Teaching Paper: Tools for Grassroots Leadership Development: Participatory Mapping, Storytelling, and Leadership Circles in Practice
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Teaching Paper | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grsrldemplcvc-tp-01
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About the Teaching Paper
This Teaching Paper introduces three practical tools—participatory mapping, storytelling, and leadership circles—that strengthen grassroots leadership through inclusive, culturally grounded, and low-resource methods. Each tool builds capacity by enabling communities to visualize their environment, share collective narratives, and develop peer learning systems. Drawing from participatory and emancipatory traditions, the paper bridges theory and practice, showing how these methods democratize knowledge, legitimize community voices, and support collective action. It also addresses challenges such as power imbalances, facilitation dynamics, and sustainability. Designed as a pedagogical and practical resource, the paper offers a concise toolkit for educators, practitioners, and community leaders committed to building equitable and resilient leadership from the ground up.
Key Topics
- Participatory mapping for community empowerment
- Storytelling as a tool for identity and advocacy
- Leadership circles and peer learning
- Participatory and experiential learning traditions
- Power, inclusion, and facilitation dynamics
- Culturally grounded leadership development
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Tools for Grassroots Leadership Development: Participatory Mapping, Storytelling, and Leadership Circles in Practice. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grsrldemplcvc-tp-01
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https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grsrldemplcvc-04
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https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grsrldemplcvc-05
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https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grsrldemplcvc-07
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https://doi.org/10.64357/grassroots-leadership-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Transformational Leadership: Strategies for Dynamic Leaders. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/transformational-leadership-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Strategic Execution: Turning Vision into Impact. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/strategic-execution-2025
