Public Participation Plan

DNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in North Carolina by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries, and nature by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.

DNCR’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Every day, DNCR’s places, programs, and ideas strengthen education, improve public health, enhance quality of life, and support robust economic growth across North Carolina.

DNCR is committed to providing a climate and culture that fosters, promotes, and encourages social interactions that support, appreciate, and celebrate our differences. By supporting diversity and inclusion, the department strives to enhance cross-cultural understanding, break down racial and gender-based stereotypes, and create a diverse and productive workforce. As an equal opportunity employer, we stay true to our mission by ensuring that our place can be anyone’s place.

As the keepers of our state’s history and culture, we first have a duty to look inward to determine how we can be a catalyst for change. We listen to the call for justice and respond by actively participating in the move towards positive change.

We are committed to welcoming everyone to our museums, parks, and attractions, and making your visit comfortable and enjoyable.

We will continue to build a governance system through our boards, commissions and our employees that reflects the diversity of the people of our state.

The DNCR Diversity and Cultural Inclusion Committee is to ensure that all elements of the department value and increase diversity and cultural inclusion in:

• Encouraging diversity of staff, boards, commissions, and friends groups
• Engaging with a wide array of diverse stakeholder groups and communities
• Developing, expanding, and promoting content, exhibits, and programs that reflect our state’s diverse population

The committee will look across the department to identify areas where sound practices are already in place, as well as aspects that need improvement, and will suggest steps to address those issues.

Get in touch with us

• Employee Directory
• Contacts by division and site
• General Contact Form
• Who do I contact? FAQs

DNCR and affiliated divisions oversee numerous boards and commissions related to the arts, history, libraries, and nature. The Department leadership values diversity and inclusion in board membership. State boards and commissions provide North Carolinians with a way to engage in public service and help make decisions that shape the quality of life in our state.

Among the boards overseen by DNCR are the N.C. Historical Commission, the African American Heritage Commission, the N.C. Arts Council, and the N.C. Land and Water Fund.

• Search for all boards and commissions by subject area
• Apply to be a member of a board or commission

The Department is committed to open board and commission meetings with public access in accordance with the state’s open meetings law.

• Public meetings calendar from the Secretary of State

To increase awareness of DNCR boards and commissions and foster public participation, the Department will publish a comprehensive list of DNCR boards and commissions and their meeting schedules to be posted on the DNCR website.

DNCR follows the administrative, rulemaking, and public processes required under the Administrative Procedure Act and the N.C. Administrative Code.

DNCR is committed to open and transparent government in accordance with the state’s public records law.

• News releases
• Media contacts
• Public records requests

Please let us know what you think of the DNCR Public Participation Plan.