A unique Georgia program designed to prepare academic, government and business leaders in the state for the environmental challenges of the future is recruiting its inaugural class.
The Governor's Environmental Advisory Council and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership at the University of Georgia have created the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL).
"The IGEL program is the first of its kind," says Connie Wiggins, chairperson of the Governor's Environmental Advisory Council. "Participants will complete the program with a better understanding of environmental issues and improved leadership skills."
The recruiting effort will focus on potential candidates from fields as diverse as agriculture and private industry to government and educational institutions. An individual must be nominated for IGEL by an organization, individual, institution or company.
IGEL participants will be required to attend six, two-day sessions held in different locations around the state from September to April. The sessions include:
- Current environmental issues
- Emerging environmental challenges
- Environmental problem solving
- Communication skills
- Conflict management
The IGEL experience will be centered on educational and personal development, rather than on opinion and political agendas. Participants hopefully will complete the program with a greater understanding of environmental issues and improved leadership skills.
The first IGEL class of 30 participants will be selected in June 2002. The tuition fee for the IGEL program is $2,000. The fee covers instruction, materials, lodging and meals. Transportation expenses are not covered. Partial scholarships are available for qualified candidates.
Nominations must be received by April 1, 2002. Please call (706) 542-1108 or e-mail [email protected] to request a brochure and a nomination reply card.
Further information can be obtained at www.dnr.state.ga.us/igel.pdf.
edited by Sandy Smith ([email protected])