ENCOUNTER Charlotte
NEW: ENCOUNTER Charlotte is back! Join us March 1 & 2, 2022. Register here beginning December 1.
ENCOUNTER Charlotte is an orientation to Charlotte and to community leadership. This program is open to newcomers to Charlotte and those who simply want to get involved. Participants learn firsthand from a wide range of community leaders about what makes Charlotte work. Participants will come away with new relationships, a greater knowledge of our local community, and specific ways they can make a difference in our community.
The program occurs in the spring and fall of each year. Registrations are accepted until the program has been filled. We also offer a waitlist. Scholarships are available.
If you have any questions, call our office at 704-422-4279.
Please note, tuition is non-refundable.
NEW: ENCOUNTER Charlotte is back! Join us March 1 & 2, 2022. Register here beginning December 1.
ENCOUNTER Charlotte
Fall Session
October 23rd, 2025
NEW: ENCOUNTER Charlotte is back! Join us March 1 & 2, 2022. Register here beginning December 1.
The Fall 2025 class is now full. Stay tuned for our Spring 2026 program!
What participants say about ENCOUNTER Charlotte:
“As someone who recently moved to Charlotte within the past year and aspires to be active in the community, the ENCOUNTER Charlotte program was an invaluable experience to have a greater understanding Charlotte’s history, how the region operates, and where we are headed. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from a diverse collective of knowledgeable speakers on a variety of topics and networking with others who are committed to enhancing the area. It was a room full of eager professionals seeking to connect and grow!”
“In engaging in this remarkable leadership program, I discovered more about Charlotte than I ever did during my ten years of calling this city home. Thank you for the opportunity to learn and see that we are moving in the right direction to make this city the best place to live for all.”
“Everything about the program was intentionally designed, thorough, and inspiring. As a newbie to the Charlotte area, it was great to learn more about the history of the area and how to get involved in the great work occurring across the city. I am certain every one of us left with a thirst to impact our communities positively. Thank you to the Leadership Charlotte staff for planning such a wonderful program!”
“Since moving to Charlotte I have lived in the bubble of my work. It wasn’t until I participated in the ENCOUNTER program that I felt like I got a full understanding of the community I live in, and how I can be a better, contributing member to this community.”
Read the ENCOUNTER Charlotte profile in Charlotte Agenda or read about ENCOUNTER Charlotte in CharlotteFive.
The focus of ENCOUNTER Charlotte is on the seven components of a healthy city. Community leaders representing each of these topics will discuss what is happening in the Charlotte region from their unique perspective, and how it relates to our community at large:
- Education
- Business/Economics
- The Arts and Culture
- The Environment
- Human Services
- Public Safety
- Volunteerism and its importance in the Charlotte area