Who We Are
Building a Stronger Transylvania County—One Leader at a Time
Thirty years ago, VISION Transylvania was launched with a bold idea: that our county’s future would be shaped not just by policy or programs, but by people—local leaders with the knowledge, relationships, and inspiration to make a difference.
Our Mission
To enhance Transylvania County by inspiring, equipping, connecting, and supporting local leaders.
Our Vision
A thriving Transylvania County shaped by a diverse and collaborative network of VISION alumni who are informed about local issues, connected across sectors, equipped for leadership, and growing in their capacity to serve and contribute to the community.
Our Purpose
VISION Transylvania exists to deepen understanding of our community and to empower people to turn knowledge, relationships, and personal passion into service, collaboration, and positive local change.
Our Values
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Community Knowledge. We believe informed citizens are essential to a healthy community. We value learning about Transylvania County’s people, systems, history, and challenges.
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Connection & Relationships. We foster meaningful relationships across backgrounds, sectors, and perspectives, recognizing that collaboration is built on trust and understanding.
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Civic Engagement. We encourage active participation in community life—through service, leadership, dialogue, and problem-solving.
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Inclusivity & Respect. We value diverse experiences, viewpoints, and voices, and we strive to create welcoming spaces for thoughtful conversation and shared learning.
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Service & Stewardship. We believe caring for our community means contributing time, talent, and energy in ways that strengthen Transylvania County for future generations.
We are the Mycelium
Think of Transylvania County as a thriving orchard.
The trees are the many organizations, institutions, and efforts that make our community a healthy and rewarding place to live—local businesses and entrepreneurs, nonprofits and service organizations, schools, government agencies, creative and cultural groups, civic initiatives, and grassroots efforts of all kinds. Each contributes to Transylvania County in its own way: creating jobs, educating youth, promoting health, caring for neighbors, shaping policy, protecting natural resources, fostering creativity, and building opportunity.
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Beneath the surface of the soil is a powerful, often unseen network. In nature, mycelium connects tree roots underground, helping them share resources, adapt to challenges, and grow stronger together. In Transylvania County, that connective network is VISION.
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For nearly 30 years, VISION alumni have been quietly strengthening the orchard at the root level. They launch and lead businesses, serve on boards, run for office, improve public systems, mentor students, start organizations, volunteer their time, and step into moments where leadership is needed. Across sectors and roles, they share insight, build trust, connect people, and help ideas take root—so the entire community can flourish.
Our 3 Primary Program Areas
Learn. Connect. Lead.
At the heart of VISION is our immersive leadership development course. Each year, up to 35 participants engage in once-a-month full-day sessions, exploring the systems, challenges, and opportunities that shape Transylvania County.
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Starting with a dynamic kick-off retreat involving leadership initiatives and engaging group discussions, then moving to monthly behind-the-scenes site visits with numerous guest speakers, the program offers a unique opportunity to build civic awareness, professional skills, and deep community relationships.
