What is IGEL?

The Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL) is a leadership program dedicated to building and sustaining a diverse network of environmentally educated leaders who will help resolve Georgia’s environmental challenges. The IGEL experience creates a safe and informative forum for individuals to learn leadership skills, conflict resolution and find common ground. It brings together a diverse group of leaders from a multitude of backgrounds. These leaders are important stakeholders in sustaining and improving the health of Georgia ’s environmental resources. It is designed for individuals who have a proven commitment to confronting environmental issues in our state and who are positioned to make a meaningful contribution to our state’s environment.

Who does IGEL serve?

IGEL is based, in part, on the belief that solutions come from a diversity of people representing the various needs, opinions, ethnic and cultural communities, bases of power, and economic resources of the people of Georgia. IGEL encourages participation from agriculture, businesses, civic groups, concerned citizens, educational institutions, environmental organizations, forestry, governments, industries, and neighborhood groups. IGEL is an educational and personal development experience. It enhances participants’ leadership skills and improves their understanding of complex environmental issues. While it does not attempt to create a consensus of opinions or promote a specific issue, participants are better prepared to take action and make a difference in the lives of others.

What is IGEL’s Goal?

IGEL’s goal is to build and sustain a diverse network of environmentally educated leaders. Georgia faces many environmental challenges, and meeting these challenges successfully depends upon building leadership that employs an enhanced understanding of environmental issues and an ability to work together. IGEL plays an important role in this process. The goals of the program include, learning more about regional and state environmental issues, providing a forum for participants to develop an understanding of each other’s views, engaging participants in key aspects of leadership, such as creative problem solving and conflict resolution, building trust, and developing communications skills.

Our People

The IGEL staff, facilitators, and board of directors bring exceptional knowledge, experience, and leadership skills to the IGEL program. Our people are leaders in government, non-profit organizations, and industry and are uniquely equipped to develop and challenge the future environmental leaders of Georgia.