Emerging Leaders

Emerging Leaders in Rural America are plentiful but often unseen and under-resourced.  The term “emerging leaders” takes on several meanings in NRFC's work. 

In one sense, it implies the need for youth engagement strategies in rural America to retain within their rural communities as the next generation of Rural Americans.  An example of this can be seen in the Central Valley Partnerships, Youth in Focus project which develops young leaders in civic engagement and leadership development programs.

In another sense, “emerging leaders” means the identification of exiting regional leaders that can work together to exchange best practices and lessons learned with a broader national audience.  An example of this in NRFC's work connecting our regional partners who are practicing expert in the field, to policy agencies and other regional partners for peer-learning exchanges.  

And finally, another aspect of the term “emerging leaders” is in the direct and intentional sponsorship and participation in requiring NRFC grantees to utilize an “emerging leader” who is between 18-25 years of age in their project work with NRFC.  Grantees are encouraged to cultivate the next generation of organizer and leadership through the national event participation and project participation with NRFC.  NRFC's Annual Assemblies traditionally include a unique time for this Caucus of young people to exchange ideas, access seasoned professionals within the community development field, and identify and share resources  together.