What is the Leadership Initiative?

The findings of the Georgia Rural Development Council’s (GRDC) State of Rural Georgia Report and the results of town hall meetings in all 11 rural regions affirmed that active, informed leadership is an essential component of successful community economic development. Beginning in its 2000-2001 legislative agenda, the GRDC committee on leadership development recommended and was successful in obtaining state funding for three leadership development initiatives:

1. A Community Leadership Initiative. The Fanning Institute is lead partner to the Community Leadership Initiative which provides seed or challenge grants to communities that have never conducted a leadership development program or that do not have a sustained effort in place. This initiative is designed to identify and train leaders and serve as a feeder program to the Georgia Academy’s regional leadership program and to other community efforts. The intent is to promote active and informed leadership as an essential component of successful community economic development, to build local capacity, and, ultimately, to reduce dependence on state funding for leadership programs.

   Eligible applicants for this seed grant include: local governments, regional development centers, local development authorities, chambers of commerce or non-profit organizations. More information and application forms are available.

2. A Youth Leadership Initiative. The University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program for Youth is lead partner in the Youth Leadership Initiative. Contact Bo Ryles at 706-542-8804.
3. A Regional Leadership Initiative. The Georgia Academy for Economic Development is lead partner in the Regional Leadership Initiative. Contact Saralyn Stafford at 912-389-4196.