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Network News
October 2026
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Here's what's happening this month at Fieldstone:
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Applications are open for 2027's Learning Groups & Coaching Program, but they'll close again soon!
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The Clare Rose Sabbatical officially relaunched with an informational session for interested leaders. Learn more here.
- The Fieldstone Circle reconvened to build community, resilience, and a stronger connection to their path.
- Thanks to New Village Arts & everyone who joined us for another great Fieldstone@4!
- Fieldstone Network's Executive Director, Janine Mason, served as a host at the Longer Tables event, connecting San Diegans with dialogue intended to foster a stronger community.
- The Fieldstone Team attended the San Diego Business Journal's Nonprofit Leadership Awards & The ILIA Awards to celebrate the nonprofit professionals doing outstanding work in the county.
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Ready to claim your Legacy Stone? There are only 25 left!
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Applications are open for Leadership Coaching!
Leadership Coaching is a 12-month program, beginning in January, that gives nonprofit leaders dedicated time and space to reflect, gain clarity, and act on what matters most. It starts with a 360-Degree Review that gathers feedback from colleagues, partners, and stakeholders. Leaders then work one-on-one with a trained Fieldstone coach to reflect on that feedback, clarify priorities, and tackle current challenges, from navigating change to discerning next steps. It’s a good fit for leaders who want a trusted thought partner as they grow.
| Peer Learning | Personal Practice | Networking | Wellbeing | | | |
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Applications are open for 2027 Learning Groups!
Fieldstone’s Learning Groups are a six-month leadership development experience built on the belief that no one leads alone. Each group meets monthly from January through June 2027 for a full-day, facilitator-led session at the Fieldstone offices. Sessions combine research, practical tools, and case studies drawn from participants’ own organizations, and members leave with a trusted network of peers.
Executive Learning Group
Designed for CEOs and Executive Directors who carry the ultimate responsibility for their organizations. Executives get a confidential space to talk candidly with peers who understand the weight of the role, work through real challenges, and sharpen skills in areas like crisis leadership, governance, and organizational sustainability.
Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group
Designed for senior leaders and managers who guide teams and programs and are growing into bigger leadership roles. This group builds practical skills in areas like team development, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, and connects participants with a cohort of colleagues across the sector.
| Peer Learning | Personal Practice | Networking | Wellbeing | | | |
Nonprofit Leaders Gathered to Learn More about The Clare Rose Sabbatical | |
Fieldstone Network hosted an information session for nonprofit leaders interested in the Clare Rose Sabbatical. Attendees learned about the program’s purpose, eligibility requirements, key dates, and had the chance to ask questions directly of previous sabbatical recipients.
We are especially grateful to the panel of past sabbatical awardees who shared their experiences and answered questions with generosity and candor. Their perspectives gave prospective applicants a real sense of what a sabbatical can mean for a leader and how to set up their team for success while they're away.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. Applications for the next cohort are accepted January 1 through January 31, 2027. Details can be found on our website by clicking below.
| Peer Learning | Personal Practice | Networking | Wellbeing | | | |
Executive Forum Hears from Walter Green of Say It Now | |
This month, the Executive Forum met at Alliant University. The half-day meeting included issue processing by the members and a guest presentation by philanthropist and Founder of Say It Now, Walter Green, on the importance of expressing gratitude to those who have had a meaningful impact on your life. Mr. Green also generously gifted each Forum member a copy of his book, The Gratitude Express.
In addition to the peer meeting, each member of the group receives one on one personalized coaching to advance their leadership each month. If you are interested in learning more about our Executive Forum and joining us, please reach out.
| Peer Learning | Personal Practice | Networking | Wellbeing | | | |
The Fieldstone Circle Takes its Pilgrimage Online | |
This month, the Fieldstone Circle gathered for its second session, now meeting online. Through songs and poetry, we reflected on how traveling with a destination in mind and a purpose in heart can make our purpose clearer and steadier. It was a quiet, grounding morning with fellow nonprofit leaders, and a good reminder to pause and notice where we are on the path.
