Welcome
Established in 1982, Leadership Asheville a nonprofit organization, is one of the oldest and most prestigious community leadership organizations in the nation and is highly regarded throughout the greater Asheville region. Leadership Asheville’s influential graduates represent all sectors of our community and are dedicated to providing leadership that is dynamic, meaningful, and relevant. Leadership Asheville's offices are located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
People
What makes an organization great? Jim Collins, author of the book
Good to Great, sums it up by saying that great companies "first get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats. People are not your most important asset. The right people are." The right people are those individuals who fit into your organization and help you to accomplish your future goals. The same holds true for communities. Those who participate in Leadership Asheville and help shape the region’s future are the “right people” for the community and continue to be an invaluable resource for the region.
One of the benefits of participating in Leadership Asheville programs is the network of contacts from the more than twenty-five plus years of graduating classes. With over 900 Leadership Asheville graduates, they are great resources available to all participants.
Programs
Our major role in the region, as outlined below, is to provide the foundation for aligning all our programs and initiatives into three distinct, yet related lines of service, which further our goal of building healthier communities.
Developing Community Leadership – Leadership Asheville offers programs and initiatives designed to strengthen the region. We develop leaders through long-term programs for those community members who want to make a difference.
Influencing Policy – To engage citizens and influence community policy, Leadership Asheville provides opportunities to discuss issues, provide feedback to decision-makers, and take action for positive change in our region. Our policy work can be structured in any of the following ways:
- Task Forces
- Collaborations
- Policy Forums
- Research
Promoting Community Connections – Leadership Asheville offers members and other regional citizens a variety of events designed to promote a spirit of community. You can gain leadership skills, learn about regional issues, serve as proactive issue-leaders and opinion-shapers, and enjoy lively social gatherings.
Projects
There is really only one way to learn how to do something and that is to do it. If you want to learn to throw a football, drive a car, build a mousetrap, design a building, cook a stir-fry, or be a management consultant, you must try doing it. Learning to lead is no different. Whether it is part of a program or graduate work, Leadership Asheville connects and facilitates graduates from across the region to opportunities to work on the issues of the day and create the Greater Asheville area of our dreams. Not only do you obtain worthwhile community leadership experience, but you also provide a valuable service to the region.
Services
Building civic capacity is essential for caring, community-based action. Social, environmental, and economic challenges cannot and will not be met by business or government alone. Leadership Asheville supports the voluntary sector by providing capacity-building support and services in areas such as:
- Information dissemination
- Training
- Consulting
- Placement services
Leadership Asheville recognizes and celebrates the significant contribution the voluntary sector makes to the economy and quality of life in our communities. In order to sustain this contribution, Leadership Asheville works to provide services which will prepare individuals from all parts of the community to help the region meet the challenges of tomorrow.
