Leadership is essential to Georgia’s future. Communities that develop leaders of all ages are better positioned to attract investment and create new opportunities.
Recognizing the connection between leadership development and economic vitality, the Fanning Institute launched the Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative (ICLI) in 2020. The initiative provides technical expertise and resources to help Georgia communities and organizations create or strengthen leadership development programs.
Each year, the Fanning Institute invites eligible communities and organizations across Georgia to propose projects that address community challenges through leadership development. Selected participants work with Fanning Institute faculty and staff to co-create and implement unique solutions for their communities.
Since its creation, ICLI has helped Elbert County, Appling County, and Fitzgerald–Ben Hill County launch or update adult leadership programs and helped Barrow County establish a youth leadership program.
ICLI has also supported innovative programs such as the Thomson–McDuffie County Entrepreneurial Leadership Academy and helped organizations including Brightpaths Athens, GEEARS, and Carroll County Emerging Leaders provide leadership development opportunities.
For more information about ICLI, contact Carolina Darbisi at cdarbisi@uga.edu.