What is a "community leader"?

<p>So while browsing through this forum, I noticed that a lot of the time people use the term "community leader" or say colleges look for someone who affects the community, contributes to it, is active in it, etc. But what does this actually mean? If you could give an example or explain what exactly being a community leader is, that'd be great.
Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>They don’t exist everywhere. Indeed, I would say they are very rare by definition. Who is an opinion leader at your HS? Among the previous Seniors and Juniors, whose voices affect others for the positive? Do any teens in your community affect local policies or decisions?</p>

<p>Like if you organize a fundraiser or something… Or you’re the head of your local chapter of whatever.</p>

<p>T26E4- If that’s the definition of a community leader I don’t think we really have any of those lol. I wouldn’t say any one person “leads” opinions and really positively affects others (No one really comes to mind. Maybe the previous Student Government president, but I don’t really remember him doing anything extraordinary). </p>

<p>Chlogan- local chapter of what? We don’t really have too many national organization clubs at our school except maybe the usual humanitarian organizations (Red Cross, Amnesty International, etc.), JSA, and Model U.N.</p>

<p>I mean, maybe a group with adults in it. Oh also there’s this guy at our school that is a non voting member of the education thingy</p>

<p>A community leader isn’t necessarily known by everyone in the community.</p>

<p>A church minister is a community leader but may not be known by folks outside the denomination.</p>

<p>A volunteer at a hospital may be known by doctors, nurses and some patients but not by the community at large.</p>

<p>A leader is someone taking action to make something happen. A community leader is a broad term that can be applied to people making their communities better places for people. Every community has tons of them, whether you know them and recognize their contributions or not.</p>

<p>I withdraw my earlier post in light of Madaboutx’ I fully concur!</p>

<p>Also agree. Since I’m big on engaging in the community, I’ll say this: it’s not about a leadership title. It’s about the way a kid sees a need and takes it on, makes a commitment over time and, often, increases his responsibilities. (Whether or not that is officially recognized.) </p>

<p>Organizing a fundraiser? Not exactly. Head of a chapter? Not necessarily. Head of stu gov in the hs? Maybe not.</p>

<p>Judging from everyone’s posts, a “Community Leader” seems like a pretty subjective term. Regardless I think I’ve gotten a feel for what a community leader is now. Thanks for the help guys!</p>