All We Can Save Learning Circle
New Program Offering Focused on the Environmental Leadership
This Fall, Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego will host a learning circle as part of the All We Can Save Project, a national effort to provide learning opportunities focused on climate change and environmental justice to citizens and leaders throughout our country. FLNSD is presenting this program as part of Fieldstone’s Project Stone Catcher. Project Stone Catcher provides opportunities for nonprofit leaders to develop the skills and understanding necessary to lead nonprofit organizations in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to advance social justice issues for the broader community.
The learning circle is be based on the book “All We Can Save: Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis”. This small group experience will provide nonprofit leaders with resources and space to identify and reflect on how they may use their leadership skills to address climate change and environmental justice issues both locally and globally. Because often these issues feel too big to impact, the learning circle will support nonprofit leaders in finding their place in the “we” that is necessary to create a “just and livable future” for all.
“This program is for nonprofit leaders working across all sub-sectors and concerned about climate change but not sure how to use their leadership skills to contribute to the effort for a healthier, more just environment for all and who are looking for co-conspirators”, says Janine Mason, Founder of FLNSD.
Participants will discuss one chapter from All We Can Save at each meeting of the nine-month learning circle. Chapters include: “Root,” “Advocate, ” “Reframe,” “Reshape,” “Persist,” “Feel,” “Nourish,” “Rise,” and “Onward.”
Books were mailed to each participant in early September. The discussion portion of the program will start on October 11, 2022 and meet monthly through June 2023. The circle will be facilitated by Mary Jo Schumann, PhD. This will be a full circle moment for Mary Jo and Fieldstone as she was a member of one of Fieldstone’s Leadership Reading Groups. Now she will take the reins and lead others in reading and discussing the material in “All We Can Save”.
According to Mason, “One goal of Fieldstone’s Leadership Reading Group program is to develop leaders who feel comfortable using literature to facilitate leadership development and learning. To have Mary Jo return to us now as a facilitator is fabulous for so many reasons, and one of those reasons illustrates the success of our Leadership Reading Group. It is a great example of the ripple effect of our work.”
While the group is full, if you are interested in joining the Circle, please contact Janine Mason. Leaders are able to join the group up until October 1o, 2022.
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Clare Rose Sabbatical Returns in 2023!
After a one-year hiatus due to the impacts of COVID-19, the CRS is back and accepting applications through January 31, 2023
In an effort to replenish the stores of energy and inspiration for our community’s most gifted leaders and provide opportunities to lead for senior staff, FLNSD offers the Clare Rose Sabbatical Program. This grant program offers two nonprofits in San Diego County with an opportunity to increase capacity by providing time off for the CEO for rest and reflection while providing leadership opportunities to senior staff that are only available with the absence of the top executive. Each grant is worth $50,000.
The goals of a Clare Rose Sabbatical are:
- To recognize and reward accomplished nonprofit leaders by providing them with an extended break from their work for professional and personal rejuvenation.
- To stabilize Sabbatical organizations by encouraging shared leadership.
- To advance the skills and capacity of upper-level staff at Sabbatical nonprofits so that they can assume increased leadership.
- To advocate for the efficacy of professional development support programs at nonprofit organizations, thereby generating field-wide appreciation of the critical value of human resources to the sector.
- To foster cross-sector dialogue among nonprofit leaders in San Diego County.
The program has returned after a short hiatus to help the program catch up due to multiple recipients delaying their experiences due to the challenges of a global pandemic. Applications are available on our website and will be accepted through January 31, 2023. In 2022, four organizations completed a Clare Rose Sabbatical capacity building experience:
- Access Youth Academy,
- Case de Amistad,
- Kids Included Together, and
- Promises2Kids
License to Freedom will embarked on its three month sabbatical in March of 2023.
To participate, an organization should:
- Be located in San Diego County.
- Be recognized by the community for its programs.
- Have at least three full-time paid staff.
- Look to the applicant’s sabbatical as an opportunity to develop the next level of leadership within the organization.
- Offer its endorsement of the request for leave, and submit a work plan for organizational management during the candidate’s absence, and upon candidate’s return.
