The Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, Inc. (CGIC), a group of community members and advocates working together in a comprehensive, coordinated approach for planning and accountability, recently convened the steering committee of approximately 75 community leaders at Armstrong State University to kick off neighborhood meetings beginning later this month. 

“CGIC’s aim is to improve community well-being by engaging and leading the community to work collectively in its development of strategic priorities that guide policy, programs and resource allocation,” said Tara Jennings, director. “By examining and impacting economic independence, education, health and quality of life, CGIC hopes to make a positive change within our coastal community.”

CGIC is seeking businesses, organizations or other community stakeholders to serve as champions to advocate, provide support and increase awareness, and concerned and engaged residents to provide feedback. Neighborhood meetings have already been scheduled for the following Chatham County voting districts and residents in these areas are invited and encouraged to attend:

● District 1: January 29, 2015 at Goodwill Industries, 5:30-7 p.m.
● District 2: February 17, 2015 at Bull Street Library, 5:30-7 p.m.
● District 3 (Thunderbolt and Whitemarsh): February 26, 2015 at Senior Citizens Center, 7-8 p.m. 
● District 3 (Garden City): February 19, 2015 at Garden City City Hall, 5:30-7 p.m. District 4 (Wilmington Island): February 24, 2015 at Islands Library, 5:30-7 p.m.
● District 4 (Tybee Island): March 3, 2015 at Tybee Library, 5:30-7 p.m.
● District 5: February 25, 2015 at Savannah Tech, 5:30-7 p.m.
● District 6: March 10, 2015 at Southwest Library, 5:30-7 p.m.
● District 7: March 2, 2015 at Pooler Library, 5:30-7 p.m.
● District 8: February 12, 2015 at Forest City Library, 5:30-7 p.m.

The City of Savannah, Chatham County and United Way of the Coastal Empire, Inc. serve as charter organizations of the CGIC in partnership with approximately 20 local organizations that include: local hospitals and primary and post-secondary education. The results of each meeting will be posted online for community transparency and comments.