Strong local leadership is vital to the future of the Northeast Kingdom. We're working to support emerging leaders and to encourage more young people to become leaders in our communities.
In December 2018, the NEKC released Grow Your Own: Advancing the Next Generation of Leadership in the Northeast Kingdom, an action plan for the region. The report was the result of a year-long community engagement process involving community listening sessions and a Task Force of leaders and experts. Together, we developed a series of projects for 2019 that we know will have a measurable impact.
Snapshot of Progress
Here's what we've accomplished since the release of our Leadership Action Plan:
Northeast Kingdom Leadership Institute - Lead organization NorthWoods Stewardship Center is working with a steering committee to design a 6-month intensive leadership development program for 15 NEK residents. The program is based on best practices. Enroll today.
NEK Women Lead - The NEKC is facilitating a networking group for mission-driven women in the Northeast Kingdom. The learning circle format will create a space for rich honest dialogue over quarterly dinners and conversations. Enroll today.
NEK Professional Development Series - A consortium of professional development organizations are meeting regularly to cross-promote and market their current offerings and to build a cohesive regional training plan, facilitated by NEKC. This spring, the organizations surveyed employers and employees in the region about their training needs. Now they are aligning their courses with survey results. Enrollments have already increased!
NEK Welcome Wagon Program - NEK Young Professionals Network is partnering with the Vermont Welcome Wagon Project to connect new and returning Vermonters to local community hosts and resources. The NEK YPN is adapting the Chittenden-based program to the Northeast Kingdom with a target launch date of August 2019.
The NEK Leads Summit is scheduled for November 14, 2019 at Burke Mountain Hotel & Conference Center. The event will bring together community members, business owners, nonprofits, government officials, and municipal leaders. Conference planning is underway led by the NEKC in partnership with Nancy Gabriel from New Directions Collaborative and a diverse steering committee of local community members. Stay tuned for a detailed agenda and registration information.
Other recommendations, including establishing a training scholarship fund and launching an NEK Mentor Network, are currently in the fundraising stage.
This work is a truly collaborative effort and we’re going to need everyone pitching in together to achieve our vision. If you want to learn more, invest in a project or get involved, let us know.
