The survival and success of a social movement depend not only on the collective efforts and contributions of many individuals but also on avoiding relying solely on the influence and actions of one person. A movement built on the cult of personality and the leadership of a single individual risk faltering when that person is no longer in the picture. This underscores the need for a broad support base, involvement, and leadership for real and lasting change.

While capable of galvanizing support and attention, the cult of personality is ultimately insufficient for sustaining a movement's momentum and impact. When a movement becomes synonymous with a single individual, its long-term effectiveness depends on that individual's actions and presence. Once that person is no longer involved, the movement may lose its direction and impetus, reverting to its previous state. This highlights the transient and unreliable nature of relying solely on the influence of one individual rather than fostering a network of diverse, committed leaders and supporters.

Leaders of social movements play a crucial role in recognizing the imperative of passing the baton of leadership to ensure the movement's continuity and efficacy. This carefully orchestrated transition ensures that the work is left in capable hands and that the movement's mission endures. Identifying and nurturing emerging leaders, building a resilient organizational structure, and fostering a culture of collective ownership are not just essential components but the responsibility of leaders in safeguarding the longevity and impact of a social movement.

In essence, while individual leadership may provide initial inspiration and direction, a sustainable social movement necessitates a collective and inclusive approach to leadership, where the responsibility and influence are distributed throughout the community. Recognizing the limitations of a singular leadership model and actively cultivating a robust network of engaged participants and leaders is crucial for any social movement's endurance and ultimate success.

The game the students will play is 95% basketball, with a massive change. Once the player with the ball crosses half-court, they can "flip" the basket they score on and their direction. They must pass the ball or relinquish control to use this new power. If utilized correctly, this new play dynamic fundamentally changes how your basketball game is played. Some of my students even preferred this style of basketball over the traditional rules. I would love to hear what your students think!

Materials:

• A large playing area (gym or pavement)

• At least two basketball hoops

• A basketball

• Jerseys or pinnies

  Note: While I have written this lesson for basketball, this game could also be played with handball, hockey, or soccer mechanics. However, in all of these versions, there should not be permanent goalies but instead, defenders if a team chooses to use them.

Minimum Number of Students Needed: This game could be played with as few as four students for a 2 V 2 game, but you will probably have to take lots of breaks because those kids will be exhausted. While a traditional basketball game has 5 V 5, this version of basketball can accommodate many more.