- Need financial assistance to underwrite the candidate’s leave.
- Be able to sustain regular operations during the candidate’s absence.
To date, Fieldstone has awarded 27 Clare Rose Sabbaticals, for a total investment of $1.350 million.
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Coaching As A Leadership Tool Proves Popular
Course is sold out with a waiting list. FLNSD to offer again in Spring and Fall of 2023.
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Registration for 2023 Learning Groups and Coaching Opens
Applications Being Accepted Now for Popular Programs
The Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego is now accepting applications for its two foundational programs: Learning Groups and Executive Coaching. Each program will begin in January 2023. Applications are being accepted through October 14th, 2023 and are available under the program tab on the Network’s website.
Learning Groups
Learning groups are the cornerstone of our Network. Learning groups are offered for nonprofit CEOs, Executive Directors and Presidents (executive group) and for leadership team members (nonprofit leaders group).
Facilitated by a professional with authentic nonprofit organization leadership experience, the Learning Groups encourage dynamic and candid exchange among nonprofit executives and provide access to:
• Cutting edge tools and research on nonprofit management and leadership.
• An exchange of real case studies guided by a problem-solving methodology that empowers the participants to envision feasible solutions and craft action plans.
• An intimate and confidential environment to support and enhance your leadership.
• A new network of colleagues with a common purpose – to support each other’s leadership beyond the program.
• Experienced facilitators with deep knowledge and insights about the distinctive characteristics and dynamics of nonprofit organizations, and the skills to foster collective wisdom and fellowship.
Survey results from our 2022 cohorts indicate the following:
- 100% of participants reported that the Learning Group experience helped them develop as a leader
- 100% of participants reported that the problem-solving process helped address an organizational/ professional challenge.
- 100% of participants reported that the Learning Group experience help them or will help them increase the capacity/effectiveness of their organization.
- 100% of participants rate the relationships they’ve built with the other leaders in their Learning Group as very or extremely valuable (4.6 out of 5).
- 100% of participants have seen positive impacts to their professional network from the Learning Group experience.
With a newly re-designed and updated curriculum, the Learning Group will explore topics critical to successful leadership of a nonprofit organization, including:
- Problem Solving
- Leading Through Crisis and in a Post-Pandemic World
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Team Development and Multi-Generational Leadership
- Conflict Resolution and Persuasion
- Board Governance and Development
- Time Management and Delegation
- Strategic Formation
- Organizational Sustainability
- Fundamentals of Leadership and Management
Learning groups meet monthly at the Fieldstone offices from 9 am to 4 pm. Each cohort is limited to 10 leaders to provide a save, confidential and meaningful experience for all.
Executive Coaching
The Coaching Program has exceeded all of my expectations. I love my Fieldstone Coach!
For 26 years, we have offered coaching to nonprofit leaders in San Diego.
Our program pairs executive directors or senior leadership team members with a nonprofit CEO who has been trained to be a peer coach, in a twelve-month, confidential, one-on-one coaching relationship.
Through a series of monthly meetings and ongoing conversations over the course of a year, coaches help to empower coachees to accomplish specific leadership goals and resolve organizational problems. Through coaching you will have access to:
·Experienced coaches with deep knowledge and insights about the dynamics of nonprofit leadership, and the skills to foster reflective wisdom and discernment.
·Organizational self-assessment tools and a 360 degree professional assessment and feedback from the Center for Creative Leadership
·An intimate and confidential environment to support and enhance your personal and professional growth.
Having a coach who stays on the coachee’s agenda, provides additional perspectives and resources supports a nonprofit leader as they address the challenges and opportunities that are part of leading a nonprofit organization and increases the likelyhood of success for them, their team and their agency.
It is amazing to have this safe space with my coach. She understands how it is and that is so helpful.
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FLNSD NAMED “2022 TOP-RATED NONPROFIT” by GreatNonprofits
Award based on Community Recommendations
Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego announced today it has been named a “2022 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading website for community recommendations of charities and nonprofits. Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego provides leadership development services and support to nonprofit professionals throughout San Diego County. resulting in better equip leaders and trusted relationships for collaboration and support.
