Network Leadership Institute
(2022/2023 cohort of the Food Solutions New England Network Leadership Institute)
About the FSNE Network Leadership Institute
Each year, FSNE selects a diverse cohort of values-motivated food system leaders who demonstrate deep engagement with and commitment to the New England food system. Cohort members participate in an immersive, experiential institute designed to maximize learning and growth, reflection and connection, and inspiration and renewal.
Including in-person and virtual sessions, a full facilitation team, and many guest practitioners from across the network, NLI represents a substantial commitment to, and investment in, the development of a thriving and effective food system network for our region. FSNE supports up to eighteen participants a year.
NLI is rooted in the FSNE core values of democratic empowerment, racial equity and dignity for all, sustainability, and trust. Learn more about the core values of FSNE.
What does NLI help participants do?
- Increase understanding of how to participate in the FSNE network to get personal work done more effectively
- Gain valuable skills in facilitative leadership, network leadership and development, and stakeholder engagement
- Deepen knowledge of the dynamic and emerging food system in New England, embracing its diversity and complexities
- Develop understanding of regional strategy for advancing the New England Food Vision and leveraging it for food system momentum
- Connect with a cohort of food system leaders from across the FSNE network, including Network Leadership Institute alums
- Be a more active accomplice in the creation of a healthy, just, equitable, and resilient food system across New England
Who should consider applying?
FSNE looks for emerging and experienced leaders whose food system work is focused on New England. Applicants should have at least two years of professional experience and exemplify the following:
- Commitment to collaboration and trust-building leadership
- Alignment with and commitment to FSNE’s core values
- Openness to learning and to being in community with diverse and sometimes divergent views
- Commitment to engage fully in the NLI, including participating in and completing work between sessions and helping to build a shared learning community
- If applicable, demonstrate approval from your employer. Organizations must be willing to allow the participant to fully attend all sessions.
Applications for NLI are currently closed.
Additional Application Information
This hybrid approach will include two overnight, in-person sessions (one to kick off the Institute in September 2023 and another to close and celebrate in June 2024) employing safe gathering practices to minimize COVID risks for all attendees (see FAQs for more detail).* These in-person sessions will strengthen connectivity and contribute to the overall experience of the Institute. We look forward to all accepted members of this year’s cohort joining us in September and June, as well as attending all eight online sessions in between. In addition, optional, virtual inter-session network opportunities will be offered.
*FSNE staff are available to discuss any health and safety questions that attendees may have and accommodations that they may require in order to participate.
In-person Session Dates
- September 20-21, 2023 at the Inn on Boltwood, Amherst, MA
- June 13-14, 2024, location in New England to be announced
Virtual Sessions (All virtual sessions unless noted will be held from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. EST)
- October 26 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
- November 16
- December 14
- January 18
- February 15
- March 21
- April 18
- May 16 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Individuals must be available to participate in all Institute sessions and complete a few hours of work between sessions. Please note that space in this Institute is limited and your commitment to attend and participate in all sessions is important.
- Attend and participate fully in each session and complete work between sessions. Participants can expect to spend an average of 10 hours per month on Institute-related sessions and prep work. We understand that life happens and will work with individuals on a case-by-case basis if a conflict arises that prevents participation in a session or completion of prep work.
- Shape and uphold community agreements established by the cohort during the first session. Community agreements help everyone participate fully in the Institute and are important for establishing and maintaining trust.
- Engage in and contribute to project work with cohort peers. This year’s participants will design and implement a small project as part of the Institute.
- Share skills, learnings, and resources with your organization and/or network. This Institute is meant to be applied to your work and help inform how you work in the community with others.
*Note that travel reimbursement may take several weeks to process through the University.
- Applications OPEN: May 24, 2023
- Applications CLOSE: June 21, 2023
- Finalist interviews (held virtually): July 20 - July 31, 2023
- Applicants notified: Week of August 7, 2023
- Invited applicants RSVP: August 22, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
- We will follow the most current COVID-19 guidelines of the University of New Hampshire and the local state/community of the session location.
- Disposable masks and hand sanitizer will be available at in-person sessions.
- We may request indoor masking for some parts of the in-person sessions, depending on prevailing conditions.
- We strongly recommend that all cohort members be vaccinated against COVID to the greatest degree possible in accordance with guidance from their state’s CDC and advice from health care providers.
- More details will be communicated leading up to the launch of this year’s Institute. In general, we will adopt a health and safety approach honoring inclusion and community care.
- FSNE staff are available to discuss any health and safety questions that attendees may have and accommodations that they may require.
Meet the participants of past Network Leadership Institute cohorts
2022-2023 | 2021-2022 | 2019-2020 | 2018-2019 | 2017-2018 | 2016-2017
The FSNE Network Leadership Institute is made possible by a grant from the Angell Foundation, as well as support from the Henry P. Kendall Foundation. If you would like to support future iterations of a robust FSNE Network Leadership Institute, please get in touch!