

A Compass of Spiritual Direction

Children in every generation live in changing times. The educational, political, economic and social landscape never remains idle, but is constantly changing and sometimes at a pace not even adults handle well, let alone were prepared for. One metaphor I like using to express the importance of preparing our children for a changing future is the difference between a map and a compass because the geography can quickly change both suddenly, and over time due to any number of factors. Thus, a map, over time, becomes obsolete and its usefulness lessens with the passage of time. Imagine sending your son or daughter off on a trip across the country with the maps used by early pioneers in times past who chartered new courses for those that would follow the journey into new frontiers. Though at one time these early maps would have been useful, changes in the landscape have rendered the maps obsolete and they are no longer accurate to give our sons and daughters the needed direction in unfamiliar territory.

The point is, just as we know that the landscape will change over time, so it is with society, politics, economics, education and so forth. Over time, issues of morality, relativity, social mores and norms are called into question in ways we never thought of. The problems and answers of the past and today are always being challenged by new discoveries, new information and changing public opinion. What was unacceptable public policy or practice in the past, is the norm of political correctness today. Yet, as we know, today’s political correctness, does not mean they are morally correct, equitable or beneficial to all members of society. This is one reason why I believe that the intentional engagement of spiritual leadership from the religious community in civic affairs is so important. Spiritual leadership can help clarify tough issues, bring solid moral principles and sound direction to help guide our civic life in governing ourselves with universal principles such as the golden rule of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The Latino Coalition believes that faith-based civic engagement is vital to a healthy community and encourages more dialogue about the need for more partnerships between Church and State, where it makes sense, and still allows maintenance of respect for necessary separation.

As minorities now in the majority, we cannot make the mistake of discriminating, marginalizing and isolating those whose ancestors may have done these things to our past and present communities. That is NOT our future. It is not wise, it is not right, it is not just. As we come off the margins and into the mainstream, we must learn from the mistakes of others and show the right way, the best way, the good way, and the only way to go “true north”. Thus, what is needed from leaders of today passing on the torch of leadership for tomorrow is that moral and spiritual compass that can continue to guide “true north”, regardless of the changing environment socially or politically. This “compass” is the faith and spirituality that we learn in our respective houses of worship, and that resides within the heart, mind and spirit of us all as fellow human beings of the same human race. In our houses of worship we find the common truths that keep us as a sound and good society because we all, at our human essence and core, value the same things; justice, equality, honesty, fairness, integrity, respect, truth and freedom. Although we instinctively carry that spiritual compass inside of us, we need leaders that model how to use it and show us the right path to take in difficult and fast changing times. The place to start cultivating our spiritual and prophetic compass is in our own hearts and minds, beginning by disciplined thoughts we have about ourselves. Our future leadership must be from this kind of “inside-out” approach, where we begin to re-construct the main down fall of so many Latino’s, which has been our self defeating self perception. We can no longer use a map that guides us with a system that deals with social problems from the old institutions of the “outside-in” approach of secular social programs only. Latino leaders with their eye on the future must realize that institutions, communities and individuals change for the better from the inside out and respectfully acknowledge that religious discipline plays a vital role in facilitating that process.

The Fourth Effective Role of Latino Leadership: Part 4 of 5

(CONTINUED FROM A Pioneer of New Thinking)

Millennial Mentors

The purpose of coaching is not only to possess knowledge of the game, but also to be skilled in teaching techniques that will raise the competitive level of their players. If you ever wondered what makes the difference between consistently good teams and consistently losing teams, it is coaching. Talent is important, and so is knowledge of the game, but every College and Professional team is full of talent and knowledge. Why then do some teams always rise to the top? In my view, it is because of coaching techniques that lead players to new levels of peak potential in performance and the pathways of continued success.

Latino Leaders need good coaching and mentoring to not only get to the top, but to stay there, year after year after year. We can be adequate by ourselves and probably even good, but good is always the enemy of best, and if we want to achieve our best or greatness we need great coaching/mentoring relationships. I suggest, the best place for this mentor/coach relationship to take place is in the home as parents can serve this role better than anyone else. Entertainers have fans from afar, but mentors have fruit up close and personal. However, as is often the case, many parents lacked good role models as children, and have had their own children lacking the knowledge, skills, training and understanding required to be the kind of mentor/coach their children need. But, the good news is that good parenting skills can be learned.

The Latino Coalition strongly advocates and supports more initiatives that strengthen families through the offering of parenting classes, especially for the Spanish speaking, which will help them cope with the culture clash they face in raising their kids in the American “hip-hop” culture.

In addition to parents, teachers are in the next best position to fulfill the role of mentor/coach that can help our children succeed to their full potential. Not only do we need more teachers, but better equipped teachers able to deal with the many challenges classrooms have on today’s school campuses. When one considers that children in America spend six hours a day, five days a week, nine months a year for twelve years in the classroom and on the school campus, we can appreciate the role and tremendous influence a teacher can have on the future of our children. Thus, as parents, teachers and community leaders, our children need us to become better than “good enough” and to consistently grow ourselves, reinvent ourselves and continually be students in learning new and better techniques that will lead us, and them, to higher and more excellent pathways, not only for personal success, but more importantly for personal significance!