How We Gather

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

There’s been no shortage of Ag Leadership gatherings lately. After reviewing the event schedule below, you’ll see that’s not changing. I was reminded recently of one of our past book club selections, “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” by Priya Parker. In it she states that most gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive. This could not be less true of ours. Perhaps it’s because they have clear purposes, appropriate and comfortable settings, engaged hosts (presiding fellows) and attendees who know what to expect. Or maybe it’s because those who attend our gatherings simply like and want to be there. Or perhaps they remind you (alumni) of the time you spent in the program. Regardless, all of us on the staff team are grateful and delighted to have seen so many of you recently.

We’re also very excited about this June’s Alumni Conference in Monterey, which promises to be an excellent time and a wonderful example of how we gather. Look below or on our website for more details. The planning committee is doing a fantastic job preparing for this!

As always contact me at dferguson@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

You're Invited to a Unique Learning Experience!

This June in Monterey, our 2024 Alumni Conference will be held in conjunction with the 2024 International Leadership Alumni Conference. This is an incredible opportunity that will bring together hundreds of agricultural leadership program alumni from numerous states and countries for lifelong leadership learning, socializing and networking! The conference committee has organized an outstanding lineup of speakers and sessions to ensure valuable and enlightening educational experiences. We hope you will attend!

EVENT DETAILS

Click the event page button below for details about registration, schedule, speakers and lodging.

SPONSORSHIPS

There are numerous opportunities for all budgets! Visit the event page (then see sponsorship opportunities) or view some options in the giving section below.

VOLUNTEER

Please reach out to CALF Executive Vice President Abby Taylor-Silva (45) at 831-585-1030 if you are interested in volunteering – any role you sign up for will be helpful!

CALF Job Opportunity

We have started the process of filling the open alumni engagement manager position. If you or anyone you know may be interested in more information, please contact Abby Taylor-Silva (45) at 831-585-1030.

Class 53 National Seminar Blog

Class 53 fellows recently returned from their national seminar to Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. If you haven’t already done so, read all about their travels, lessons learned and reflections on their daily blog.

Applications for Class 54

Thank you for your help in identifying the next class of leaders! The application, resources and a list of upcoming prospective applicant and alumni gatherings are available online.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Phase one: April 17. Phase two: May 15.

Ask Me Anything Zoom Sessions

April 4 / 12-1 p.m. – Register

April 8 / 5-6 p.m. – Register

We will welcome questions from those interested in applying to Ag Leadership. Alumni will host the guests, answer questions and share their experiences in the program.

Lifetime Leadership Award: Nominations Due April 26

The Lifetime Leadership Award recognizes Ag Leadership alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and community. Our next group of honorees will be recognized at the Alumni Conference in June 2024. Numerous alumni may be recognized in a hall of fame-style presentation. The focus is on alumni from Classes 1-15, but the award is open to alumni from all classes. If you know of an alum who may be worthy of recognition, please click the link below for the nomination form.

While nominations for the Lifetime Leadership Award are always open, if you would like your nominee to be considered for recognition at the 2024 Alumni Conference, please submit nominations by April 26, 2024.

2024 Profiles in Leadership Award: Nominations Due April 26

The foundation has celebrated and honored Profiles in Leadership among 120 alumni over the last 29 years. This award honors these alumni through recognition of specific leadership stories that demonstrate leadership in action.

Do you have a classmate or alum in your region or industry circles who may be worthy of recognition? Please submit the nomination form below and an essay by April 26. The recipient(s) will be presented with awards during the Class 54 inaugural ceremony in October.

AC Directors: Nominations Open for Regions 3, 8 and 9

The Alumni Council (AC) is seeking nominations for directors for Regions 3, 8 and 9. This is an amazing leadership role through which you can be more engaged in alumni activities and support the foundation with your time and talent! If you or someone you know is interested, click the button below for the nomination form and job description.

NOMINATIONS DUE

Friday, May 31

QUESTIONS?

Abby Taylor-Silva (45) / 831-585-1030

I Grew with Ag Leadership

This month we feature Alyssa Houtby (49) in our campaign! Click the buttons to read the testimonial from Alyssa and other featured alumni. The campaign is also featured on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn – like, share and follow!

Cultivating the Future Fundraiser Dinner

DATE – TIME – LOCATION

May 23 / 6:30 - 9 p.m.

373 E. Aten Road, Imperial

To support the Ag Leadership Program, Region 11 is hosting its second annual fundraiser dinner to support the development of future leaders from the desert region in California agriculture. It will be a wonderful evening with friends and delicious food, all for the benefit of agriculture. CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35) will serve as the keynote speaker and discuss legacies, goals and the rewarding process of writing his new book.

Leaders are Readers Book Club

The spring book club selection is "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things" by Adam Grant. The book

offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations. Grant weaves together evidence, insights and storytelling to show that growth is not about the genius you possess, but about the character you develop. Grant explores how to build the character skills and motivational structures to realize our own potential, and how to design systems that create opportunities. For more information about the book club, contact Abby Taylor-Silva (45) at 831-585-1030.

Update Your Alumni Directory Listing

FIRST TIME on the alumni directory: Use your primary email and click on forgot password. You will receive an email to create your new password and receive your username. If you don't see the email in your inbox, check your spam folder.

RETURNING: To log in, use your username, NOT your email address. For assistance, contact Mia Mirassou / 831-585-1030.

Class Challenge Still Underway!

Mission 750 is “in orbit” – and your class can still take the lead!

To help make giving even easier, we have created the option to become a sustaining donor through recurring giving. It’s a great way to give – ANY amount is welcome! Signing up is easy, and you can cancel at any time. 

The Alumni Conference is soon approaching and will provide myriad ways to contribute, such as:

• The Farmer’s Table – Celebration Dinner: The committee is seeking donations of commodities to provide an unforgettable meal to our national and international guests.
• Gather your classmates to provide a sponsorship.
• Provide donations for the silent auction.
• Click here for more information on the above.

We are excited to announce the Class Challenge winner at the Alumni Conference in June!