Hey Heather,
I really enjoyed your response and think you are spot on with wanting to be a leader in your own community before attempting the same in a disconnected community. I think this insight speaks to the power of community as you hint at – engaging with the people around you strengthens your understanding of an area, it’s people, and ultimately it’s culture (and the complex problems it’s unique culture holds). I think, maybe less explicitly, engaging in one’s own community teaches an individual how to engage others which is an important step when attempting to lead in an unfamiliar environment.
Best, Tanner
