Articles & Resources

Macon Violence Prevention Program Connects Students to the Community through the Arts

March 1, 2023

Chris Floore, Chief Communications Officer, Macon-Bibb County

“Love is the main thing” is now painted on a retaining wall along Main Street, just down from the Mill Hill East Macon Arts Village, thanks to about 20 students on break from seven schools.

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And Our Next Reader Is…The Mayor

January 18, 2023

Sara Baxter

An innovative new program from Georgia City Solutions encourages mayors get out into the community and read to children, promoting literacy and community engagement.

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Putting the Needs of Children and Families First in Clarkston

November 1, 2022

Sara Baxter

The City of Clarkston has found that collaboration is key in finding ways to engage the community with the goal of improving early childhood learning.

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Youth Civic Engagement: The Future Started Yesterday

Cities Connect

April 12, 2022

During GMA's April 12, 2022, Cities Connect call, Dr. Randell E. Trammell, CEO of the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement (GCCE), shared key data points on youth and civic engagement, how cities and officials can get youth engaged now, and a how GCCE engages with Georgia students to increase positive civic outcomes.

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Meeting the Moment: Cities Increase Investments in Young People to Support Pandemic Recovery and Beyond

March 3, 2022

National League of Cities

New survey results from the National League of Cities (NLC) find that mayors, city councilmembers, and other municipal leaders across the country overwhelmingly believe that afterschool and summer learning programs are important strategies to utilize as the nation continues on a path to pandemic recovery. 

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Engaging Our Youth to Improve Georgia’s Civic Health

November 1, 2021

Rebecca Rice and Elizabeth Turner, Georgia Family Connection Partnership

What do young people need from their communities? How can decision-makers change local systems to better support younger constituents? What can adults do to ensure youth have the desire and information they need to become active, contributing members of their communities now—and in the future?

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Improving the Lives of Georgia’s Children and Youth: What’s Next

August 26, 2021

Sara Baxter

Strides have been made in the areas of youth engagement and tackling the challenges that plague youth. But cities need to work together and forge partnerships for continued success in this area.

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Engaging Youth in Creative Ways

July 19, 2021

Sara Baxter

Two communities found a way to involve their youngest citizens. One uses town hall meetings designed just for kids while the other used an art initiative. The result, increased engagement.

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Report: Investing in Summer Learning Opportunities

July 19, 2021

Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network

This report includes recommendations developed to strengthen the infrastructure and quality of metro Atlanta’s summer learning landscape, increase and coordinate funding, and serve the needs of the whole child. Although the report is metro-Atlanta specific, it can be used as a framework by communities across the state.

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Setting Youth Up for Success

June 21, 2021

Sara Baxter

Walking in Authority Teen Council teaches Clayton County’s youth leadership, civic engagement, networking and much more.

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It’s Not Easy Being Young

May 24, 2021

Sara Baxter

Today's youth face a litany of challenges on their way to adulthood. In addition to peer pressure, kids also face mental health and disconnection challenges. The good news is that there are things adults can do to help – both individually and through organizations and programs – to address and alleviate these challenges.

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Preparing Today’s Youth to Be Tomorrow’s Leaders

April 22, 2021

Sara Baxter

Youth engagement programs can come in many shapes and sizes and are vital to youth development.

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Get the Children Reading

March 22, 2021

Sara Baxter

Promoting literacy helps protect the health, well-being and economy of communities, and it’s a great way to engage young readers.

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Grooming Employees for the Future

February 22, 2021

Sara Baxter

Plagued by the challenges of looming retirements, a competitive job market and compensation issues, city governments are finding ways to cultivate their own employees.

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Reaping the Benefits of a Youth Commission

January 19, 2021

Sara Baxter

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson has worked with young people and led the Chatham County Youth Commission for more than 25 years. Here he shares some advice for other communities.

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Engaging Youth When They are Out of School

December 18, 2020

Sara Baxter

If children are engaged and connected in quality afterschool and summer care, everybody wins.

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Taking Care of Georgia’s Youngest Citizens

November 30, 2020

Sara Baxter

Access to quality child care not only helps children and their families; it can also be a strong economic development tool for cities.

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Grooming Future Leaders of Tomorrow

October 26, 2020

Sara Baxter

Youth in Dublin have a chance to learn about city government, participate in the court system and gain valuable job experience – all before they’re 18.

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Engaging Youth in Douglasville: Providing an Alternative to Gangs

September 24, 2020

Sara Baxter

Innovative program educates youth on the dangers of joining gangs and gives them tools for a better life.

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