Savannah Standard

The City of Savannah is set to introduce the Community Advancement Leadership Institute (CALI) through its Human Services Department on April 1, with an open house event. The new initiative will provide over 60 free and affordable training sessions throughout the year. CALI aims to deliver community-focused education and skill-building opportunities for individuals and organizations in Savannah.

The sessions are designed to furnish Savannahians with the necessary knowledge and resources for personal success and community contribution. It seeks to promote a thriving city by assisting adults, youth, grassroots organizations, and nonprofit agencies in achieving self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.

At the open house on April 1, attendees will be able to learn about CALI's upcoming semester sessions, register, and meet the Community Advancement Division team.

CALI will offer sessions across four main areas: Community and Neighborhood Leadership Development; Nonprofit and Organizational Leadership Development; Career and Personal Leadership Development; and Youth Leadership Development.

Community leadership sessions focus on equipping residents and leaders with skills for sustainable community development. Nonprofit development sessions aim to bolster nonprofit organizations with strategies for leadership, planning, and fundraising.

Career and personal development sessions provide participants with the skills needed for professional growth. Youth leadership sessions target empowering young people to become effective leaders, emphasizing critical leadership qualities.

Semester I runs from April to August, with registration available starting April 1, while Semester II goes from September to December, opening registration on August 1. City of Savannah staff and professional trainers will lead most sessions.

Semester I session details and registration can be found at savannahga.gov/cali or by contacting 912-651-6520.

The major events for CALI include:

- CALI Open House, Session One: Tuesday, April 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Faham St.

- CALI Open House, Session Two: Tuesday, April 1, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Faham St.

- CALI Super Saturday: Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pennsylvania Avenue Resource Center (PARC), 425 Pennsylvania Ave.

- Another CALI Super Saturday: Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.

- CALI Neighborhood Convention: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.