LEAD [Now] began in 2015 as an opportunity to train young adult leaders as leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and dreamers to be successful at creating change in their communities. We believe real change can best be sustained by leaders who can successfully advocate on behalf of their issues, build personal wealth, and live well-rounded lives.
We also believe it is important to tie the training of Now leaders to one of the most successful eras of youth social change in the United States, the civil rights movement. The city of Birmingham is the perfect backdrop to share the power of collective action and foster racial healing for the Now generation.
The 3-day conference includes leadership, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and life training for young professionals and Millennials, a Green Service event in Birmingham Public Schools, entrepreneurship pitch contest, and the Living the Dream awards honoring young leaders doing exceptional work.
Why LEAD [Now] ?
Our conference is based on over eight years of working with, learning from, and personally experiencing the best and worst parts of being a young leader. This conference is a culmination of our learning experience and a response to challenges young leaders face today. Following your dreams, speaking out against injustice, and leading with integrity are more successful when bolstered by financial education, life planning, racial and cultural openness, and opportunities to create business for yourself.
LEAD is structured to give you the foundation you may not have received in traditional ways. By participating in this conference, you will leave with tools to improve yourself and your family. You will also meet a network of like-minded individuals to support your dreams and learn how to harness collective energy to create change.
What are the Leaders, Entrepreneurs, Advocates and Dreamers tracks?
The tracks serve as guides to help you pick the training you most need. If you are a new leader of an organization or team, choose the courses you need to strengthen your leadership skills. If this is the year you want to focus on one of your dreams in life, choose one of our dreamers courses to prepare you to run for public office or learn how to get out of the way of your own success. If you want to organize for change or start or expand your business, we have options for you to. If you are a college student or recent graduate, our new LEAD 101 track will give you the foundation for success with financial management, soft skills, and an opportunity to learn from our entire conference team during the men and women’s leadership sessions.
All I really want to do is march. How will this conference help?
We offer an advocacy track of courses to teach you the principals of grassroots organizing and educate you on some of the most important issues of the day.
What is the attire for the conference?
Business casual
Can I participate in the conference as a part of a group?
We welcome group participation in the conference. Let us know if we can help to accommodate your group by sending us a message using the contact us form.
Check back for more tips to make your conference experience worthwhile.