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Homegrown Leaders is bringing the foundations of the Rural Center’s flagship Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI) program to Gaston, N.C., on June 10-12, 2025, at the Bishop W.I. Welch Community Center at 101 Cherry Street. People who live in or work in the counties in the map at the bottom are eligible to apply for this cohort.
Homegrown Leaders is a three-day regional leadership and community economic development training that brings the foundations of the Rural Center’s flagship Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI) program to rural communities. Participating leaders will gain an understanding of the importance of applying a regional lens to build long-term solutions to common problems and innovative opportunities for growth. Participants will also examine the building blocks of community economic development, learn collaborative leadership skills, explore emotional intelligence, and learn strategies for leading difficult conversations.
Who should apply for Homegrown Leaders?
The training is custom designed for current and emerging leaders across multiple sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Government
- Nonprofit
- Faith-based organizations
- Small business leaders and entrepreneurs
- Economic development professionals
- Other community leaders
Applying is a two-step, competitive process. You must apply and, if selected, complete registration and payment. The registration fee for Homegrown Leaders is $1,000. It includes three days of training, all training materials, a continental breakfast and catered lunch each day, and a networking social event. Scholarships are available, and no payment is required to apply.
The application period closes on May 2, 2025. If you have questions, please contact Olaunda Green, director of leadership training, at ogreen@ncruralcenter.org or 919-212-4283. We hope to see you there.
Author: staff report
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