By: Rebecca Witherspoon, April 8, 2025
In every successful movement, it’s not just the person at the podium who makes the difference—it’s the everyday people behind the scenes who keep the wheels turning. The truth is, the most powerful role in any movement isn’t always at the top. It’s often found in the volunteers, organizers, and supporters who commit their time, energy, and hearts to something bigger than themselves.
Lately, in conservative spaces, we’ve seen a concerning trend: too many people want to lead, and not enough are willing to follow. But real impact doesn’t come from everyone trying to be in charge. It comes from people willing to get behind a good leader and move the mission forward—together.
What Makes a True Leader?
True leaders don’t just bark orders or chase the spotlight. They:
- Cast a clear vision that others can rally behind.
- Lead with integrity, transparency, and consistency.
- Empower and encourage others to grow and lead in their own right.
- Solve problems, build bridges, and keep the mission front and center.
- Create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and equipped.
Whether they’re guiding an organization, working with candidates, or engaging volunteers and donors, the best leaders know they can’t do it alone. They build teams. They invest in people.
The Power of a Willing Follower
Great followers aren’t passive—they’re purposeful. They:
- Show up consistently, driven by conviction and values.
- Use their unique talents—whether it’s knocking doors, designing flyers, making calls, or organizing events—to move the mission forward.
- Focus on the greater good, not personal credit.
- Bring energy, humility, and heart to everything they do.
When good leaders are supported by great followers, everyone wins. Volunteers become:
- Trusted voices in their communities.
- Force multipliers for outreach and engagement.
- Pillars of integrity and grassroots strength.
This partnership—between leaders and volunteers—is the heartbeat of any movement.
It’s Not About Titles. It’s About Impact.
Let’s be honest: it’s not always easy to follow someone else’s lead, especially when you’re passionate and full of ideas. But submitting to a good leader with a strong plan isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It takes maturity, discipline, and a team-first mindset to help bring someone else’s vision to life. And often, that’s exactly what’s needed to win.
Conservatives don’t suffer from a lack of ideas—we suffer from too many people pulling in different directions. Too many chiefs. Not enough braves. The result? Mixed messages. Confused voters. Missed opportunities.
Unity doesn’t mean everyone thinks the same—it means everyone moves in the same direction.
Lead Well. Follow Well. Win Together.
When your county or local party has a leader who’s focused on results and growth, that’s something to get behind. But if the energy gets drained by infighting and ego-driven power struggles, the mission loses momentum. We need fewer turf wars and more teamwork.
And that’s where you come in.
The real work of getting conservatives elected doesn’t just happen during rallies or speeches—it happens at kitchen tables, on weekends, and in quiet moments of service. You don’t need a title to make a difference. You just need to show up.
Here’s how you can help:
- Knock on doors in your neighborhood.
- Write postcards or letters to voters.
- Distribute signs and campaign materials.
- Make calls or send texts for candidates.
- Coordinate events or rallies.
- Use your gifts—photography, graphic design, social media, writing, data entry.
The Time Is Now
If you believe in freedom, faith, family, responsibility, and safety—this is your moment. Whether you’re in a red stronghold or a blue city, your voice matters. Find a leader worth following. Show up with everything you’ve got. Be someone your community can count on.
Because the truth is, movements don’t rise because of lone heroes. They rise because a community chose to rise together.
So bring your talents. Bring your passion. And be the kind of follower who helps good leaders lead well.
Musings By Rebecca 