Many people do great things for others. They serve, they volunteer, and they help. They give, they love, and they work together to solve problems. But, it seems that in recent times, many of us have instead turned inward, focusing on our own successes, our own monetary gains, and our own wellbeing…even in some cases, at the expense of others.

I have spent the last seven years studying and writing about youth, teens, and young adults. I have been moved by their call for all of us to focus outward, where our care for the collective would outweigh our individual desires. This call is even more pronounced when it comes to those in leadership positions. A vast number of young people believe leaders today are profiting off the planet, enacting restrictive and discriminatory policies, and “un”leveling the economic playing field to favor the wealthy. With these sentiments, it’s no wonder they are exasperated by the notion of leadership as it currently stands.

While many leaders may appear disconnected from humanity, humanity itself has emerged as the new leader. The world’s crisis has caused a recalibration in the human spirit where everyday people are focusing outward and stepping up as our leaders. Whether it is the healthcare workers who are putting themselves at risk every day, educators who are finding new ways to teach students online, parents who are trying to balance working while home schooling, or businesses and nonprofits filling the gaps where help is needed, we see humanity recalibrating.