CULTIVATING EMERGING COMMUNITY LEADERS

The capacity and passion are present but without the GLI programs it may never be realized.  Furthermore, by broadening the community discourse the entire community can increase its chances to realize economic and creative potential.

• Create a new pool of leaders who will make positive change in the community, in neighborhoods, schools, boards, community affairs
• Develop leadership skills and networking connections in leaders from the under-represented sectors Sarasota and Manatee Counties
• Encourage participants to add their voices to the leadership equation
• Help individuals and the entire community realize their economic and creative potential by broadening the  community discourse
• Increase the level of involvement in the community by program graduates

GLI model is dedicated to leadership enhancement by strengthening leaderships skills, mentor relationships, networking opportunities and development of a community project

The Grassroots Leadership Initiative's website is available at GLIsuncoast.org

In 2003, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the United Way came together along with USF and SCOPE to create a leadership program to provide skills and opportunities to contribute to the civic dialogue in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

The inaugural class of 10 fellows began their fellowship in January 2006 and graduated in January 2007.  Currently, our second fellowship class with 20 individuals is participating in their leadership development program until January 2008.

GLI held the first annual “Leadership Legend Award Luncheon” to honor the leadership and legacy of John “Buck” O’Neil and Sen. Edward Price. 

Grassroots Leadership Initiative is a partnership of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, United Way, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, USF, SCOPE and others to broaden the spectrum of leaders involved at the decision-making table in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. SCOPE, Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence, is the fiscal agent for Grassroots Leadership Initiative.

This is a one-year commitment to over 60 hours of training, development and projects.  A Fellow must be involved in the local community, be at least 18 years old and out of high school.

The mentors attend an orientation, two workshops, quarterly mentor meetings and special events.  This is a one-year commitment to meet with their fellow at least once a month. Matching is based on availability, area of interest and expertise.

"I have gained new perspectives with respect to what is happening in our communities, new appreciation for the talent and dedication of our citizens who are making great strides in growing their skills and improving their community, and closer relationships with participating community leaders."
- Jim Shedivy, 2006 GLI Mentor

Start Date of Program: January of each with the Welcome Dinner. 

End Date of Program: December with the Graduation Ceremony

Frequency of Meetings: Two to three sessions per month on evenings or weekends; leadership workshops, community project workshops, networking sessions and mentor meetings

Cost to Participants: No cost thanks to the generous investment of local organizations, businesses and individuals within our community.

Program Components:

1. Leadership workshops,
2. Networking sessions
3. Mentor relationship
4. Community project

Leadership Workshops
The leadership workshop component addresses leadership development in the context of community.  In each workshop, the role of leadership and practical application will be emphasized through discussions, assignments and readings. 

Workshop Topics
Community & Leadership
Team Building & Motivation
Data Collection & Analysis
Relationship Building & Diplomacy
Citizenship
Local Government
Creating a Mission & Vision
Strategic Planning
Public Speaking
Fundraising
Meeting Facilitation & Conflict Resolution
Media & Informing the Community

Networking Sessions
The networking component of GLI will bring the Fellows together with local decision-makers and their organizations from Sarasota and Manatee counties.  This is an opportunity to build bridges, share ideas and learn from experienced local leaders from business, government, non-profit organizations and others areas.

Mentor Relationship
The GLI Mentor component offers a primary coach and guide for the Fellow’s development and growth as a leader.  Mentors provide the bridging link between workshops and the resources needed for the progress of essential leadership skills to become an effective grassroots leader and spokesperson for the community.  Mentors attend an orientation session and workshops prior to being matched with a fellow.  They collaborate to accomplish goals individually and for the community.  The mentor/fellow relationship should be based on mutual respect, enhancing leadership ability, goals and respectable frankness.

Community Project 
Each GLI Fellow engages in an individual or small group project that deals with a community issue of their choosing.  The purpose of the community project is to utilize leadership skills and to prepare and propel each GLI Fellow to their next step in community leadership.

The Grassroots Leadership Initiative's website is available at GLIsuncoast.org