What are some ways to develop student leaders who are committed to social justice and equity?

In my work as a teacher I have encouraged my students to listen to each other without judgement. It begins with me as the teacher. I allow every voice to count in class. One important tool I have used is the Narrative 4 story exchange. The story exchange allows students to practice deep listening without judgement. It puts empathy into action by allowing students walk in the shoes of others for one minute. This facilitates dialogue and reduces discrimination and bias.

In a time where the phrase "social justice" has been disputed for at least a decade on social media, it should matter to put people in contact with the other from a place of mutual respect. What people often don't say is that where respect is guaranteed and opportunities are always given, the other side lacks them and glimpses at a chance to get out of their situation with the aid of others, if not by the government or some kind of social organization. Students like to talk. But they have to start learning empathy. The culture of skipping is proof that they're not willing to hear someone's side or even interested to know who they are and acknowledge their existence if they don't fit a certain dubious scale of pre-requisites for interaction.

I tell my learners that everyone's opinion is valid. Even though I tell them this, I have to show it as well through how I handle what they say to me or to their fellows in class. If learners are built with a culture of respect for self, for others, and their opinions, they are on their way to becoming good leaders at all levels. Nothing comes in the way of their efforts. If learners respect each other's background, perspectives on issues, and culture, there will be a bigger chance of having empathetic leaders and people who promote peace, equity, and work towards a common goal. The most important thing here is not them but humanity and the common good.

Fostering a culture of social justice is integral to shaping our classroom practices. I recall a meaningful experience teaching communications to aspiring hair stylists. Over several weeks, we investigated the cultural significance of hair, exploring how long, uncut hair holds sacred value in certain indigenous communities, or how in Muslim communities, a woman's hair is not cut by another man. This underscores the importance of cultivating a culture centered on respect and inclusion in lesson design. By doing so, students gain a panoramic perspective, understanding the diverse viewpoints people hold in life.

If you give learners the platform to lead, to build up leadership skills, you are supporting their journeys to becoming very good leaders. Considering the fact that these learners come from different backgrounds, I am now obligated to give them opportunities to lead others and to direct them on how to get the best out of others as they lead.

Critical thinking and reflection are required for good leadership and I believe that if the teacher encourages learners to use them in their collaboration with others, it helps to nurture good leadership traits. As a teacher, you can encourage learners to utilize their critical thinking and analytical skills through questions and situations that support the learners to air their views and help them to learn how to handle issues.

Leaders ought to be responsible people. They are in charge of other people and whatever they do or say is very important. As an educator, it is vital to support the learners to become more responsible by finding ways to appreciate the roles and responsibilities assigned to them while seeking to contribute to healthy, positive changes.