Decatur Leadership Institute (DLI) Class of 2026 - Starts August 21

Date and Time

Friday Aug 21, 2026

Registration deadline is Friday, July 31, 2026
Orientation and team-building dinner is Friday, August 21, 2026

Fees/Admission

Member Registration: $750
Non-Member Registration: $950

Contact Information

Jackie Welch
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Description

Download the application HERE to get started. The Class of 2026 registration deadline is July 31.

The Decatur Leadership Institute (DLI) is a community-wide effort, facilitated by the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce, to prepare high-quality citizen leadership to meet the present and future challenges facing Decatur and Macon County.

Purpose
DLI has been developing citizen leaders since the early eighties. The list of past graduates is full of community leaders who now serve on various boards, commissions, and committees throughout the Decatur and Macon County area. The future of Macon County is linked to the quality of its leadership. Be part of that future and become an active, motivated leader through the Decatur Leadership Institute!

Get involved in effecting positive change within the community
Build strong relationships to lead and serve the Decatur/Macon County community
Experience a behind-the-scenes look at community government and business

"DLI was a wonderful experience that provided numerous working contacts, as well as information on the community to help shift how we talk about Decatur. I was born and raised in Macon County, and I learned so many things our community has to offer that I was never aware of, so now I have a fresh perspective to share!"

~Molly Tenuto, Dove Inc., DLI Class of 2023.

Program
Program participants will attend 15 sessions over the course of 14 weeks, typically on Thursday mornings, where they experience on-site learning and gain an inside view of the industries and issues that shape our region. The program also entails group-based service learning projects and concludes with a project presentations and graduation ceremony.

The registration fee includes:

Orientation and team-building session with dinner
Lunch and transportation to and from Springfield State Capitol (Legislative Session)
Two (2) tickets to the project presentations and graduation ceremony