Network Leadership Institute

The 2023-2023 Network Leadership Institute will be conducted in a hybird format in order to combine the benefits of being together in person (where and when we can do so safely) with the ability to convene online from wherever we all happen to be.

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.

Click here to begin your 2023-2024 NLI Application

The Institute is a significant investment in supporting individual food system leaders, organizations, local communities, state efforts, and the entire New England region, to advance towards the New England Food Vision during this critical decade. In return, we ask participants to commit to the program and one another in several key ways:

• 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.

Participation in the Institute is not compensated. Please review the chart below to understand the investments and expenses involved in participation.

*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

The assumption is that you will already have some experience with, and understanding of, the food system in New England. This opportunity does not require expert-level knowledge; however, participants should have at least two years of professional and food system experience. Please note that this Institute focuses on leadership development, network-building and related skills, not the technical aspects of food systems like production, distribution, etc. There are many other organizations already offering technical skills related to aspects of our food system.

The Institute this year will cover topics such as: facilitative leadership skills, network weaving, designing engagement strategies, systems and networks, communications strategies and skills, self-preservation and self-care skills for leaders, understanding leadership styles, race & equity issues in the food system, FSNE’s vision and values and engagement in our collective regional goals.

This session is limited to 18 people to ensure the kind of experience that is most likely to result in effective learning, capacity-building and connection among the participants. We generally receive between 45 and 80 applications per year.

The sessions will be conducted in English. We do not yet have a budget for interpreters / translation. If you are a funder and would like to see the Institute include support for other language speakers and/or ASL interpreters, please contact Sandra.Aronson@unh.edu.

This year’s Institute will include two in-person sessions that we hope all cohort members will be able to attend. We are committed to employing COVID-safe convening protocols and will communicate plans to all attendees as far in advance as possible. 

• 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.