VALDOSTA — The Georgia Municipal Association, in collaboration with Georgia Forward, has announced the commencement of the Young Gamechangers program in the City of Valdosta. This innovative initiative brings together 45 of Georgia’s brightest young minds to tackle pressing community challenges and spearhead transformative change.
Georgia Forward’s Young Gamechangers is a pioneering leadership action program renowned for its ability to generate creative and practical solutions, according to a press release from the GMA. Participants are tasked with developing actionable recommendations for the host community, Valdosta, while also representing diverse regions across the state of Georgia.
Host communities like Valdosta present the Young Gamechangers with their most significant challenges. In turn, participants leverage their expertise, creativity, and collaboration to craft well-researched “big idea” proposals. These proposals include detailed timelines, potential funding sources, and prospective partners, ensuring the feasibility and sustainability of their recommendations, the GMA said.
The program not only benefits the host community but also equips participants with invaluable civic engagement tools. Throughout the program, participants engage in collaborative problem-solving, negotiation, and compromise, honing their leadership skills and fostering a culture of civic responsibility.
“The Young Gamechangers program presents an exciting opportunity for Valdosta to explore innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges,” said Valdosta City Manager Richard Hardy. “By participating in this program, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and our willingness to think bigger about what our city can achieve. I am eager to see the fresh perspectives and creative ideas that emerge from this collaboration.”
Mayor Scott James Matheson added, “As Mayor of Valdosta, I am proud to welcome the Young Gamechangers program to our city. This initiative not only underscores our dedication to inclusive growth and expansion but also showcases the immense talent and potential of Georgia’s young leaders. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this collaboration will have on our community.”
The Young Gamechangers program has a proven track record of success, with previous programs yielding tangible results in communities like Dalton-Whitfield County and Columbus-Muscogee County, the GMA said. By leveraging the collective talents and perspectives of Georgia’s emerging leaders, the program drives positive change and fosters sustainable growth.
“We are excited to kick off the Young Gamechangers program in Valdosta and witness the transformative impact of our participants’ ideas,” said Sadie Krawczyk, managing director of GeorgiaForward & Placemaking Georgia Municipal Association. “This program exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing complex community challenges. We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes that emerge from this year’s cohort.”
For more information about the Young Gamechangers program and its impact, please visit https://georgiaforward.org/.