Demonstrating Citizen Leadership: A Case Study of Jane Addams

Citizen leaders are those who are willing to both lead and follow. They influence others to take on problems in society and to bring change to the system. Trust and experience are key elements necessary between leaders and their followers in order for the leaders to act on behalf of the group. Citizen leadership is examined in this paper through a case study of Jane Addams. Jane Addams was a global peace activist, advocate, and community organizer. Her social and political actions were to ameliorate the conditions for socially and economically disadvantaged groups (e.g., the poor, immigrants, African Americans, and women). Jane Addams, with the assistance of volunteers, recruited and organized activities through Hull House that improved the conditions of people in society. She also played a role in changing society ailments through social reform. Jane Addams worked within both governmental and nongovernmental systems, and these systems were also changed by her presence. The implications of citizen leadership on democracy and the need for models to apply leadership theories to practice in the workplace and in public service are also discussed.