“We are all about creating and nurturing the community of nonprofit leaders who we have come to rely upon to provide a wide array of services to our community. We are honored to be recognized because of their feedback on how we are meeting our mission of supporting nonprofit leaders to develop their leadership capacities and build trusted relationships in the sector”, says Janine Mason, Fieldstone’s Founder and Director. We are proud of our programs, which include learning groups, coaching, reading groups, experiential leadership trainings and equity training.”
The Top-Rated Nonprofit Award is based on the rating and number of reviews that Fieldstone Leadership Network received from volunteers, donors and a program participants. “Beyond the skill building exercises, great literature, and strong facilitation, I have been able to connect to a community of non-profit leaders that I am very privileged to know. I feel very supported by them and this organization”, reports Navid Zamani, of License to Freedom.
“Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego is a great example of a nonprofit making a real difference in their community,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits, “Their award is well-deserved recognition not only of their work, but the tremendous support they receive, as shown by the many outstanding reviews they have received from people who have direct experience working with their Network.”
“I can’t recommend their suite of leadership programs enough. They are unique to the field, always evolving, and their staff (and trainers) have an uncanny ability to sense the trends and shifts in the field and apply them to their current offerings. My ability to serve my community is all the better for my time spent with Fieldstone – and the bonus is that I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and been inspired to be more and do more as a result of my participation.”
Ryan Ginard, nonprofit professional and author
This is the third consecutive Top Rated award for Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego.
I’m not really sure if I can put into words how much I have gained from Fieldstone over the years, but I can say that I am more than thankful to them for providing a space for me to grow and collaborate and become the best me I can.” David Proulx
GreatNonprofits is the largest donation website for nonprofits and where people share stories about their personal experiences on more than 1.6 million charities and nonprofits. The GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Awards are the only awards for nonprofits determined by those who have direct experience with the charities – as donors, volunteers and recipients of aid.
The complete list of 2022 Top Rated Nonprofits will be announced on October 31, 2022.
Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego will open registration for their 2023 Learning Groups and Coaching Program in August. Information and applications are now available on the website.
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Equity Journey Series Concludes
Over 600 Nonprofit Leaders Participated in The Equity Journey
For the past 23 months, Fieldstone Leadership Network has been working with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance to bring the Equity Journey to local nonprofit leaders. Since that time, Fieldstone has facilitated each of the three components of the series:
- The Equity Journey
- Equity Journey 2.0 – Nonprofit and Organizational Success and,
- Equity Journey 3.0 – What’s Fair? Exploring Social Justice in America
To date, over 600 nonprofit leaders have participated in at least one of the Equity Journey offerings.
The online curriculum was developed by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. In keeping with Fieldstone’s peer learning model and in alignment with our mission to foster trusted relationship between nonprofit leaders, Fieldstone Founder, Janine Mason, designed and facilitated Pit Stops on each of the Equity Journey offerings. Each Pit Stop was hosted on Zoom and lasted for 90 minutes. Pits Stops allowed learners to come together to reflect on the material they were learning individually, share their thoughts, ask questions and hear from others on the Journey. Survey results indicate 91% gained insights from the Pit Stop discussions. One participant from Equity Journey 2.0, described the Pit Stops as
“very meaningful; supportive, informative, offering a safe space to explore our thoughts as well as doubts.”
The Equity Journey series was presented as part of Fieldstone’s Project Stone Catcher which provides opportunities for nonprofit leaders to develop the skills and understanding necessary to lead nonprofit organizations in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to advance social justice issues for the broader community. In alignment with our mission, Project Stone Catcher aims to build a community of stone catchers who trust each other, offer support to one another and provide safe space for exploration and discussion of issues that have historically been difficult to discuss. Ninety-one percent of participants reported increased confidence in holding conversations about race and equity as a result their participation in the program.
In addition to an increase in confidence in conversing about race and equity, Learners reported a 97% increase in their understanding of concepts and definitions critical to social justice and 100% of participants reported an increase in their ability to incorporate systemic thinking into their work. Ninety-one percent of participants reported changes or plans to change the way they work as a result of doing this course.
