By instilling advocacy skills amongst our membership
ISA unites farmers, eaters and food system leaders to form a powerful voice that has a seat at every table where decisions are made.
Alliance members are provided advocacy training, resources and support needed to navigate the democratic process, opportunities to practice and hone their skills, and an atmosphere of community and belonging.
Our statewide Alliance of members are well- equipped to create impactful solutions that build a stronger, regenerative, local farm and food system for all.
Leadership Development Opportunities
Our members are committed to change-making in the following ways:
1. Relational organizing
One-on-one connection builds trust
Our team meets individually with farmers to listen, build trust, understand what matters most, and invite them to become change-makers. These conversations are where relationships begin, issues emerge, and momentum builds.
2. Caucus collaboration
Caucuses are spaces where members come together across regions to connect, share experiences, and organize around shared values.
Whether meeting as individual working groups or coming together jointly, members shape campaign priorities from the ground up. They are a crucial element to determining which issues we tackle each year, and co-create solutions to address the,
They include:
- Local Food Caucus open to farmer members
- Livestock Caucus open to farmer members
- Soil Health Caucus open to all members
- Food System Leader Caucus open to all members
Learn more about our four caucuses
WHAT IS A CAUCUS?
The word “caucus” has Native American origins as the Algonquian word for “counsel.” We would like to think of our Caucus members as being counselors and advisers, not just to the Alliance, but to each other.
WHY PARTICIPATE IN A CAUCUS?
As an Alliance member, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate in these working groups. You’ll have the opportunity to weigh in and make changes on the food and farm issues that impact your life and livelihood.
MEMBER CAUCUS OPPORTUNITIES
- Build relationships and community with farmers and food system leaders who are experiencing the same challenges as you
- Identify key issues and solutions for our membership to prioritize
- Shape a food and farm policy agenda on the issues that impact you
- Receive support and training to sharpen your skills as an advocate and leader in the local food movement
- Get the latest insider intel on programs and policies that impact your farm or community
- Learn how to apply the principles of community organizing
Interested in joining a caucus? Contact Liz Rupel, liz@ilstewards.org
3. Civic skill development
Members learn to confidently advocate for themselves
Leadership doesn’t just happen—it’s nurtured. Through training on communication skills such as storytelling and public speaking, education on how to build power and navigate the democratic process campaign work, members hone in the skills and confidence needed to lead within their communities and beyond.
Members serve as key witnesses in bill hearings, participate in advocacy days at the capitol or host legislative farm tours to share their stories with lawmakers.
Alliance Members don’t just learn, they do.
