This group's efforts culminated in a full-day leadership summit during the summer of 2004. More than 100 young leaders attended the event with activities including organized discussions about major issues and speeches from experienced leaders, including journalists, elected officials and successful business owners. The event allowed participants to meet and learn from each other about the shared challenges and opportunities of public service in the state. Most importantly, the leadership summit confirmed the need/demand for a new type of leadership organization in North Carolina, one built by young leaders.
Following the summit, several members of the initial group left the state to pursue other opportunities. A core group was reconstituted in September 2005 and has since set forward to build upon the initial foundation. Over the past couple of years, the organization has held major events connecting with hundreds of young leaders across the state to discuss topics such as immigration and health care. In addition, there have been several networking events, development of a monthly discussion group, establishment of an ongoing blog and organizational steps such as developing a Web site, writing by-laws, incorporating, and expanding participation. Members of the board have met for an in-depth strategic planning session. As part of the strategic plan, the Emerging Tar Heel Leaders, formerly a subsidiary of the Program on Public Life at UNC-Chapel Hill, was incorporated and received designation as a 501(c)(3), tax exempt organization.
In March 2007, the seven member incorporating board expanded into a 14-member Board of Directors. Plans are in place to further increase the size and diversity of the Board over the next three years, fundraise and eventually hire staff to manage the day-to-day operations. Over the next several years, the Board hopes to develop a strong network in the Triangle area, develop a model for starting new networks and support the creation of networks across the state. The Board welcomes interested applicants to contact us using the information below.
Email: info@ethl.org
Emerging Tar Heel Leaders
PO Box 25776
Raleigh, NC 27611-5776