Literacy is not just an education issue. It is an economic, workforce, and quality of life issue. In Georgia, 68% of fourth graders do not read proficiently. Research shows that children who can’t read proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to experience poor health, have discipline problems, and drop out of high school. As adults, they are more likely to spend time in prison, struggle with unemployment, live in poverty, and experience poor health outcomes. To address this pressing issue, GeorgiaForward supports the Mayor’s Reading Club program. The goal of the program is to improve the literacy skills and overall success with early reading of children and youth through encouragement, support, and leadership from city mayors. As part of the program, we have a children’s book series to teach young readers about local government. In the books, Georgia Caroline and her classmates learn about their hometown of Happyville, Georgia, by visiting with and learning from city staff and elected officials about the services the city provides its residents.
Youth Leadership and Engagement is a joint effort of the Georgia Municipal Association and GeorgiaForward, and we are focused on helping cities and city officials engage and connect with children and youth in their communities to proactively address the issues they face. We provide youth engagement tools and resources, convene youth leadership summits/forums, and create programs to bring the fresh ideas and perspective that only the next generation can provide. Youth can serve an important role in creating healthy, vibrant communities. Please visit GMA’s ENGAGE web page for more resources.
Young Gamechangers (YG) is a leadership-action program for young professionals between the ages of 25-40, a unique opportunity for participants to engage in not only professional connections and focused leadership development, but also practical, active learning in community and economic development. YG participants finish the program with an in-depth understanding of how to contribute to their own communities, as well as a close-knit network of highly engaged peers across the state of Georgia.
GeorgiaForward Forums are an opportunity for leaders from all sectors and industries to have solutions-focused statewide conversations. Taking an expansive and long-term view, experts share their perspectives, pool their technical expertise and proven experience, and challenge one another in search of answers to deceptively simple questions – What should Georgia look like in ten years? What will it take to foster quality of life and opportunity for all of Georgia’s communities? How do we respond to the significant challenges that keep our communities and their citizens from reaching their full potential?