| The purpose of this study is to illustrate a portrait of servant leaders who embody healing and community-building through preparing and sharing food. In order to investigate the role of food in healing and building community (two tenets of servant leadership as identified by Larry Spears), Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot's qualitative method of portraiture was chosen to pursue this inquiry. This study grew from an increasing concern regarding the fractured world in which we live where violence, fear, injustice, and suffering often dominate. However, despite horrific stories of atrocity, it is also possible to uncover accounts of love, compassion, and humanity when one asks, "What is good here?" This study sought to discover, describe, and depict one way in which people care for those in their community. To do so, the writings of philosopher Nel Noddings regarding care ethics were used to understand the frameworks regarding this portrait. In order to create this portrait, data was gathered through a series of interviews with six women who serve the Welcome and Hospitality Committees for The Mom's Network of Walla Walla, WA. Five themes were extrapolated from the interviews: 1) teaching service to one's children, 2) childhood experience of domesticity, 3) desire to give back, 4) way to be involved, and 5) food as love language. Each theme is explored through the words of the participants. A discussion of the role of food in healing and building community, the challenges and the joys in serving, and implications for leadership theory are included. This study is concluded with the limitations, recommendations, and contributions of this project. |
