Proximate Leadership
Dixon and Garrison are examples of what we call a “proximate leader,” someone who has a meaningful relationship with groups whose identity, experience, or community are systemically stereotyped, feared, dismissed, or marginalized. Being a proximate leader is about much more than being exposed to or studying a group of people and its struggles to overcome adversity. It’s about actually being a part of that group or being meaningfully guided by that group’s input, ideas, agendas, and assets. Leaders who are proximate to the communities and issues they serve have the experience, relationships, data, and knowledge that are essential for developing solutions with measurable and sustainable impact. Importantly, proximate leaders also have the ability to recognize and leverage assets within communities that are often overlooked or misunderstood when viewed through a dominant culture lens