Agricultural Leadership Foundation Scope of Training and Curriculum

Leadership Program

Scope of Training & Curriculum

Program Co-Directors

Need for Leadership

Impact of Program

Current Class

Current Class Schedule

Alumni

Success Stories

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"On a self-interest level, I really enjoyed the travel component of the program, especially access to the farms we visited and the farmers we were able to meet. Not too many residents of our state ever get this kind of experience and you have to be in this type of program to do so. "

Luisa Castro, Class XII

"Donna’s leadership classes were priceless and I find myself using the tools she taught us on a regular basis. "

Marissa Harman, Class XII

Scope of Training and Curriculum

The core curriculum includes training in: Group process, Facilitation, and Strategic planning while highlighting the importance of leadership, collaboration and systems thinking. Educational field trips to farms, ranches, aquaculture and ag-forestry businesses, nurseries, watershed protection areas, cultural projects and other rural community endeavors are also essential to the Program. Through visits to the State Legislature and Washington, D.C., participants also gain first-hand exposure to government policy-making. The Program works to develop a network of leaders who are committed to using what they have learned to facilitate the development of sustainable rural communities.

The Program is composed of a series of six seminars and a two-week national trip held over a period of 16 months. The 4-day seminars are held around the State about every eight weeks. One of the seminars is spent at the Legislature where each participant shadows a legislator. Participants have an opportunity to design some of the other seminars, and in the past, have chosen topics such as agricultural water, land and development, marketing and the impact of agriculture on tourism and the environment. At least one day of each seminar is spent on educational field trips.

The in-state seminars focus on local and state issues. The two-week national trip complements these seminars by providing the participant with a broader perspective. Participants visit Washington, D.C. and a state the class wants to study. In Washington, D.C., participants meet with their Congressional delegation and study national and international issues that have an impact on their rural communities. During the second part of the trip, the class is exposed to agricultural and rural community systems in another state. This exposure highlights points of commonality as well as unique perspectives. This workshop focuses on how to get started using a facilitated two-day retreat.

"The National trip was a once in a lifetime experience. If not for this program, I would have never experienced Washington D.C. to the level I have. Meeting the delegates was an honor and a privilege."
Mark Lopes, Class XII
". . . more effort is needed to promote interaction between different Ag groups to improve relationships and minimize misunderstanding or misinformation. We have to approach different opinions with an open heart and respect for one another."
Thong Teng Neo, Class XII