Grassroots Leadership 20th Anniversary Celebration

2024 Marks the 20th year for the Grassroots Leadership Institute (GLDI) an initiative of the Spartanburg County Foundation launched to equip participants with the knowledge, skill-set, and resources to be effective in leading change throughout Spartanburg County and beyond. Developed as part of Strengthening Voices, leadership training intensive is designed to empower the community members to assume responsibility for positive social change and equip them with the resources to do make a difference.

Nearly 500 community members have graduated from the Institute. More than 95% are still living, working, and making an impact in the Upstate. More than 20% are active in the Grassroots Leadership Alumni Association (GLAA). Members of GLAA are leading multiple celebration activities throughout 2024.

Event registrations (where necessary) will be sent to GLAA members via email.

We are halfway through our 20 Weeks of Service Challenge!

Calling all Alumni! Volunteer at least 20 hours between June 9th and October 26th… to ANY cause you choose…any charity of your choice…at a time that is convenient for you for the chance to win a ticket to to the GLDI Anniversary Celebration!

If you did not get started in June, it’s not too late! You don’t have to log just one hour per week. You could volunteer 5 hours a week for four weeks – that counts too!

It’s easy. Simply volunteer for a cause you care about and then complete the volunteer form to record your hours. It’s that easy!

Two lucky GLAA members will receive tickets to the GLDI Gala Celebration on October 26th. When you reach 20 hours of volunteer time, your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a VIP ticket to this special black-tie optional celebration event. For every additional 10 hours you serve, above the 20 hours, you get another chance to win.

Complete the form each time you serve so that we can keep track of where you are making a difference!

Click to submit your service hours!

Plan to Attend these Homecoming Weekend Activities!

Friday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27, 2024

GLDI Graduation and Anniversary Celebration Gala

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25th, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Enjoy dinner, dancing, and fellowship as we recognize the newest graduates of GLDI – the Class of 2024 – and celebrated 20 years of strengthening voices! This black tie optional event is ticketed. Alumni are invited to also purchase a ticket for their spouse or significant other. Tickets will go on sale in September and SEATING IS LIMITED! We hope to see you there!

Voices in Action – Together We Serve

Saturday, October 26th, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

This special morning of service is an opportunity for GLDI Alumni and their families to get out in the community and volunteer together. We have four organizations picked out that will benefit greatly from your help, and you will have an opportunity to sign up to make a big difference! We have prepared in advance so this is a rain or shine event.

Family Block Party Celebration

Saturday, October 26th, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Following our morning of service, GLAA will be hosting a family block party at the Dr. TK Gregg Community Center. Come on out and enjoy a cookout, complete with games, music, and fun! We will also be awarding 20 nonprofits Just Because grants in honor of our 20th anniversary! This is also rain or shine. Watch for a sign up and more information in the coming weeks!

Worship with Fellow Alumni

Sunday, October 27th, times vary by location

We have reached out to several Alumni who are also clergy in the area to conclude our weekend with an opportunity to visit other places of worship that morning. We will be posting a list of those Alumni and locations in the coming weeks! It’s a great way to end our weekend together!

Grassroots Leadership Alumni Association

Grassroots Leadership Development Institute graduates are invited to become members of the Alumni Association. The purpose of the Grassroots Leadership Alumni Association (GLAA) is to continue to engage Institute graduates by creating opportunities for networking and collaboration, connecting alumni to leadership positions within the community, keeping them informed of pressing community needs, and providing continued leadership training.