The hope is that participants carry that clarity back to their organizations and lead with resilience and purpose, even when the work gets hard. Over the coming months, the Circle will continue to follow the path of the Pilgrim and explore how connecting to their purpose can help them be stronger, more impactful leaders.
| Peer Learning | Personal Practice | Networking | Wellbeing | | | |
Thank you to New Village Arts for hosting September's Fieldstone@4 | |
Thank you to everyone who joined us for September's Fieldstone@4! We spent the afternoon connecting with each other and left with a stronger sense of community. It's the small moments that happen at events like these that make collaboration possible. Conversations that start at Fieldstone@4 frequently grow into partnerships between organizations, from sharing resources to building whole programs together.
Our host, Kristianne Kurner, Executive Director of New Village Arts, led us through improv games that actors use to build trust and connection. Drawing on her background in theater, Kristianne offered fresh ways to think about leadership and about how we show up for one another.
Thanks again to everyone who attended and to our hosts for giving the Network such a warm welcome!
| Peer Learning | Personal Practice | Networking | Wellbeing | | | |
Longer Tables San Diego Hosts 500 San Diegans | |
Fieldstone’s Janine Mason recently served as a host at the Longer Table San Diego dinner in Balboa Park, where 500 San Diegans gathered to share a meal and get to know each other outside of their work roles. Longer Table’s mission is to build connection and belonging by bringing people from all walks of life together around the table.
Each host attended a training beforehand and came prepared with an opening toast, dialogue questions, and a closing remark to help guests connect. Over 500 people met and talked with one another and we hope that every person left feeling more connected and like they belong.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening happen and for the reminder to “set longer tables.”
| Peer Learning | Personal Practice | Networking | Wellbeing | | | |
RISE San Diego Inclusive Leadership in Action Awards Celebrates 10th Anniverary | |
Leadership can be hard, which makes it a pleasure to recognize those who carry its weight so well. Fieldstone Network joined RISE San Diego in Balboa Park on October 12 to celebrate its 10th Annual Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Awards. Since 2017, the awards have honored individuals, groups, and organizations making a real difference in the San Diego region, chosen from nominations submitted by the community.
Congratulations to all of the nominees and honorees, and a special shout out to our Network members who were nominated: Dilkhwaz Ahmed, Kimberly Grady, and Risa Bell. Thank you to Dominic Porter and the RISE team for a joyous evening and for including Fieldstone in the celebration.
| Peer Learning | Personal Practice | Networking | Wellbeing | | | |
The Fieldstone Team Celebrates Nonprofit Leadership and the San Diego Business Journal's Leadership Awards | |
Fieldstone Network had a great night celebrating San Diego’s nonprofit sector at the San Diego Business Journal’s Leadership Awards. Many Network members were named as finalists, and we’re proud of the winners and every nominee. Nonprofit leadership is hard work, and it matters to take a moment to recognize the people who do it every day.
Congratulations to all the finalists, including Fieldstone's Executive Director, Janine Mason, and awardees on your well-deserved recognition!
| Peer Learning | Personal Practice | Networking | Wellbeing | | | |
25 Legacy Stones Remain! Will One Be Yours? | |
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Fieldstone Network community, our Member Campaign raised $50,000, far exceeding our original $20,000 goal! To everyone who contributed, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for investing in the next generation of nonprofit leaders.
With just 25 limited-edition Legacy Stones remaining, we're extending the campaign through December 31, 2026, giving more members of our Network the opportunity to become Legacy Leaders.
If you've already contributed, but your gift was less than $250, we invite you to make an additional tax-deductible donation to reach the $250 level and receive your Legacy Stone. If you haven't yet participated, a gift of $250 or more will make you a Legacy Leader!
Just as a stone creates ripples in water, your generosity creates a ripple effect, strengthening nonprofit leaders, organizations, and communities throughout San Diego.
Only 25 stones remain! Make your gift by December 31 and be part of Fieldstone's lasting legacy.
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Thank you to our donors!
You make the work we do possible!
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