10 Things About North Carolina
I started my position as Lead Data and Policy Analyst on July 1, 2024. Since then, every day I have learned something new about my home state of North Carolina and the impact of our work at ncIMPACT. Here are my top ten takeaways from my first month on the job.
10 Things About NC I Learned in the First Month of Working at ncIMPACT Initiative
1. The Diversity of Our State Drives the Work
North Carolina is incredibly diverse, from the mountains in the west to the beaches in the east, and all the small towns and busy cities in between. Our state offers a wide variety of cultures and geographic landscapes across its 100 counties. I am learning that this is what keeps the work of ncIMPACT interesting and exciting. What works in one place may not work everywhere. I have been surprised by how much emphasis is placed on context as we design programs and partnerships.
2. The UNC School of Government Is One of a Kind
Despite attending UNC-Chapel Hill for college, I was amazed to discover all that the UNC School of Government does across the state. In addition to the Master of Public Administration program, this School is the largest university-based local government training, advisory, and research organization in the United States. It has been around for over 90 years. The work done here is nonpartisan and policy-neutral, making it a dependable resource for all local governments and leaders across the state. From my early experience, what truly sets the School of Government apart is its dedication to practical, hands-on learning and its responsiveness to real, emerging issues that are affecting North Carolinians.
3. Local Government Drive Big Changes
When we typically think about the potential of government to drive change, our minds go straight to the state or federal levels. However, the county and municipal levels are where some of the most impactful changes are made. Local governments are the closest to the people and are uniquely positioned to understand and address many specific needs of their communities. Local leaders use that perspective and potential to make big, positive impacts in their communities.
4. Rural Communities Bring Tremendous Value to NC
Growing up in Kinston, I had a certain view of rural life that tended to focus on its challenges. But working with ncIMPACT has helped to shift my focus to the resilience, innovation, and sense of community in these areas. Rural North Carolina is full of dynamic leaders who understand how to be resourceful and create opportunities to better their communities. While reflecting on one of my first social outings with the ncIMPACT team, I was struck by how we all found joy in discussing our experiences attending the various festivals and fairs hosted by rural communities across the state. These celebrations of cultural heritage and traditions are just one testament to the sense of place and pride that many across the state share.
5. Disruption Can Spark Innovation
Our state is no stranger to adversity, from the physical destruction of hurricanes and flooding to the economic and public health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. But instead of letting these disruptions get in the way, North Carolinians have demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity. These experiences highlight that although disruption can be daunting, it can also offer a chance for meaningful change and innovation. By focusing on preparing, responding to, and growing from these challenges, North Carolinians are turning existing and future disruptions into opportunities to grow stronger.
6. Housing is a Cornerstone Issue
North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. However, this rapid growth has exacerbated housing shortages, putting pressure on both urban and rural areas to provide more affordable options. Without stable housing, it is nearly impossible for North Carolinians to address other challenges in their lives such as health, education, and employment. I have been surprised at how widespread this issue is: ncIMPACT recently conducted regional focus groups that revealed housing is a top challenge for every region in the state.
7. Economic Mobility is a Common Goal but Complicated Journey
I knew economic mobility was a challenge in North Carolina, but I do not think I fully realized all the factors influencing it. From access to a quality education and affordable housing, to the availability of jobs and reliable transportation, it is a multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach. The state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic showed that North Carolinians are resilient, adaptable, and ready to take on new challenges. But economic mobility is not just about individual effort; it requires a supportive environment that enables people to thrive. I have enjoyed learning about the abundance of workforce development programs in our state that help get jobs and contribute to the economy and the common commitment to increasing educational attainment.
8. Mental Health Matters for Healthy Communities
Suicide is a leading cause of death in North Carolina and impacts a countless number of families, friends, and communities each year. Since working at ncIMPACT, I have learned how crucial it is for communities to address mental health challenges as part of their whole community wellbeing. Working to reduce the stigma around mental health and improving accessibility of mental health services is essential for saving lives and fostering healthy communities. Churches, schools, veteran centers, and senior centers are just a few of the trusted partners across our state that support this work by connecting people to resources every day.
9. Momentum Powers Change
One thing that has become clear to me is the importance of maintaining momentum for change. Momentum is the force that turns ideas into action and propels initiatives forward. ncIMPACT plays a crucial role in building and maintaining momentum by engaging diverse groups of stakeholders, responding to community feedback, and adjusting strategies as needed. It helps keep momentum to celebrate successes, no matter how small, as they build up over time into larger changes and lasting impacts. As ncIMPACT heard in its work with Opportunity Youth, “Just one small win can create the confidence to completely change the trajectory of a young adult’s life.”
10. Complex Challenges Require Cross-Sector Collaboration
Perhaps the most important thing I have learned during my first month with ncIMPACT is that solving North Carolina’s most complex problems requires cross-sector collaboration. No single sector has the perspective or resources to tackle massive challenges alone. By leaning on each other’s strengths, North Carolina’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors can achieve great things. It has been inspiring to see how trust and respect can be built across sector lines through collaboration towards the shared goal of a better North Carolina.
As you can see, my first month with ncIMPACT has been a journey of learning and discovery. I cannot wait to dive deeper into these issues and contribute to the amazing work being done to make North Carolina a better place for all who call it home.