Leading food systems change can be extraordinarily exciting and fulfilling – and at the same time, incredibly complex, frustrating, and time-consuming. It takes dedication, persistence, and a holistic set of skills and tools to deeply understand the forces at play while fostering and facilitating the collective leadership needed to shift them.
The Food Systems Leadership Retreats provided cohorts of leaders with the time and space to learn, practice, and refine the tools of systems leadership, reflect upon their personal and professional leadership journeys, and build relationships of solidarity with their peers. Starting in 2017, Leadership Retreats took place in Michigan, Louisiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, and virtually and equipped 170 leaders with the skills, tools, and community to advance systems change. With input from retreat participants and facilitators, the curriculum evolved over time to ensure an explicit focus on how racism, racial equity, and power influence the systems we are seeking to change. Participants consistently reported developing strong relationships with other cohort members, learning skills for effective leadership, and deepening their capacity for advancing equity in their work.
Years Active: 2017 – 2022