OUR PURPOSETo prepare a generation of leaders to meet future community challenges.
The GrassRoots Leadership Institute ("GRLI")* is a program for all interested men and women that are committed to the development and unity of our community.
Local government and community leaders will lead discussions covering a wide range of concerns facing the Clayton County community. Trained facilitators will lead groups through simulated activities to practice and develop necessary leadership skills.
The GRLI’s skill development sessions include such topics as: understanding leadership, economic development, effective communication, building partnerships and collaborations, conflict resolution, and group decision making/problem solving, among many others.Each class is then expected to apply what they’ve learned by collaborating on a project aimed at improving and enlightening the Clayton County community.Upon graduation, several students are chosen to serve on the GRLI Board of Directors, providing an immediate opportunity to put their new found skills into action.
The GRLI has been training future leaders since 2004. GRLI alumni include Board of Education Vice-Chair Charlton Bivins (District 9), Adolphus Graves, Chief of Probation, Fulton County, former Clayton County Council PTA President and current District 7 Director of the Georgia PTA, Cyd Cox, Georgia PTA Secretary Cheryl White, community advocate and Board of Education Ethics Commission Member Larry O'Keefe, Clayton News-Daily Education Reporter Jeylin White, and We Are Clayton Magazine publisher Gerrian Hawes.
Funded by a grant from The Community Foundation For Greater Atlanta, the mission of the GrassRoots Leadership Institute is to identify, train, and nurture emerging leaders to better serve the needs of the Clayton County community. Upon graduation, participants are provided opportunities to continue interacting with alumni members through educational programs, community service projects, advanced leadership training, and cultural activities.