“The future needs passionate, happy, and confident young leaders, willing to challenge the status quo and stand up for their convictions.”
– Richard Branson

A leader is one who inspires, empowers, and motivates others to create the change they wish to see.
Diversity is the quality of being and or involving those from a range of social and ethnic backgrounds, as well as those of different genders and sexual orientations. A diverse leader is one who encompasses both traits, one who dares to change the world, strengthen communities, and is not afraid to be so openly themselves that they embolden others to do the same.

In today’s society, diversity is something we now celebrate and accept. For decades, we have institutionalised discrimination; that culture, beliefs, and the broadness of diversity is not accepted in society. As of today, our view on others is changing, we encourage difference, positivity and self love. Our young leaders of today are essential for driving this support of diversity and change. Specifically in rural communities, diverse youth bring creativity, pureness, and a fierce determination. Young leaders in rural communities assist in building connections and meaningful engagements between locals, businesses, and the wider community, allowing themselves, as the new generation of leaders, to be resilient and adaptive.

Rural communities are often isolated, having a small understanding of our evolving society. Obtaining a strong cohort of young diverse leaders enables the opportunity for rural communities to grow and strengthen as a group. These individuals are crucial to ongoing success, often providing support and input to new collaborations and promoting the mindset of the community.

A challenge that I sense in my community is the lack of understanding from locals towards difference and diversity in today’s culture. After consistent discouragement in previous decades, my community seems to turn their backs on those who celebrate their diversity. I have found that without current youth presence in leadership, local opinions in management are often dated, leaving a warped view of outside society. Youth in leadership is crucial in exposing those who have been raised unaccepting to today’s trends, celebrations, and beliefs.

As a member in my community, I have found the importance in sharing my experiences and knowledge surrounding my involvement in youth programs. After completing these programs, my eyes were opened to the true meaning behind diversity. I have had the opportunity to work with those from all backgrounds imaginable, and have listened and learnt about their personal experiences. Working with them, I initially believed ‘how could such different people of the same age share the same interests and desires?’. Originating from a rural community and growing up somewhat unaware of our evolving society, I believed we were all the same, and didn’t truly understand what it meant to change your gender, or come from a different race, or follow a certain religion. Reflecting, I now realise that yes, we are all human beings, however we are each so interesting and different, living our own stories. I now truly believe that if we are brave enough to accept and learn about others, we can build inspiring connections and bonds in order to achieve our shared goals.

Feeling empowered by these learning opportunities I returned to my community, however was overwhelmed with the realisation that not everybody has this understanding. Now, I have taken it upon myself to educate others, to initiate learning opportunities within my school, and to celebrate the beauty of diversity. Young leaders in rural communities are the same, they are the teachers, the ones who bring energy, enthusiasm, and a youth point of view. Young leaders are those who are capable of educating their communities, broadening their views, and showing them how to adapt to today’s society. It is imperative that diverse young leaders in rural communities are encouraged to lead and educate, to allow their communities to progress strongly as a whole.