You care for your community.
You want it to be better.
But something is missing between caring and knowing what to do about it.
The Taylors Fellowship is an 8-month experience that changes how you see your community and your place in it. Through reading, discussion, and conversation with experienced leaders, a small group of neighbors learns to think more clearly, act more wisely, and lead where they live.
Non sibi, sed civitati—Not for oneself, but for the community.
You care about your town. You want to help. But when you ask, “How do I get involved?” the answers aren’t always clear.
Volunteer here. Join this committee. Show up to that meeting. And while those are good steps, they often assume you already know how to lead.
What if you don’t?
Most leadership programs are built for professionals climbing the ladder. But what about neighbors, church members, and citizens who simply want to be part of a better Taylors?
Most programs teach you what to do. We're more interested in who you're becoming.
Over eight months, a small group of community members reads together, thinks together, and learns from people who've done the work. We read books that challenge assumptions — about how communities thrive, how ideas spread, how people change their minds. We host leaders who show what thoughtful civic engagement looks like in practice.
The goal isn't to hand you a playbook. It's to leave you thinking differently about your town, your neighbors, and your own capacity to make things better.
How It Works
🗓 Schedule: Fourth Saturdays, 9:00–11:00 AM
📍 Location: Taylors-area location
☕️ Hospitality: Light breakfast & coffee provided
💡 Format:
8 monthly sessions (August–April, with December off)
1 book per session with guided discussion
Guest speakers from local government, nonprofits, and civic life
💵 Cost: $150/year (scholarships available)
📚 Books: Not included; ~$100
Who It’s For
This Fellowship is designed for neighbors who take their community seriously.
You don’t need a title or a resume. You need curiosity, a willingness to be challenged, and the discipline to show up.
This program is for you if:
You live in the Taylors, Eastside, or Greer area of Greenville County
You want to think more carefully about what your community needs
You're willing to read, reflect, and engage with ideas that might change your mind
You care about this place and want to be part of making it better
The Commitment
We ask Fellows to:
Attend at least 6 of the 8 sessions
Complete the monthly reading
Come ready to listen, contribute, and sit with hard questions
We’re building depth, not scale.
What You’ll Read
Past and current reading has included books like Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath, How to Think by Alan Jacobs, and Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam. We draw from thinkers across traditions who take seriously the question of how communities work, how people change, and what makes civic life worth the effort.
The Fellowship is led by Taylors TownSquare leaders:
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Alex Reynolds
President, Taylors TownSquare
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Tiffany Santagati
Facilitator
FAQs
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While a “Taylors, SC 29687” address isn't mandatory, we prefer candidates from the primary regions of Taylors. Residents from Greenville’s Eastside, Greer, and neighborhoods located north of Wade Hampton and east of Travelers Rest in Greenville County are encouraged to apply.
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We’re finalizing a location in the Taylors area.
All sessions will be held each month and will run from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on the fourth Saturday of the month. You’ll receive the full schedule and location once you’re accepted into the program. -
You won’t be put on the spot, but you will be expected to participate. This isn’t a lecture series—it’s a circle of peers. You’ll be asked to come ready to listen, share, and reflect together.
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Life happens—but community leadership requires commitment.
We ask Fellows to prioritize this experience and attend at least 6 out of 8 sessions. If something unexpected comes up, we understand. But showing up is a key part of the formation process—both for your growth and the group’s. These sessions are designed to be intimate, and each voice matters. -
Not in the way those words are usually used.
The Fellowship is grounded in moral formation and shared civic values—but it is not affiliated with any political party, religious denomination, or activist group. We do read from authors like C.S. Lewis and Alan Jacobs, who write with moral seriousness, but we’re not here to prescribe a worldview. Instead, we create space for reflection on what it means to lead with integrity and purpose in a diverse community.
The goal is not uniformity. It’s wisdom. -
No. The Fellowship is a program of Taylors TownSquare, a local nonprofit focused on building belonging in Taylors. Our goal is to cultivate civic leadership that’s rooted, thoughtful, and inclusive.
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We’re developing an alumni network for continued connection, collaboration, and support. Our hope is that this is just the beginning of your leadership journey in Taylors.
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Right now, we anticipate a typical session following this rough outline:
Icebreaker conversation
Book topic conversation
Skill conversation
Closing
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Yes—we expect Fellows to come prepared.
This isn’t homework for a grade, but it is a space of shared accountability. We ask all Fellows to make a sincere effort to complete the assigned reading each month so that discussions are rich, meaningful, and grounded in the material.
We don’t expect perfection, but we do expect effort. -
Not at all.
This program is for neighbors, not executives. If you’ve ever cared about your community and wondered how to contribute more meaningfully, you’re in the right place. What we’re looking for is curiosity, openness, and the willingness to grow. -
Perfect.
This is not a networking event. It’s a space for reflection, meaningful conversation, and shared purpose. You won’t be put on the spot—but we do ask everyone to come ready to participate, even in small ways. Think of it as a book group with purpose. -
The program fee helps cover:
Light breakfast and coffee at each session
Materials and supplies
Program coordination and guest speakers
Books are purchased separately and cost around $90 for the year. If cost is a barrier, scholarships are available. Just let us know on the application form—we’re happy to work with you.
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Yes.
We don’t want cost to be the reason someone doesn’t participate. Just check the box on your application and we’ll follow up with you privately. No essays, no paperwork—just a simple ask.
Apply Now
If you're ready to think seriously about your community — and your role in it — we'd like to hear from you.
Applications for the 2026-27 Fellowship are open. The program begins in August.
Questions? Contact us.
