Statements

Mission

Young Leaders Council's mission is to train diverse, committed individuals to effectively participate on the boards of nonprofit organizations and make a difference in the community by replenishing the volunteer leadership base.

Background

Young Leaders Council (YLC) was founded in 1985 by the Council of Community Services, in partnership with the Frist Foundation (formerly the HCA Foundation) and the United Way, to address an emerging and immediate need to broaden and strengthen Nashville's volunteer leadership base.

YLC offers a unique and immersive eleven week training program designed to appeal to emerging leaders in our community. Since 1985, YLC has trained more than 3,000 young professionals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences to serve on the boards of more than 250+ nonprofit agencies. Currently, YLC facilitates training through 5 cohorts annuall, which include:

- Nashville (spring)
- Junior League of Nashville
- Massey College of Business at Belmont University
- Nashville (fall)
- Williamson County

Impact

YLC holds itself accountable to the following indicators of success each year:

 At least 170 young professionals are equipped and empowered to effectively serve as nonprofit board leaders with:
o Enhanced understanding of the Middle Tennessee nonprofit sector;
o Skills and knowledge to successfully accomplish the tasks required of nonprofit board members;
o Confidence and ability to contribute to the growth, sustainability, and long-term success of the nonprofit organization(s) they serve.

 At least 145 corporations and nonprofit organizations support their employees' professional and civic development through providing the opportunity to participate in the YLC training program.

 At least 150 nonprofits benefit from the perspective of a YLC intern on their Board.

 At least 300 YLC alumni and Middle Tennessee corporate and community leaders improve their knowledge of best practices in the social impact sector through engaging in YLC networking and educational opportunities.

In the longer-term, YLC seeks to improve the wellbeing and sustainability of the broader Nashville community by replenishing the volunteer leadership base with well-trained, highly-skilled individuals prepared to successfully support the work of our nonprofit colleagues. Key areas of impact include:

 Nashville area nonprofit board members are highly-skilled and more knowledgeable of industry best practices related to strategic planning and finance and operational accountability as well as legal and overall organizational responsibilities.

 Nashville area nonprofit boards have improved diversity and are more representative of the communities they serve.

 Nashville area nonprofit organizations are able to more effectively accomplish their missions and make a sustainable, long-term impact on the community.

Needs

YLC's 2023 Needs:

1. YLC hosts training and events throughout the year. Without a dedicated event space, YLC is consistently in need of a safe, convenient, and technologically equipped space to host training sessions, continuing education, and other events.
2. YLC is also working to identify ways to improve our board internship placement process and is seeking to leverage innovative technology and tools to streamline efforts and better manage our community connections.
3. YLC is actively working to successfully meet and exceed the organization's fund development goals and to increase awareness of our program amongst the growing business community in Nashville and surrounding areas.

CEO Statement

For over 38 years, Young Leaders Council has remained committed to providing high-quality training designed to equip and empower the next generation of nonprofit board leaders. Each year, YLC trains more than 170 individuals who are now better prepared to support the local nonprofit community, ensuring its ability to thrive for years to come. With more than 3,000 alumni, YLC also provides valuable resources for alumni and community partners, offering two continuing education events each year focused on pressing topics that impact nonprofit leaders and the communities they support. It is an honor to do this work, which is ensuring the ongoing success of our local nonprofit community and the growth and development of future leaders who are fully committed to making a difference through civic and board leadership.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Public & Societal Benefit  - Leadership Development
Secondary Category:	-
Tertiary Category:	-

Areas Served

Young Leaders participants come from all over the Middle Tennessee area and provide leadership support for nonprofits in those counties. We offer classes in both Davidson and Williamson Counties and nonprofits are served in surrounding counties.

TN - Davidson

TN - Williamson

TN - Rutherford

TN - Wilson