Inspired by Robert K. Greenleaf — Adapted for Somalia's Renaissance
"The best leaders are servants first."
Join the MovementBased on Robert K. Greenleaf's groundbreaking Servant Leadership philosophy (1970), this curriculum transforms how we think about power, influence, and impact. Greenleaf challenged the world: the greatest leaders don't command — they serve.
Adapted for the Somali context, this curriculum connects servant leadership to the Islamic values of khidma (service), shura (consultation), and amanah (trust) — principles already woven into Somali heritage.
"Somalia rises when Somalis serve."
Based on the Greenleaf/Spears model — each principle reimagined for Somalia's servant leaders.
Greenleaf taught that true leaders listen first and speak second — seeking to understand before being understood.
In Somali culture, elders have always gathered under trees to listen. A servant leader listens to the youth in Minneapolis and the mother in Mogadishu alike.
Accept people for who they are, not judge them. Empathy is the bridge between isolation and community.
Understanding the Somali experience — from drought survivors to diaspora youth navigating two worlds — requires walking in their shoes.
Greenleaf believed leaders help make whole those who are broken — including themselves.
Somalia has endured decades of conflict and displacement. Servant leaders help heal trauma through community, dialogue, and hope.
Self-awareness and general awareness strengthen the servant leader. Awareness is not comfortable — it disturbs.
Understanding clan dynamics, systemic challenges, and one's own biases is essential for leading change in Somalia.
The servant leader persuades rather than coerces. Consensus-building, not positional authority.
Somalia needs leaders who unite through vision and conviction — not through force or clan allegiance.
Dream great dreams. Look beyond day-to-day realities to the bigger picture of what could be.
Envisioning Somalia in the 2030s — a tech hub, a beacon of East Africa, a nation rebuilt by its own people.
Learn from the past, understand the present, and anticipate the consequences of decisions.
Understanding Somali history — pre-colonial strength, colonial disruption, civil war — to make wiser decisions today.
Hold resources and institutions in trust for the greater good, not personal gain.
Somali leaders must be custodians of community resources — every dollar, every opportunity held as amanah (trust).
The servant leader is committed to the personal, professional, and spiritual growth of every person.
Every Somali youth has untapped potential. A servant leader's job is to water seeds, not count fruit.
True community is built through relationships where people can truly depend on each other.
Transcending clan, tribe, and division — building a Somali identity rooted in shared service, not shared blood.
Six transformative modules taking you from self-awareness to movement leadership over 21 weeks.
Whether you're in Mogadishu or Minneapolis, if you believe in service over self, this is your call.
Ages 18-35. The next generation of Somali leaders who choose service over status.
Community organizers in the diaspora building bridges between two worlds.
Leaders in the social sector who want to deepen their servant leadership practice.
Anyone with a burning desire to see Somalia renewed through collective service.
"The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead."
"Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?"
"Not much happens without a dream. And for something great to happen, there must be a great dream. Behind every great achievement is a dreamer of great dreams."
Express your interest in the VOS Servant Leadership Curriculum. We'll reach out with next steps.