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 local challenges through leadership development. Selected recipients work with Fanning Institute faculty and staff to co-create and implement solutions tailored to their communities.
Since 2020, ICLI has worked with more than 30 communities and organizations across Georgia. The initiative has supported the launch or strengthening of adult leadership programs in Elbert, Appling, and Fitzgerald–Ben Hill counties, as well as the establishment of a youth leadership program in Barrow County.
Tammy Dalton, a participant in Lead Elbert and executive director of Friends of Advantage, described the program’s impact:
“This program has allowed me to learn so much about our county through a different set of eyes. I appreciate the education and tours of our local government, school system, healthcare, and more that I have received during this experience. Things have changed so much over the years, and it is refreshing to see how Elbert County is progressing and growing. It has also allowed our group to look at what we can offer to enhance the community as well through 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.