Literacy, Youth Engagement, and Civic Leadership
Developing Georgia’s Future Civic Leaders
GeorgiaForward, a Georgia Municipal Association nonprofit, unites emerging leaders, students, mayors, and community advocates from across the state to build vibrant and economically prosperous communities. Through programs focused on young professional leadership development, literacy initiatives, youth engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, GeorgiaForward unites our state and empowers leaders through innovative programs and stratgic parnterships that help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Visit the GeorgiaForward websiteMayor's Reading Club
The Mayor’s Reading Club is GMA’s flagship initiative to promote childhood literacy and civic engagement. This flexible program empowers mayors to lead community-wide reading efforts through in-person or virtual activities. By bringing together schools, libraries, nonprofits, and local leaders, mayors help foster a love of reading while highlighting careers in local government.
Participating cities receive a complete starter kit featuring a program guide, recommended book list, Georgia Caroline storybooks, and a coloring book—everything needed to launch fun, meaningful literacy activities that connect kids to their community.
Explore the Mayor's Reading Club
Youth Councils
GMA supports cities in creating Youth Councils to engage young residents, build leadership skills, and address community issues from a youth perspective. These councils empower the next generation while helping city leaders stay connected to the voices and concerns of local youth. Participating cities gain access to signature events like the Youth Symposium (Fall) and Youth Forum (Spring), offering valuable networking and growth opportunities for students.
Ready to start a Youth Council in your city? Download our Youth Council Guidebook or contact us for one-on-one support.
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Young Gamechangers
Young Gamechangers is a dynamic leadership action program that brings together 45–50 of Georgia’s brightest professionals under the age of 40 to tackle real challenges in a host community. Through deep community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and hands-on research, participants develop bold, practical proposals—complete with timelines, funding sources, and strategic partners. Their work has sparked local transformation and influenced statewide policy.
Learn More About the Young Gamechanger Program