There's something powerful about stepping away from our daily routines to connect with the bigger picture of our profession. This past month offered exactly that opportunity as I traveled from Raleigh to the historic streets of Washington, D.C., to Winston-Salem, experiencing firsthand the impact REALTORS® make at every level of leadership and advocacy.
Walking the Halls of Congress: NAR Advocacy Week
Landing in Washington, D.C. for NAR's Advocacy Week, I felt the weight of responsibility and possibility. As REALTORS®, our members are not just selling homes – they are protecting the American Dream of homeownership, and nowhere is that more evident than in our nation's capitol.
As RRAR’s Government Affairs Director, I took this opportunity to strengthen our relationships with North Carolina's Congressional Delegation. Beyond the formal Advocacy Week programming, these one-on-one meetings allowed me to deepen our connections and ensure our REALTOR® voice remains strong on Capitol Hill. These weren't just courtesy calls; they were opportunities to share real stories from our market and discuss how national policies directly impact our communities.
Interview with Jonathan Eig (right) during NAR Advocacy Week in Washington, DC. Photo by Danielle Plourd
One of the most powerful moments of the week came during a special interview with Pulitzer Prize winner Jonathan Eig, author of King: A Life. Eig drew a compelling connection between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights work and the ongoing mission of REALTORS® to advance fair housing. His insights reminded us that when we work to create accessible, equitable housing opportunities, we're not just doing business—we're continuing the vital work of civil rights leaders who fought for fair housing as a fundamental human right.
The week also highlighted the incredible advocacy resources NAR provides to members. The Advocacy Scoop Podcast, for instance, offers regular updates on policy issues affecting our industry. It's one of many tools that help REALTORS® stay informed and engaged in the political process, ensuring we remain effective homeownership and property rights advocates. These resources, combined with our direct advocacy efforts, demonstrate how REALTORS® can shape policy that affects millions of Americans.
The halls and gathering spaces buzzed with energy between official sessions as REALTORS® from across the country shared their local market insights and challenges. These informal conversations with colleagues from different states offered fresh perspectives on common challenges. These connections reminded me that while our markets may differ, our mission remains the same.
Bringing It Home: NC REALTORS Winter Leadership Meetings
The energy from D.C. carried straight into our Winter Leadership Meetings in Winston-Salem, where North Carolina REALTORS® from the mountains to the coast gathered to kick off 2025. The transition from national advocacy to state leadership felt natural – after all, both are essential pieces of the same puzzle. RRAR was well represented, with 57 members attending this incredible week.
Vision Quest set the tone for our time together, offering not just inspiration but practical strategies for elevating our profession. The sessions challenged us to think bigger about our role in shaping North Carolina's real estate landscape. As we shared ideas and planned for the year ahead, you could feel the collective determination to make 2025 a landmark year for our industry.
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RRAR members John Wood, Shiv Nunna, and Mark Parker (L-R) at Vision Quest in Winston-Salem. Photo courtesy of Shiv Nunna
One of the most impactful components was the intensive RPAC training day. Building on the advocacy momentum from D.C., our RPAC champions dove deep into strategies for protecting property rights and homeownership at both state and local levels. This training wasn't just about political action – it was about empowering our members to be effective advocates for their communities and profession.
The Inaugural Installation celebrated the leaders who will guide us through this transformative year. As I watched our new leadership team take their positions, I couldn't help but feel optimistic about our association's future. These individuals understand the challenges and opportunities ahead and are ready to face them head-on.
During our time in Winston-Salem, RRAR was recognized for our $30,000 contribution to Hurricane Helene relief efforts. This recognition wasn't just about the monetary value – it was a powerful reminder of how our REALTOR® family steps up when communities are in crisis. Natural disasters don't just damage properties; they disrupt lives and threaten the stability of entire communities. Our contribution, alongside those of other associations across the state, demonstrates the REALTOR® commitment to community resilience and recovery.
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RRAR members and NCR President John McPherson (front) present a check for $30,000 for Hurricane Helene relief. Photo by Samantha Soss
Looking Forward with Purpose
As I reflect on this whirlwind month, I'm struck by how each experience – from Capitol Hill to our state meetings – reinforced the others. The national perspective gained in Washington enriched our state-level discussions in Winston-Salem. The relationships built and strengthened during these events will prove invaluable as we tackle the challenges ahead.
We're returning to our local associations equipped with new tools, fresh perspectives, and strengthened relationships. But more than that, we're returning with renewed purpose and energy. The coming year holds tremendous potential, and together, we're ready to seize it.
Here's to making 2025 not just successful, but truly transformative for our members, our profession, and the communities we serve.