Application – RAN Leadership Council 2026
MDC is seeking passionate community leaders from the Sandhills Prosperity Zone of North Carolina to help build a stronger regional advocacy platform through the Rural Action Network Leadership Council.
If you are deeply engaged in your community and want to amplify the voices and needs of rural North Carolinians while working toward systems change, this opportunity is for you.
About the Rural Action Network
The Rural Action Network is designed to build a strong base of local advocates who are trained and supported to influence regional, state, and federal policy. The network centers historically marginalized rural leaders who are often underrepresented in decision-making spaces.
Through this initiative, community leaders will gain:
- Advocacy and lobbying skills to create meaningful change in their communities
- Greater influence in state and federal policy conversations
- Access to a supportive network focused on collaboration, information sharing, and collective power building
- Stronger connections to state and federal resources
Who Should Apply
MDC is looking for leaders who are:
- Highly engaged in their local community
- Passionate about rural advocacy and equity
- Interested in shaping systems and policy change
- Ready to collaborate with other community leaders across the region
Eligible Counties
Applicants must live or work in the Sandhills Prosperity Zone, including:
- Bladen County
- Columbus County
- Cumberland County
- Hoke County
- Montgomery County
- Moore County
- Richmond County
- Robeson County
- Sampson County
- Scotland County
