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HOW IT ALL STARTED
It began with a quiet Facebook group—Clinton NC 20s & 30s Girls Group, created by Natalie Petersen. Over 100 members had joined, but no one was showing up, posting, or responding. Victoria tried to spark something by posting a poll about hosting a Galentine’s dinner, but not a single vote came in. Then, on Valentine’s Day, Natalie messaged Victoria on Facebook:
“Why is it so hard to get people to hang out?”
That one message turned into a movement.
Natalie took the initiative and reached out to Mary Rose, the City of Clinton’s Planning & Development Director, asking why there weren’t any events for our age group—like a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. After a great conversation, Mary Rose encouraged her to form a young adult engagement board.
Later that week, Victoria and Natalie hopped on the phone, dreaming up all the things they could accomplish in this little town.
And just like that, we got to work.
On April 8, Victoria connected with Megan through a page she created called Sampson Connect: Businesses, Events & Eats. Megan instantly saw the vision and committed to being part of it. We already knew she was going to kill it as our photographer.
Natalie brought on Melissa through a mutual friend, and Melissa shared that she had been praying for a group like this—a chance to build something meaningful for our generation right here at home. We didn’t even know she and her husband owned International Minuteman Press. That was a God connect.
We had our first official meeting on April 9 with Mary Rose and Tyler Wise at Alfredo’s to share all of our ideas—packed into a four-page printout. Mary Rose advised us to come up with a group name, and NextGen Advisory Board was brought up. We loved it… and then we didn’t. After a few circles trying to land on the right name, a few of us stuck around afterward for dinner—where the real bonding began.
On April 10, Megan brought in Aubri, who made it clear she believed in the mission and wanted to help however she could. She has a creative mind, a big heart, and proudly represents the 20s club with purpose.
Introduction at City Council
5.6.2025
We attended our first City Council meeting and introduced ourselves to the mayor and council members, sharing our mission and goals for young adults in Clinton. They agreed to meet with us soon to explore ways to support our efforts.
Milling around Downtown
5.9.2025
We went over a few extras at the meeting table today and how to accomplish them and then Mary Rose gave Victoria and Natalie a personal tour of downtown—sharing her vision, stories, and wonderful connections over the years. We met Dr. Ken Yang, admired Mrs. Grace’s artwork, and saw the freshly painted downtown theatre, that’s soon to come.
NextGen Hits the Local Paper!
5.3.2025
NextGen Clinton is highlighted in the Sampson Independent; our first-ever press feature! This helped us get the word out even further about our mission and what we are doing for the community.
Media Day and
Presentation Preparation
4.28.2025
We met at Simply Brewed to finalize plans for our July 4th Block Party presentation to the city planning department. We reviewed merch ideas, took photos in our new shirts, and built even more momentum for what’s ahead.
First NextGen Clinton Meeting
04.13.2025
At Melissa’s home, over a beautiful spread made by her husband Andrey, we officially became NextGen Clinton Advisory Board. We created a logo inspired by the Clinton Millstone and started planning our first event. We even squeezed in a visit with Melissa’s sweet donkey, Churro.
First Meeting
with City Planning
4.9.2025
We had our first official meeting on April 9 with Mary Rose and Tyler Wise at Alfredo’s to share all of our ideas—packed into a four-page printout. Mary Rose advised us to come up with a group name, and NextGen Advisory Board was brought up. We loved it… and then we didn’t. After a few circles trying to land on the right name, a few of us stuck around afterward for dinner—where the real bonding began.