In Year 2 of the program offering, Fieldstone was asked by North County Philanthropy Council and Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego to facilitate the Equity Journey program for their members. Over 115 members participated in the program. This offering, which included all three of the Equity Journey courses, was underwritten by Nordson Corporation Foundation and Impact Cubed.
Leaders who completed each module with the course and participated in the Pit Stops earned a certificate, which was conferred jointly by Fieldstone and the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.
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Nonprofit Board Exchange
A Free Community Resource for San Diegans
SAN DIEGO–Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego, a leader in nonprofit leadership development, announces the launch of the Nonprofit Board Exchange™, a community resource which seeks to aid nonprofit’s in recruiting board members and diversify nonprofit governing boards. The Nonprofit Board Exchange is a free, public, online platform that publicizes openings on local nonprofit boards and is available to those interested in serving in a volunteer governing role with a nonprofit organization.
The idea was born out of a desire to democratize and expand the process of becoming a nonprofit board member, which historically, has not been inclusive. “How we serve the world requires diverse and well-trained boards of directors, so we need to be intentional about this effort,” commented Janine Mason, Founding Director of Fieldstone Leadership Network and the creator of the Exchange. A recent study conducted by The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego shows that in terms of racial diversity of San Diego’s nonprofit board members, only 36% identify as Black, Indigious, person of color– and the percentage is even less for those serving as board chairs. In the nonprofit sector, it is the job of the board to govern their organizations so the need to recruit, develop and retain a skilled, diverse board is vital. “The Nonprofit Board Exchange serves as a new access point for San Diegans,” continued Mason. “By making opportunities more transparent and accessible, it allows for a broader pool of applicants interested in serving as a nonprofit board member.” The Exchange also provides information on available board leadership training and other resources for those who serve in this important role.
Any nonprofit organization in San Diego may list a board opening to share with the broader community while any community member can peruse all offerings to find alignment with their interests and experience and contact the nonprofit organization directly.
“As a mission-driven leader, I wanted to grow my influence and impact on my community by serving on a board but I wasn’t sure where to start,” said Angel Ibarra, a manager with Episcopal Community Services who used the platform to match his interests with a local nonprofit. “Through the Nonprofit Board Exchange I was able to connect with like-minded leaders and grow my understanding of what it takes to be an impactful board member.”
The Nonprofit Board Exchange is supported by 14 community partners, including Alliance for Regional Solutions, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Athena, BIPOC Support Foundation, Cal State University San Marcos’ North County Leadership, Catalyst, Clare Rose Foundation, Impact Cubed, Kim Center for Social Balance, LEAD San Diego, North County Philanthropy Council, Rise San Diego, San Diego County Imperial Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Workforce Partnership, Social Venture Partners, United Way of San Diego and The Nonprofit Institute at University of San Diego.
- If you are a nonprofit organization and have a board opening that you would like to share, please create an account to post your board listing.
- If you are a prospective or current board member, please visit the site to look for new board openings and for training opportunities in San Diego County.
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All We Can Save Learning Circle
A New Program to Answer the Call for Climate Change and Environmental Justice Leadership
Building upon the success and impact of our Leadership Reading Group, Fieldstone is pleased to announce a new program for nonprofit leaders to explore leadership regarding climate change and environmental justice. Reading the book, All We Can Save, the learning circle will gather together monthly to explore each chapter. All We Can Save is a bestselling anthology of writings by 60 women at the forefront of the climate movement who are harnessing truth, courage, and solutions to lead humanity forward. This small group experience will provide nonprofit leaders with space for generous dialogue about the climate crisis, to connect and find their place in the “we” that is necessary to create a “just and livable future”. The program is open to any nonprofit leader interested in learning more about the challenges and opportunities to address climate change. Learners do not need to be working in the environmental sector to participate.
