ABOUT US

TNT’s Vision

TNT’s vision is a thriving community where African-Americans are a unified and undeniable force for positive and impactful change. 

TNT’s Mission

TNT is a resource collaborative that provides African-American agents of change and those new to the area with opportunities and pathways to reach personal and professional goals while ultimately strengthening our community. We INTRODUCE, INFORM, INTERACT, and INSPIRE.

TNT’s Goals

·        INTRODUCE African-American agents of change and those new to the area to each other

·    INFORM by disseminating relevant information about the African-American community

·    INTERACT by connecting and ensuring that various African-American organizations are aware of each other’s resources

·    INSPIRE by providing the community with a source of advocacy, unification, and means of relaying values of the African-American community

What is the origin of TNT?

The African-American Leadership Roundtable of Rochester, New York (a leadership, networking group) discussed the idea of social networking opportunities for professional African Americans in the Rochester area. Prior to the Roundtable’s discussion of the networking idea, two Roundtable members, Mr. Marshall J. Spurlock and Mr. Clayton H. Osborne discussed the feasibility of providing networking opportunities for professional African Americans. Subsequently, the Roundtable made a decision to conduct quarterly social networking events. Two events were held. Many participants expressed an interest in more frequent opportunities to network. Mr. Spurlock felt that monthly networking receptions could meet this expressed interest. Thus he coined the name, Total Networking Thursdays. In 2004, the name was changed to True Networking Thursdays. Now TNT networking receptions are held on the third Thursday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The first reception was held in September 1998.

What is the operational structure of TNT?

TNT is led by an 13-member board of directors that includes a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. There are also 3 standing committees that ensure the success of the board’s initiatives. The committees are Membership, Communications and Events.

The Events Committee is responsible for the planning of the monthly Networking Receptions and other TNT activities and events.

The Membership Committee identifies creative ways to increase TNT’s membership.

The Communications Committee focuses on communicating TNT’s message to the membership and the Rochester community at large.

How many participants does TNT have?

TNT boasts a network of more than 1,000 individuals. TNT’s membership continues to grow annually.

What does it cost to participate in TNT?

The annual membership fee is $65. This fee entitles members to free admission to the monthly networking receptions. Non-members are charged $10 admission to each reception.

The membership fees cover organizational operating expenses and TNT-sponsored events. Corporations and other organizations sponsor the monthly receptions. Sponsorship guidelines for potential sponsors and are available upon request.

Corporate Members