A Leader's Contagious Sense of Service

Feb. 22, 2007
By Liz Dow
President, Leadership Philadelphia Inc.

It is the year 2015, The king of England has returned to visit his old friend - now mayor - Jane Golden. (At one time, she was the head of the Mural Arts Project.) He's here to learn what she and her fellow leaders have done to create the epidemic of service growing among the region's citizens.

In the wake of a series of indictments, a new wave of accountability has overtaken the politicians and voters, making Golden the natural choice to bring out the best in the city. Her ability to bring together a diverse coalition of leaders from business, the neighborhoods, government, the nonprofits, and academe has enabled the region to tackle long-standing problems in more productive ways. Her drive to achieve results while inspiring hope has mobilized other leaders in such a way that her team has been dubbed the "Camelot coalition."

The region's chambers of commerce have done an outstanding job of engaging, informing, and mobilizing local executives to serve as economic-development ambassadors. Their voice is heard in City Hall, ushering in a new era of productive public/private partnership. The faith community has coalesced to mobilize people to play a stronger role in helping neighbors, particularly the elders and the children.

A generation of new leaders, trained in service learning in their high school years, has emerged to protect and celebrate the region's historical and environmental assets. The philanthropic community has coalesced to preserve the region's cultural treasures. The public schools require leadership training of every student. Middle school students memorize the Athenian Oath, which ends with "we will transmit this City, not only not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us." Teachers are recognized for their leadership in setting high expectations for each child. The "audacity of hope" is not merely a cliché but more a way of life in the schools.

Heartened by these developments, neighborhood parents increase Town Watch efforts in partnership with police department leadership. The media have embarked on a campaign to showcase the events and people who unite, inspire and excite us. Even the sports pages are filled with positive stories!

The king comments that he has not seen this level of goodwill since the American public's charitable embrace of New York City in the aftermath of 9/11. He marvels at our pervasive commitment to serving the common good.

What unlocked the potential in our city? What will unleash this potential in you?