The program will be facilitated by Mary Jo Shumann, PhD. Mary Jo is a graduate of Fieldstone’s Learning Group and Reading Group programs. Her leadership in this facilitating this program is an outgrowth of her participating in our Reading Group. “The goals of our leadership reading group are to create leaders with a disciplined reading habit, and who have the ability to use literature as a leadership tool for themselves and for others. To be able to amplify Mary Jo’s experience from a member of a group to the facilitator of another program is a meaningful outcome which magnifies the impact of our work in important ways”, according to Janine Mason, Founder of Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to focus in on a specific area in need of every day leaders who are willing to work on the issue’s behalf. We can think of no better place to begin than with the environment, which impacts all of us”.
Deeper Dialogue and Stronger Communities
Circles have been designed to address the needs for deeper dialogue about the climate crisis and to build leaderful community around solutions. We will use the All We Can Save anthology as our grounding and jumping off point. Following the flow of the book, the Circle curriculum is crafted as follows:
Program Details:
- Program will open for book distribution on September 6, 2022.
- The first Circle Conversation will be October 11, 2022.
- Circles will be held monthly on the 2nd of the month, month through month.
- The Circle will meet from 9 to 11 am.
- Program will be facilitated by Mary Jo Schumann, PhD
- Circles will take place at the offices of Fieldstone Leadership Network in University City.
- Cost: $175 and includes a paperback copy of the book, group facilitation, meeting refreshments and resources.
This course is offered to answer the call by All We Can Save for more leadership and participation in responding to our climate crisis. Circles were created by Dr. Katharine Wilkinson. This learning opportunity is presented as part of our Leadership Reading Group Program and Project Stone Catcher.
Learning Groups Graduate!
32 Nonprofit Leaders Complete Fieldstone’s Six Month Leadership Development Program
The cornerstone of our Network, Fieldstone Learning Groups provide nonprofit leaders with an exceptional opportunity to further their skills in leading a nonprofit organization or team while developing trusted and supportive relationships with other professionals in the sector. Learning Groups are offered to senior leadership team members and CEOs and Executive Directors. This year FLNSD hosted three learning groups. Offered since 1994, the learning group program is a sell out each year!
Returning to in-person meetings in January 2022, three learning groups met monthly for six months. Each month’s module was designed to enhance a learner’s understanding of the vital leadership competencies necessary for nonprofit leaders. Monthly discussion topics were based on state-of-the-art leadership and management research and grounded through the practitioner’s lens for an effective blend of theory and real-world experience. Topics include:
- Problem Solving
- Leading Through Crisis and in a Post-Pandemic World
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Team Development and Multi-Generational Leadership
- Conflict Resolution and Persuasion
- Board Governance and Development
- Time Management and Delegation
- Strategic Formation
- Organizational Sustainability
- Fundamentals of Leadership and Management
Learning Groups are facilitated by professionals who have served as an executive director of a nonprofit organization. Each facilitator has a unique combination of proven experience, knowledge, skills, and passion which allows them to relate to and understand the current issues and challenges being faced by nonprofit leaders. They are respected executives and consultants in the social sector who share an enthusiasm to impact other nonprofit leaders by sharing their talents, experience, and mistakes. Our 2022 groups were facilitated by Tom Hall, former Managing Director of The Globe Theatres and current principal of AlbertHall & Associates. Tom was a participant in FLNSD’s first ever San Diego Learning Group back in the early 1990s!!
Congratulations to the Fieldstone Graduates of 2022
Congratulations to our Executive Learning Group Graduates:
Back Row (L-R) Sean Spear, Community Housing Works; Dilkhwaz Ahmed, License to Freedom; Suzanne Husby, Make-A-Wish SD; Laura Pitts, Carlsbad Education Foundation; Jen Thorn, Moxie Theatre; Matt Koumaras, Boys & Girls Club of Vista; Kelly Douglas, Voices for Children. Front row (seated L-R) Tasreen Khamisa, Tariq Khamisa Foundation; Colleen FitzSimons, SD Green Building Council; Kim Heinle, Bayside Community Center; and Anna Maria Maybury, Girls on the Run.
Congratulations to our Nonprofit Leaders Learning Groups. We were pleased to host two separate groups this year.
