SLI an organization

SLI exists in an odd place as an organization.  It is mostly student run with great overhead given by faculty, it is both extremely organized and completely chaotic.  Dr. Kaufman runs the organization, and exhibits what I would call quintessential transformational leadership.  The organization answers to a higher call and works toward a noble goal that is only further elevated by the care and passion shown within our leader.  He creates doctrine and policy that outlines the mission of the group and allows others to find their own way within those guidelines.  Transformational leadership is defined as a leadership approach that causes change in individuals and social systems.  I believe that Dr. Kaufman does that, he incites his volunteers and students to cause change and change itself in the social system.  Ironically, he tries to steer clear from that label.  He says that he is done causing change in the system, changing ideas; he is setting out to help only a few individuals, to cause direct action.  Still, he causes change and loyalty among his followers.  My first impressions of him is that he appears extroverted, open, conscientious, he is agreeable to most but unwilling to compromise to those he disagrees with, and he appears to have a healthy amount of neuroticism.  I am lucky to be able to work closely with him.  he is willing to engage with everyone on a personal level.  He is extremely passionate about the things he discusses and extremely knowledgable.  He is constantly thinking about issues and how it will effect students, he is constantly keeping up to date with current events.  He is also extremely open to new ideas and suggestions such as websites and social media as a means of improving the organization.

SLI is an organization that could easily fall apart and be blown away in the wind if it weren’t for a strong central leader.  It exists to help Latino’s gain access to higher education.  It is constantly threatened by a lack of money, a lack of support, and a lack of awareness.  It relies heavily on volunteers and seasonal interns who help organize tutoring hours.  The other interns are all lovely, hardworking, and passionate, they support and help each other.  However, communication and organization itself is fundamentally flawed by a lack of centralized emails, texts, and documents.  As well as the fact that many of the volunteers, interns, and students are temporary so anything built so far has not lasted.  I hope to be able help Dr. Kaufman as well as the organization cement themselves as a permanent fixture and resource for Latinos in Richmond.