“A good leader must have the ability to distinguish between what is good for them and what is better for the people around them. Morality plays the most crucial role in this aspect because self-preservation is one of the most basic of human characteristics.”

Every month Global Peace Youth-US features remarkable young people from across the nation who take ownership of the challenges facing their communities through moral and innovative leadership.

Meet Marvin Gay, a liaison for community engagement for Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc. and Global Ambassador of the most recent International Young Leaders Assembly held in August 2015. A graduate of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Marvin is also a native of Washington D.C. “There are critical issues that plague not only the capital city, but cities all across the world, including poverty, housing, drugs, crime, jobs, and most of all education. There are many people who see the problems but lack the resources and or connections on how to collectively attack these issues,” Marvin shared, “Daily, I am in the community promoting programs and services to residents and community-based organizations which can help maximize the potential of the people so that they may lead productive lives.”

GPYouth November Featured Leader: Marvin Gay

Marvin explained why he is passionate about moral and innovative leadership not just in his career, but as a role model in daily life:

“A good leader must have the ability to distinguish between what is good for them and what is better for the people around them. Morality plays the most crucial role in this aspect because self-preservation is one of the most basic of human characteristics. What is right versus wrong can easily be thrown out the window when a person seeks to improve just themselves! However, a moral leader breaks this mold by doing what is necessary for the greater good of those around them. True moral role models possess specific characteristics such as honesty, integrity, courage, self-control, cooperation, respect, and most of all sacrifice. These attributes create a stage where this leader can stand out in front to lead with dignity. This gives the people around them the best opportunity to follow the innovative ideals this moral role model must possess.

It is just as important for a good leader to be as innovative as they are moral. The courage, cooperation, honesty, and sacrifice that moral leaders display makes people recognize this is a person worth following. The innovative aspect of a leader lays down a foundation for improvement because these creative ideals seek to have positive effects on the people surrounding the leader. Original and beneficial ideals that come from a person essentially make them a role model because they have metaphorically provided the canvas for a masterpiece to be painted!

Morality and innovation go hand in hand when it comes to leaders and their ability to be positive role models. One must incorporate both concepts to stand out and be efficient in the true goal, which should always be setting a positive example and leading those around you to greater things.”

“I lead in my community by example. Hard work, dedication, compassion, opportunity, advocacy, and respect are the tools I use to lead the people around me.”

Marvin speaks from experience. With a genuine interest in improving the lives of people in his community, he expressed why he is making a difference one step at a time.

“Every day, no matter how dangerous the neighborhood or how many people may be unresponsive or pretend they don’t want better, I make sacrifices to be there for those who truly want to be led to an opportunity at a better life for themselves and those around them. When in the community, I can’t say the same thing to everyone the same way. The creativity of my innovative mind gives me an edge to gain respect, relate to people, and ultimately sustain cooperation. When people recognize a person is genuine and truly wants to see them in a better situation, it becomes much easier to persuade them to do what is necessary for their greater good. I lead in my community by example. Hard work, dedication, compassion, opportunity, advocacy, and respect are the tools I use to lead the people around me. This is the nation’s capital, and to lead here, it takes people who truly care and display their compassion in a beneficial and original fashion.”

Marvin Gay poses with fellow IYLA delegates in front of the Lincoln Memorial.