Introduction
Welcome to the second issue of OnlyUp! This time around we've taken a different approach to our journal. We've taken into consideration the requests of readers for more tangible professional development strategies, more exploration of personal experiences in the sector, and more thought provoking posts on the challenges facing young nonprofit employees to put together an issue that shares a variety of approaches to a complex and important issue: leadership.
Millennials are often referred to as the "next generation of leaders." But what does that mean? How do we define or should we define leadership? How should we identify and develop leaders and leadership? Is leadership limited to a title, an office, or is it in one's attitude and accomplishments? What challenges do we face in becoming leaders and embracing a wide range of leadership as we fight for social justice? The topic is open and flexible to encourage a diverse range of voices and approaches.
In this issue, Amy Potthast shares seven key skills young nonprofit professionals should develop while Nikita Mitchell tackles why millennials need to embrace failure in order to grow as leaders. Danielle Stollak shares the struggle to reconcile a desire to change the world with the challenge of being unemployed, and Dyresha Harris explores why young people must move away from leadership that emphasizes individual ambition over community building in order to truly achieve social equality. With funding to service oriented programs like Americorps pending drastic cuts, Elizabeth Campbell writes a timely article on how volunteering has helped her (and many others) practice leadership.
While we strive to explore leadership from various points of view, the picture is inherently incomplete as we've only published five writers. To that end, we welcome and need your input: write your thoughts or ideas in the comments; share the articles with your peers or coworkers; or write for us.
