A quick scan of current headlines shows us a world that seems highly polarized, characterized by the things that divide us. For all its benefits, social media can enhance division by creating an echo chamber that reinforces perceptions without providing alternative viewpoints. Individuals who want to solve problems, overcome divisiveness and build better communities must work to find solutions to break society out of these “thought silos.”
For more than 42 years, participants of Leadership Gainesville (LG) have enjoyed that valuable experience. Sponsored by the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, LG participants spend a full day every month for 10 months focused on leadership development and local issues including economic development, education and social services. Participants vary in age, gender, ethnic background and occupation, and the program aims to provide a diverse, dynamic group. During educational and interaction sessions, participants develop friendships and connections that might not happen otherwise. A by-product of these relationships is greater empathy for people who are different or who believe differently than you. This understanding is one of the great gifts of LG. To really benefit our community, those valuable friendships — a true network — must persist after the program ends.
The Leadership Gainesville Alumni Association (LGAA) was formed in 1987 with that end in mind. LG grads number more than 1,200, and although some have moved on to other areas of the country, LGAA remains the connective tissue that binds alumni together. LGAA is volunteer-led, and since its formation, it has undergone many changes, always informed by the experience and enthusiasm of LG graduates. LGAA supports LG graduating classes and their unique projects and initiatives, some of which continue to benefit the community. One of my favorites is the annual LGAA 5K and Corporate Team Challenge. For 10 years, the event has invited local organizations to assemble teams for the benefit of area nonprofits such as the Fisher House, the Food4Kids Backpack Program and the American Cancer Society. The event, started by LG Class 32, was adopted by LGAA in 2009 and remains a popular event for the community.
The most recent LG group, Class 42, has already identified projects that it will bring to the community, including a leadership program that will focus on youth whose socioeconomic status makes them less likely to participate in development activities. Each and every year, LG and LGAA help individuals see the needs in our community and collaborate to meet them.
My own LG network includes those who have served in public office, led prominent nonprofit organizations, started their own businesses and worked on both sides of important area issues. I might not have these friends, or the others I have made as a result, were it not for LGAA and the continued opportunities it provides to LG grads.
Today, in addition to supporting LG with scholarships for new participants, LG has two main objectives:
- To help LG grads remain engaged in our community.
- To maintain and strengthen the relationships developed in LG.
The focus on these two areas comes from our recognition that for an organization to thrive, it has to provide value that no other organization can. LGAA’s value is in the unique network of LGAA grads and the ability of LGAA to encourage action on issues important to our community.
For the first time, during the 2016-17 year, active LGAA members will receive complimentary admission to many LGAA events, which are usually lunches focused on important, timely issues. As an organization, LGAA does not endorse candidates or take sides on political issues, but we want our members to be involved. We will continue to provide a forum for such calls to action, something that LGAA is uniquely positioned to do.
We can make progress in bridging our divided society by seeking to better understand our community and our fellow citizens. LG and LGAA accomplish exactly that by building the kinds of relationships that leaders need to make a meaningful impact.
Greater Gainesville is a better place as a result.
JOE LOWRY JR. is a graduate of Leadership Gainesville Class 33 (Go Yellow!) and was a dean of Class 34. He is president of the Leadership Gainesville Alumni Association during the 2016-17 year. Joe is the managing partner of Lowry Financial Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser (lowryfinancialadvisors.com).