Eatonton has its eye on the future. That’s not limited to safe roads and up-to-date infrastructure. With the Eatonton Youth Leadership Council, the city is also investing in human infrastructure, training local leaders of tomorrow.
“We believe that leaders are made not born, that every person possesses leadership potential, that leaders have a responsibility to develop other leaders,” begins the city’s establishing document for the council. Eatonton is putting that belief into action through the group, which mixes leadership training, community service, team building and educational classes.
The council was initially approved by the Eatonton City Council in late 2019, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the inaugural class did not convene until January 2021. The group of 13 high school students completed a four-month curriculum and graduated May 5.
Future youth council programs will last most of a year; the pandemic was also to blame for the abbreviated inaugural class, said Eatonton Councilmember Janie Reid. All who participated in the first class intend to join the second, starting in September, she said.
The youth council met multiple times each month, with each session having a balance of practicality and fun. On the same day they took a CliftonStrengths Assessment, which examines a person’s personality traits and skills, the council members also worked together to solve an escape room. They had a class about municipal government, led by Eatonton elected officials, and then the council elected officers among themselves.
Youth Councilmember Jha’myia Gorley, a junior at Georgia College Early College, said the program has shown her that she doesn’t have to wait to start making an impact in her community.
“I have learned to make a difference; age does not matter,” Gorley said. “No matter how big or small, I will make a difference, and being on this youth leadership council shows how we will represent the youth of this city and what we as a council should seek to change.”
Participants must be high school students living in Eatonton city limits and commit to performing at least 10 hours of community service while in the program. There are no requirements for GPA or past leadership roles, but those interested in becoming a member of the Eatonton Youth Leadership Council must answer application questions about their leadership qualities and what they hope to take away from the experience.
Luckily, it won’t be hard for Eatonton students to apply. Applications will be given to all eligible students— Eatonton residents in grades 9 through 12 who are homeschooled or attend Putnam County High School or Gatewood School.