A Cutting-Edge Leadership Community

In building terms, a fieldstone is important because each one is unique and when put together, they make structures sound and beautiful. What many do not realize, it is the cornerstone that is the most important. A cornerstone is the most important because it is the first stone in which the entire structure rests and it lays the direction for the entire structure.

Janine Mason is the cornerstone of the San Diego nonprofit community. Years ago, Janine had the vision to create a program that would invest in the leadership development and capacity building of local nonprofit agencies. What began under her leadership, as an outreach program of the Fieldstone Company and its foundation, has evolved into to a cutting-edge leadership community and network that connects agencies and leadership in a unique and holistic manner.

Twelve years ago, I was encouraged to enroll in Fieldstone’s Emerging Leaders Learning Group Program. Little did I know, this recommendation would change the trajectory of hundreds of lives in coastal North County San Diego (through my leadership and my organization’s work). I will be forever grateful to Janine and the entire FLNSD community.

My staff and I have taken full advantage of the programming at FLNSD. We have participated in the Emerging Leaders Program, Executive Coaching, Equity Journey, and various book clubs. The program that has had the greatest impact on me, my staff, and Casa de Amistad is the Clare Rose Sabbatical.

In 2019, I began the application process for the Clare Rose Sabbatical. After twelve years, leading Casa de Amistad, I needed to step away and refresh. Little did I know, our entire world was about to change. In April 2020, I was honored to receive the Clare Rose Sabbatical. Unfortunately, the world came to a halt because of COVID-19.

Luckily, I was able to postpone the sabbatical for one year. This past summer, I was able to take full advantage of the sabbatical. The sabbatical not only gave me the opportunity to reflect, but it was also an investment in the leadership development of my staff. The capacity building aspect was equal in importance to the time I had to step away.

During my time off, I realized the importance of the triple bottom line in the nonprofit sector- People, Planet, Profit and how FLNSD honors this in their work.

People– The most important thing we can do as nonprofit leaders is to center all decisions on the people we serve and the staff we manage. When we invest in the wellness and personal and professional development of our staff, we all benefit and excel. Collective leadership happens when we are all moving together in the same direction. This only happens when we respect and honor the whole-person who comes to work each day.

Planet– Before my sabbatical, I would wake up, get my kids to school, go to work, and come home. I had lost all connection with nature and being outside. During my time away, I made an effort to be outside every day. This was AMAZING. I forgot how important it is to take a walk, sit in the sun, and just be still and watch birds. I also realized how disconnected I had become from the natural environment.

Upon my return, I had the great fortune of joining Fieldstone’s All We Can Save: Learning Circle. I highly encourage all organizations to participate and read the book. Even though, Casa de Amistad is an academic mentoring program- there are opportunities we can create to heal our planet and address issues related to climate change.

Profit- People outside the nonprofit sector do not realize how difficult it is to run and sustain a nonprofit organization. While corporations and businesses sell a product, nonprofit organizations must sell a theory of change that people will find compelling and worth investing in.

While there are over 15,000 nonprofit organizations in San Diego, there is a perceived need for competition for funding. FLNSD emphasizes the importance of collaboration over competition. Some of Casa de Amistad’s most innovative programs have been a result of working together with other nonprofit agencies. If we are committed to being thoughtful stewards of people’s investments and we all work together- we will all benefit and succeed.

While being in a position of leadership is hard and often lonely, the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego is a community that ensures that we are never truly alone.

Nicole Mione-Green, Executive Director, Casa de Amistad

 

Nicole has been involved in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. As a teen and young adult she volunteered as a counselor for the Easter Seals Society and the YMCA. She has spent her career working in education in both Mexico and the United States. Nicole has been in her current role as Executive Director of Casa de Amistad for over sixteen years. She has been an active member of the FLNSD community for twelve years.

 

 

 

 

 

Each week during our 40th anniversary year, a member of our Network will share what Fieldstone means to them and how being a part of this learning and leadership community has impacted them and the work they do to serve the community.

If you have a story you would like to contribute to our collection, please contact Janine Mason.