Emerging Leaders for Community Change (ELCC) is an initiative of the The Georgia Faith Forward Democracy (FFD) network, a multifaith, nonpartisan network of faith leaders which is supported by the Georgia Democracy Resilience Network and The Carter Center. We are united by a concern for our increasingly divided country and the impact those divisions have on our communities, families, and democracy. Recognizing that young people of faith are uniquely positioned to bridge divides, ELCC will empower the next generation of leaders to create meaningful, lasting change in their communities.

The application cycle for the 2026 - 2027 cohort is now open! We are accepting applications through 11:59PM ET on August 18, 2026.

To apply for the cohort, click here.

The ELCC cohort is for students and young adults ages 18-30. No prior work experience or educational background is required for cohort participation. People of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

If you want to connect with young leaders from diverse backgrounds, united by a common mission to improve their communities, ELCC is for you. Our cohort and workshops are a place of learning, fellowship, and action, guided by premier experts and changemakers in Georgia and beyond. The cohort will begin with a weekend retreat in Dahlonega, Georgia from September 18 - 20, 2026, followed by bi-monthly gatherings through December. The second phase of the cohort will begin in January and will give you the chance to implement a community-focused initiative of your own, with mentorship and funding support from The Carter Center. Hear what ELCC has meant to past cohort members below:

“The community I have found in ELCC has given me a sense of aliveness and hope. Because I feel more grounded, I show up stronger in every space. My work benefits, and so does my personal life, because I’m operating from a healthier, more intentional place.” 

“Sometimes it is hard for me to see myself as a changemaker, but this program and all that I have learned from ELCC has shown me that I truly am.”

Through expert-led workshops on topics ranging from the dynamics and impact of polarization to conflict resolution, and non-violent communication, participants will develop leadership skills, build relationships with other participants and mentors, and receive funding to design and implement their own community change initiative. Through this cohort, you will gain the ability to:

Understand:

• The structural and psychological dynamics of polarization in the United States and how it impacts our mental health, relationships, and communities
• The unique position and role that faith-based leaders can play in healing (and creating) division 

Practice:

• Strategies for creating and promoting positive values within your communities 
• Effective strategies to engage constructively with those you disagree with politically

Explore:

• Connecting to people with different views and finding common ground 
• Core concepts of conflict resolution, and nonviolent communication as means to address interpersonal and community conflict 
• Co-designing and implementing community-level initiatives.

The ELCC workshops will run from September through January 2027. In early 2027, participants will design and implement a community-level change project, with implementation concluding by June 1, 2027. Beyond the program itself, the relationships you build with fellow participants and mentors will continue to provide support and collaboration throughout your career.

ELCC begins with an in-person retreat on September 18 - 20. Following the retreat, participants will attend two-hour workshops twice a month through December 2026. The full workshop schedule will be shared with selected cohort members.

From January through May 2027, participants will design and implement a community-level change project of their own on a flexible schedule. During this phase, the full cohort will meet for monthly virtual project check-ins to share progress, receive feedback, and support one another.

Yes. All eligible costs associated with participating in the cohort and retreat will be covered and reimbursed. In addition, participants will receive funding to design and implement community-level initiatives that address division and strengthen civic engagement in their own communities.

If you are passionate about investing in your community and interested in engaging with different perspectives, we encourage you to apply for the next ELCC cohort. The strongest candidates are committed to service through their faith, building bridges, and bringing positive change to their community. There are no specific work or educational requirements. People of all faiths, backgrounds, and political perspectives are encouraged to apply.

Yes. ELCC is a Georgia-based program, and participants must reside in Georgia.

We strongly encourage participants to attend every workshop, but we understand that schedules can be demanding. If you miss a session, workshop recordings and materials will be made available online. Because each workshop builds on the previous one, participants are expected to watch any missed sessions to stay up to date with the cohort.

Each cohort includes around 25 - 30 participants.

The kickoff retreat is foundational to the cohort experience. It provides an opportunity to build relationships with fellow cohort members, meet program facilitators, and establish a strong base for the year ahead. Attending the retreat is mandatory. Any exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.