September 27th, 2025 (updated)
Teams and communities are fascinating subjects to consider in relation to one's hopes and desires. Early on in this process, we discussed our gifts, visions, and talents—the things we want to bring to our work. However, the reality of group and team life is that it involves an integration process. Teams and groups come with inherent boundaries, and so we do the work of integrating parts of ourselves into these groups, moving some things to the center and others to the margins to find tranquility and move work ahead. The question becomes: how do we develop teams and spaces that allow people to bring out the best in themselves for the benefit of the whole? And how do we harness the parts of ourselves for the betterment of the community and the cause? That's why this week we’re pairing the understanding of the “Drum Major” Instinct with the technique of building effective teams. To explore these dynamics and processes together will help us harness our best selves and structure our movements in a way that allows our people to do the same.
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Like peering through a kaleidoscope and delighting as fragments transform into new patterns, Sharon Wamble-King, PhD, describes herself as a lifelong learner enthralled by the ever-shifting prisms of knowledge; Each turn of perspective reveals familiar shapes reimagined, glinting with new light. The shards of her experiences have coalesced into unanticipated mosaics as she pursues all facets of life with incessant curiosity. Dr. SWK’s kaleidoscopic imagination fuels a passion to use language and cultural intelligence to reframe thinking and promote creative ways to perceive our shared humanity. Her goal is to inspire others to turn the kaleidoscope—to find beauty in brokenness, hope in fragments, and simplicity within complexity. Her kaleidoscopic vision, shaped by Spirit, centers social justice, remembering that even a small shift in perspective can cascade into larger transformations. Recently, Dr. SWK’s Afrocentric/Africology-oriented research unveiled a culturally informed performance of leadership by African American women, obscured by Western notions, but intergenerationally transferred, modeled and normative in diasporic communities. She has presented her research at international conferences, including the International Leadership Association Global Conference and academic venues in South Africa. She has authored publications such as “African Spiritually Informed Leadership: Galvanizing and Mobilizing for the Common Good and Human Flourishing”. Her current research projects include co-editing "Global Generative Leadership: Lessons from Women's Leadership to Sustain our Future" for Emerald Publishing. Her expertise spans senior leadership roles in global management consulting firms, Fortune 50 multi-state health plans, delivery systems and medical groups. Dr. Wamble-King is certified by the International Leadership Association's Leadership Educator Academy and holds a Prosci Change Management certification. She holds a PhD and MA in Leadership and Change Management, a MS in Mass Communication and a BS in Sociology and Communication Arts. Dr. Wamble-King teaches at the University of North Florida and Antioch University.
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Overview
This session draws inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Drum Major Instinct" speech, which emphasizes serving others and leading with humility. Participants will explore the concept of the "drum major instinct" concept, the desire to be recognized and praised, and how it can be channeled positively to benefit the community. By understanding Dr. King's message, participants will learn how to balance ambition with a genuine commitment to service, fostering a leadership style that prioritizes the well-being of others.
The session will encourage individuals to reflect on their motivations and actions as leaders through discussions and practical exercises. Participants will identify ways to cultivate a servant leadership mindset, focusing on empathy, selflessness, and a dedication to social justice. By embodying the principles outlined in Dr. King's speech, attendees will be better equipped to lead with integrity and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Participants will be able to apply the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Drum Major Instinct" to cultivate a leadership style that effectively balances personal ambition with a genuine commitment to serving others and promoting social justice in their communities.
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Drew Serres is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Network Delaware which focuses on activating regular people in the political process through leadership development, civic engagement, and policy change. Through the organization Drew has provided a space to support campaigns for racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and economic opportunity. He focuses his time coaching and developing the next set of social change organizers across the state. Previously, Drew managed and coached multiple grassroots electoral and issue-oriented campaigns from the local to the state-wide level. He also wrote at OrganizingChange.org and coached chess at a local school.
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Overview
This session focuses on the essential components of creating high-performing teams. Participants will explore the key elements that contribute to team success, including clear roles and responsibilities, effective communication, and a shared vision. The session will provide practical insights into team dynamics, highlighting the importance of diversity, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Attendees will learn how to design team structures that promote productivity, innovation, and engagement, ensuring that every team member's strengths are leveraged for optimal outcomes.
By understanding the principles of effective team structuring, participants will be equipped to build and lead teams that can navigate challenges, adapt to changing environments, and achieve strategic goals. The session will emphasize the role of leadership in fostering a positive team culture, supporting continuous improvement, and driving collective performance. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to implement in their organizations, enhancing their ability to create cohesive, high-impact teams.
Participants will be able to autonomously design and lead team structures and foster team cultures that promote productivity, innovation, engagement, and the achievement of strategic goals in a community organizing context.