The NCLCVF Program Raising True Leaders Who Reflect And Protect Their Communities

North Carolina needs leaders who reflect and protect their communities, especially systematically disenfranchised communities. That’s why our sister organization, NCLCV Foundation, began the Boards and Commissions program. 

Kerry Wiggins oversees the program. “In North Carolina, the government has historically and systemically marginalized Black, Brown, Indigenous, poor, and rural communities across the state. Only when we shift the power back to the members of these communities can we truly protect our land, our water, our air, our future.”

She continues, “Our program prepares women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and other underrepresented groups to serve on local appointed boards and commissions. Through our trainings, we prepare fellows for various positions of leadership. We also provide networks previously unavailable to our fellows.“
Kerry’s team provides each fellow with a mentor who supports them throughout the program. Such contributions increase productive voices advocating for environmental justice, social justice, and democratic inequalities that have historically plagued Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Currently, they are in need of more mentors. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Kerry Wiggins, kerry@nclcvf.org, or visit the Boards + Commission’s website.

Graduation 2023

Though the program is new, 2023 exceeded expectations for B+C fellows! On October 14, the second class graduated. To date, 38 fellows have graduated from the program. Eighteen fellows graduated in 2023, and twenty graduated in 2022. 

But the 2023 fellows didn’t just graduate, they got right to work! Ten fellows either applied or received an appointment to a public board or commission. Two are preparing to seek public office, while one began their candidacy for 2024. One, an Air National Guardsman, was called to Active Duty. 
To become part of the change we so desperately need in North Carolina, visit their webpage, or donate today! And see the importance of commissions and their decisions by reading this article.