Member Organizing and Leadership Development
Our member organizing and leadership development program brings farmers and eaters together to build power, deepen relationships, and lead change from the ground up. Through relational organizing and leadership development, members connect over shared values, identify the issues that matter most, and take action together.
Organizers support members through one-on-one conversations, caucus meetings, and campaign teams that help uncover self-interest, strengthen trust, and inspire collective action. Members develop skills in storytelling, campaign strategy, and civic engagement—whether that’s writing op-eds, speaking at events, testifying at the Capitol, or leading legislative farm tours. This is a space where leadership is recognized and grown. From Ag Day awards to volunteer host committees, from policy platform creation to voting at our Annual Meeting—members shape the direction of our work and bring new energy and ideas into the movement.
Whether you’re new to farm or food issues or have been at it for years, this program offers orientation, training, and hands-on experience to support your growth and impact. Together, we’re building an alliance rooted in connection, leadership, and a shared vision for a better food and farm future.
ISA forges an Alliance of farmers and eaters in three key ways:
1. Relational Organizing
At the heart of this program is one-on-one connection. Our organizers meet individually with farmers to listen, build trust, understand what matters most, and invite them into leadership. These conversations are where relationships begin, issues emerge, and momentum builds.
2. Member-Only Caucuses
Our caucuses are spaces where members come together across regions to connect, share experiences, and organize around shared values. Whether meeting as individual caucuses or coming together jointly, members build collective power and shape campaign priorities from the ground up.
3. Member Leadership Development
Leadership doesn’t just happen—it’s nurtured. Through training, storytelling, public speaking, campaign work, and recognition opportunities, members grow the skills and confidence to lead within their communities and beyond. From op-eds to testimony to platform development, members lead the way.
Why Membership Matters
In a member-based organization like Illinois Stewardship Alliance, power comes from people—not just speaking for them, but organizing with them. Membership is more than a list or a dues payment; it’s a commitment to shared values, collective action, and democratic decision-making.
When members are engaged, they shape the direction of the work. They name the issues, lead the campaigns, and hold the organization accountable to its mission. Membership creates belonging, builds leadership, and grows power from the ground up. The theory is simple: those most affected by food and farm policy should be the ones leading the way. That’s what membership makes possible.
Members-Only Caucuses
In a member-based organization like Illinois Stewardship Alliance, power comes from people—not just speaking for them, but organizing with them. Membership is more than a list or a dues payment; it’s a commitment to shared values, collective action, and democratic decision-making.
When members are engaged, they shape the direction of the work. They name the issues, lead the campaigns, and hold the organization accountable to its mission. Membership creates belonging, builds leadership, and grows power from the ground up.
There are four Member Caucuses focused in the following areas: Local Food Farmers, Livestock Farmers, Food System Leaders, and Soil Health.
The theory is simple: those most affected by food and farm policy should be the ones leading the way. That’s what membership makes possible.
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
