Grassroots Leadership in Non-Profit Governance: Community, Power, and Participation

Grassroots leadership has become a central concern in contemporary discussions of non-profit governance and development practice. Unlike managerial or professionalized approaches that emphasize hierarchy and control, grassroots leadership foregrounds relational trust, collective decision-making, and accountability to local communities. This article situates grassroots leadership within broader debates on participatory development, empowerment, and social capital, framing it as both a practical approach and a political stance. Drawing on the work of Freire, Sen, Bourdieu, and Chambers, it explores how community-driven leadership redefines power relations and challenges dominant NGO models. Comparative insights from Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and migrant communities in the Global North illustrate both its adaptability and contradictions. Ultimately, the article argues that grassroots leadership is not an alternative to professionalized governance but a necessary foundation for authentic participation and democratic accountability in civil society.