Do you live or work in Macon or Taylor County in Georgia? Are you currently (or would you like to be) in a leadership role in your community?  

We are looking for adults who want to be better leaders in their communities, people who want to learn and experience more in their region and like to know how to create a thriving community where they live, work and play. 

Following is our tentative schedule. The program may vary slightly, but all events will take place 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

• • • September 24 —Clifton Strengths & Getting to Know Your Cohort at Flint Energies in Reynolds. The Clifton Strengths Assessment is like none other. You'll complete a quiz about yourself prior to the start of our program and receive an in-depth look at your strengths and how you can utilize them better at work, in everyday life, and in being a better leader in your community. 
    • October 19 – Cooperative Education & Community Impact Project at Flint Energies in Reynolds. Learn about EMCs, the Cooperative principles and how cooperatives help our communities. In addition, we will discuss your Community Impact Project and lay out plans for working on it throughout our time together. 
    • November 9 —Join Empower for the Economic & Community Development program in Warner Robins. We will enjoy a day of learning with the City of Warner Robins as well as our state partners. 
    • December —Work with your county’s Empower students on their Community Service project; if this is not possible, work on your Community Impact Project. 
    • January 21 —GDEcD, DCA, GMA & RVRC to present about local elected officials – how to be a responsible local elected official, how to educate yourself about local government; hosted at Flint Energies in Reynolds.
    • February 18 —Downtown & Community Development at home – Nicole Acree & Angie Peaster to discuss with group about things happening in Macon and Taylor Counties. Hosted at Flint Energies in Reynolds.
    • March 3 —Graduation and present on your Community Impact experience. Hosted at Flint Energies in Reynolds.

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 year through May 28, 2026.
Click here to begin your application.