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Unique nonprofit connects leaders to volunteer opportunities
(Op-Ed by Connie Fuller – Fort Myers News Press) Greater Naples Leadership (GNL) is a nonprofit that does not hold fundraisers, make grants to community agencies, or advocate for causes or candidates. Now in its 28th year, GNL educates proven leaders through its Masters Class Program on the issues and needs of Collier County and connects them to volunteer opportunities in nonprofit and civic organizations. As a result, you will find GNL members at the head of iconic Naples organizations, on boards of local nonprofits, and working one-on-one to change the lives of others in our community.
As Naples became my home, I joined two very popular women’s groups that do raise funds and make grants, as well as my sorority’s alumnae association and my church. As I met more and more people, I found that so many of those I admired and respected were members of GNL. Intrigued and wanting to learn more, I visited the website, gnlwebsite.org. I wanted to “dig deeper” into what makes Naples the warm, generous, interesting and unique community it is.
The GNL Masters Class is a two-year program. The first year is focused on learning. Class members attend a series of session days about Collier County, including human services, education, environment, health care, cultural arts and more. The second year, class members work in teams to plan and implement one of those session days for the next class. Year one far exceeded my expectations as I learned about organizations I didn’t know existed. And I was thrilled to find at the very first meeting of our class, an equal number of men and women with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. Already a big difference from my other groups!
My carpool of four men who lived nearby was one of the highlights of the year. Their experiences in business and medicine provided valuable perspectives to this securities attorney as we discussed topics relevant to each session day. When my husband and I hosted them and their wives for sunset cocktails at our home, the bond was complete.
Just two years ago, I was applying to GNL with the sponsorship of my golfing buddy’s husband who is a GNL member. Now, having completed year one, I’ve successfully sponsored a valued friend and am working with a talented team planning an enriching session day for the next class.
Many GNL members hold leadership positions in Collier County. Many are semi-retired or retired. Although golf, tennis, pickleball and social gatherings enhance the days of those of us lucky enough to live in Naples, many people are also looking for ways to give back, to make a difference in the lives of others. Through education and community connection, Greater Naples Leadership provides that opportunity.
Connie Fuller, a native Oklahoman and full-time resident of Naples for almost nine years, recently completed the first year of GNL’s Masters Class. Now in year two, she is on the planning team for the Class XXVIII Immokalee Session Day.