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Homegrown Leaders

Homegrown Leaders is a three-day regional leadership and community economic development training that equips existing and emerging leaders with the skills they need to lead long-term economic advancement in their community and region. In 2018-2020 we served 31 western counties and in 2022 we served 42 eastern counties.

Central Training – Region 1

Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Granville, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake, and Warren Counties

Training will take place April 18-20.

Applications are now open.

Central Training – Region 2

Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Davidson, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanley, and Union Counties

Training will take place July 18-20.

Applications for this cohort will open in May.

 

Region 1 Application and Selection Timeline

This is a two-step process. You must apply AND if selected, complete registration and payment.

  • March 22, 2023 | Application period closes.
  • March 28, 2023 | Accepted applicants are notified and registration opens.
  • April 7, 2023 | Registration completed ($250 registration fee is due).
  • April 18-20, 2023 | Homegrown Leaders Training

 

Objectives

  • Gain an understanding of the importance of resiliency and a regional lens for both building long-term solutions to common problems and innovative opportunities for growth. 
  • Learn and apply skills needed to address current and emerging critical issues and economic trends that will impact the future of their communities and regions:
    • Economic development (Participate in an in-depth examination of the building blocks of community economic development; receive an analysis of current data and regional economic trends; and take part in an exploration of critical local/regional economic development issues and opportunities.)
    • Leadership development (Learn collaborative leadership skills; explore emotional intelligence; and learn strategies for working with others and leading in difficult conversations.)
    • Economic impact of racial inequity (Engage in an analysis of the historical impact of social structures and power relationships on specific economic issues, social conditions, and marginalized populations; and participate in an in-depth conversation on how rural community leaders can eliminate barriers and expand opportunity for the future economic well-being of all rural North Carolinians and their communities.)
  • Build relationships by networking with other leaders from the region. 
 

“Homegrown Leaders took me out of my comfort zone and exceeded my expectations. This training was an excellent experience. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity allowing me to gain knowledge to go back and share with my community.”

2022 Homegrown Leader Graduate

Elizabeth City, NC May 2022

Lumberton, NC June 2022

Want to learn more?

Contact Bronwyn Lucas,
Senior Director of Leadership & Engagement
blucas@ncruralcenter.org