The Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute

The Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute, GNLI, is an intensive, 7-month program that trains, empowers and supports ordinary citizens and community leaders so that they can promote positive changes in their neighborhoods and communities.

The purpose of the program is to develop community leaders who will assist others in understanding their government and effectively identify and address community problems.

GNLI was established in 1994 by the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services (GCHHS).

The Institute accomplishes its leadership development on two levels: 1) Using a community based skills curriculum developed by the Fanning Leadership Institute based out of the University of Georgia that expands various leadership topics directly affecting the social and economic well-being of the county (including government, media, law enforcement, education, zoning & planning, health care, and community economics). 2) Training of citizens in leadership and interpersonal skills that will help build a network of leaders within our neighborhoods.

Diversity is pivotal to the success of GNLI. Participants range in age from 18 to over 80. Some students are lifelong residents of the county, while others are newcomers. Class make-up represents the population and diversity in Gwinnett.

As part of the GNLI training, students are required to complete a community improvement project that addresses an identifiable need within the county. The Institute is a clearinghouse for many community-based programs who seek grass-roots leaders to serve as volunteers on boards, committees and task forces throughout the county.

For more information, visit the program’s Web site at www.gnli.org or contact Rachael Holder, Director, at 678-377-4137 or by email Rachael(at)gwinnettcoalition[dot]org