Community development is typically defined as efforts aimed at improving the quality of life in underserved communities. It often focuses on communities that have been historically disenfranchised, denied access to essential needs like health care, food, education, and safe environments. But in wealthier communities, these same actions – access to healthy food, nurturing relationships, and safety – are simply part of daily life, not considered “community development.” When people’s well-being is valued and prioritized, the activities that foster thriving become routine expectations.

In a recent ProInspire team meeting, we asked, “What is one wish you have for families of color to thrive?” Our responses were revealing: time to enjoy life, connection, healthy mental and physical health, freedom from generational oppression, and simply being able to exist without fear or under the white gaze. These desires for self-determination reflect fundamental needs for well-being – needs often denied to Black and Brown communities due to systemic inequities.

However, the nonprofit sector has historically operated in ways that are disconnected from the real needs of under-resourced communities. Many nonprofits, led by leadership standards that are not community-centered, often have a charity mindset – focused on scaling up for broader impact rather than deep, meaningful change. This approach fails to account for the unique needs of different communities, ignoring one of the core tenets of equity, that everyone needs something different based on their environment and lived experiences. True equity requires context-specific solutions that honor the histories and realities of the people in those communities.

Even well-meaning organizations often fall short of their stated values. Many nonprofits excel at “talking the talk” of equity but struggle to align their actions with their messages. Centering whiteness and dominant cultural norms as the standard to which all should aspire perpetuates deficit-based thinking about communities of color. This approach rewards proximity to whiteness while diminishing the wisdom, assets, and brilliance within historically disenfranchised communities.

Equitable leadership is not race-neutral; it is rooted in identity, culture, and history. Leaders who are disconnected from the communities they serve often make decisions for short-term gains, unintentionally causing harm in the long run. The dynamics within many traditional nonprofits mirror the broader societal systems of oppression and hierarchy. If we want to achieve lasting, equitable change, we must shift toward a model of leadership that reflects the values and needs of the communities we serve.

A critical aspect of community-based leadership is recognizing our interconnectedness. The African philosophy of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are,” embodies this idea. Leaders who are connected to their communities see themselves within those communities. They feel accountable for creating lasting change, not because it’s part of their job, but because it’s a calling. This type of leadership requires a deep understanding of one’s identity and how it has been shaped generationally. It also calls for space – space for leaders to show up authentically and reflect on how their values guide decision making and align with their communities’ needs.

At ProInspire, we believe that leadership capable of creating lasting change must be racially equitable leadership. These two are inextricably linked. Our leadership model emphasizes the importance of leading both oneself and the systems in which we operate. By exploring identity and reimagining societal outcomes together, we can create a more equitable future.

In our latest report, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we define thriving communities as “the ability to access and share resources to create conditions that support equitable living and outcomes for all.” This research highlights the importance of community-based leadership – leadership that is people-centered, invests in individuals, and aligns with the values of the community. When leaders are connected to their communities, trust and reciprocity flourish, enabling decisions that reflect the collective values of the people they serve.

To sustain and foster lasting change, leaders of color need spaces where they can be their authentic selves, where they don’t have to explain their lived experiences, and where they are free from the pressures of conforming to dominant culture norms. These spaces are essential for fostering the kind of leadership that can create lasting, meaningful change.

Building nonprofit organizations where workers are conscious of their mindsets, behaviors, and beliefs creates rich opportunities for learning. Together, we can build a more beautiful democracy – one that is equitable, interconnected, and founded in love.

Bianca Casanova Anderson is a nonprofit leader, educator, and social justice practitioner with expertise in racial equity facilitation and human development. As Co-CEO of ProInspire, she champions efforts to support BIPOC workers and communities, drawing on a decade of experience creating inclusive, relationship-centered environments that disrupt systemic racism.