Back Row (L-R): Jessica Frank, SD Diplomacy Council; Kathryn Clauzel, Just in Time for Foster Youth; Claudia Ehrlich, Avodah; Jenna Martin, Make-A-Wish SD; Kevin Renac, Bayside Community Center, Janine Mason, FLNSD, Tom Hall, Facilitator, Katharine Mathews, Living Coast Discovery Center. Front Row (L-R) Angela Zappia, Accessity; Jaimie McBreaty, Access Youth Academy; Corey Ford, Casa de Amistad; Erica Connell, Voice of San Diego and Marcela Mercado, Fern Street Circus Arts.
Back Row (L-R) Matthew Medeiros, BLCI; Casey Davis, Diabetes Research Connection; Douglas Flaker, Health Center Partners of So. CA; Middle Row (L-R) Shelby Coopwood, Access Youth Academy; Vicky Kern, La Jolla Institute of Immunology; Jenna Novotny, Mama’s Kitchen; Navid Zamani, License to Freedom. Front Row (L-R) Emily Shuffield, Burn Institute; Eowyn Bates, SD Natural History Museum; and Taylor Beveridge, Carlsbad Education Foundation.
Learning Groups begin each January and run through June. The next opportunity to apply for the 2023 Learning Group opens in September 2022. Each cohort is made up of 10-11 leaders. In keeping with Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego’s mission to provide affordable leadership development opportunities, the program is offered for a nominal fee of $900. Valued at over $4,000, the balance of the program costs are covered by the Clare Rose Foundation. For more information, please visit our website.
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Coaching as a Leadership Tool
A Program to Build your Leadership Toolbox
Research has shown that incorporating coaching into one’s leadership style helps to transform, renew, energize and inspire one’s team while nurturing effective and humane organizations, networks and communities. In a world of increasing complexity, we believe the world need more leaders who are equipped and able to lead like this.
The program is open to those working in the nonprofit sector and currently in a leadership position or to those aspiring to manage others in the future. The series will arm learners with a toolkit of resources and the confidence to coach a team to reach its full potential. Participants who complete all course requirements are eligible for an E-Certificate and a digital badge in Coaching as a Leadership Tool.
This certificate program includes online course material for learners to complete independently and three in-person “coaching conversations” with others in the cohort. Each cohort will be comprised of approximately 16 leaders. “Coaching Conversations” will be facilitated gatherings and will focus on each of the program’s three courses. Learners are expected to complete each course before the in-person gathering so they are able to participate actively in the discussion. All Coaching Conversations will take place at the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego’s offices in University City.
The program includes:
- Explore your leadership values
- Affirm your leadership ideals
- Increase your understanding of the leader’s role with a focus on empathy
- Develop confidence to be an authentic leader, aligning values, expectations, and behaviors
Build Your Organization’s Bench: Leadership and Coaching Conversations
Learning Objectives:
- Define coaching as a leadership style
- Build a case for why coaching is a useful leadership style in today’s organizations
- Prepare you to incorporate coaching into your leadership practice
The Capable Coach
Learning Objectives:
- Review the value of coaching as a leadership tool
- Understand and apply the GROW Model for Coaching
- Identify the key elements of an effective coaching environment.
- Comprehend and apply coaching competencies.
Coaching Conversations: A Unique Addition
Because we believe in the power of sharing personal wisdom and experiences to augment our theoretical learning, and offer support to other leaders, we have crafted a unique in-person component to the online curriculum called “Coaching Conversations”. “Coaching Conversations” will be in-person small group gatherings for all participating in the online course and will take place monthly, for a total of three meetings. They are designed to give learners an opportunity to explore the course material and practice coaching with others. They are also designed to reflect the value we place on learning communally, building relationships with other nonprofit leaders and reciprocity. .
PROGRAM DETAILS
- Registration for the program is open now using THIS LINK
- Program will open for online access on August 1, 2022. The first Coaching Conversation will be September 8, 2022. The second conversation will be on October 13 and the final conversation will be on November 10, 2022.
- Cost: $300 – includes online access to the three courses, group facilitation and meeting refreshments.
