2023 Learning Groups Full
Continuing our sold-out streak, Fieldstone’s 2023 Learning groups have been filled to capacity for the coming year. Learning Groups are the cornerstone of our Network and are available for nonprofit CEOs, Executive Directors and Presidents (executive group) and for leadership team members (nonprofit leaders group). They are offered once a year and have been filled to capacity every year since they were first offered over 29 years ago! Both groups currently have waiting lists being formed. If you are interested in joining the list, please contact us.
Learning groups are facilitated by a professional with authentic nonprofit organization leadership experience. In 2023, long-time program facilitator Tom Hall will be joined in this role by Torrie Dunlap. 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.
Fieldstone’s Learning Group enhanced my skills and confidence to lead our organization as I developed an invaluable network of peers.”
Other survey data from 2022 illustrates significant impact from participating in the program:
- 100% of participants reported that the Learning Group experience helped them or will help them increase the capacity/ effectiveness of their organization.
- 80% made progress on an organizational challenge.
- 80% brought new resources, ideas and/or wisdom to their organizations through connections to others in the group.
- 100% of participants saw impacts to their professional network from the Learning Group experience.
- 90% grew their professional network
- 90% offered and/or received resources from other nonprofit leaders
- 90% gained valuable insights from leaders outside their organization’s nonprofit subsector
- 80% created relationships with trusted colleagues that they can consult in the future
San Diego Leaders Trained as Fieldstone Coaches
10 Nonprofit Leaders Join Fieldstone as Peer Coaches
Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego welcomed 10 new nonprofit leaders to its coaching corps in November. The Fieldstone Coaching Program was created in the early 1990s in response to requests from the sector. Designed in consultation with nonprofit executives, it was one of the first programs specifically crafted to address the issues and challenges faced by those leading nonprofit organizations by training current nonprofit CEO’s to serve as peer coaches. Research has demonstrated the impact working with a coach can have on personal leadership development and organizational capacity and, as such, our coaching program remains one of our most popular Leadership Network programs.
Fieldstone’s Coaching Program pairs executive level nonprofit leaders, one of whom has been trained as 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. The program includes a 360° review from the Center for Creative Leadership and other assessment tools which serve as the foundation for the work together.
A Fieldstone coach has been carefully selected from the sector and has a respected history of nonprofit leadership. In addition to being practitioners in the social sector, they are members of our Network and have participated in Fieldstone programs. They are currently leading or have led successful nonprofit organizations as an executive director or CEO. This experience allows them to better translate and understand the real work, challenges, and environment in which nonprofit professionals lead in the sector.
Fieldstone’s newest coaches are: Shaina Gross, SD Workforce Partnership; Karen Hooper, Curebound; Lesslie Keller, retired, Episcopal Community Services; Patti Malmuth, retired, Solana Beach Schools Foundation; Deborah Martin; ElderHelp; Ted Miyahara, SD Community Housing Corp; Rakesh Patel, MD, MBA, FACHE; Neighborhood Healthcare; Katie Sawyer, SD Foundation; Rhea Van Brocklin, Christie’s Place; and Lane Macy Kiefaber, Red to Black.
This group of new coaches is thoughtful, experienced, and passionate about nonprofit work and the people who make all the magic happen in our sector. They will make our program stronger and better. I am grateful they each accepted the invitation to join our team, says Janine Mason.
Fieldstone coaches receive rigorous training in peer coaching before they are matched with a coachee. Each coach is part of a greater coaching network which continually builds on the collective wisdom of all members and provides ongoing support through our quarterly coaches’ meetings. Janine Mason, MA, CNP, Fieldstone founder and facilitator; Michael Carr, program facilitator, and Kathryn Lembo, SBCS CEO and program facilitator, comprised the Fieldstone Coaches Training Team. The trio used a new curriculum, The Coaches Field Guide, which was updated and written by our Founder, Janine Mason, over the course of the past year.
Traditionally, Fieldstone coaches serve in this role for many years, with some serving since the inception of the program. Current Fieldstone coaches often speak of being drawn to coaching as a way to “give back” to the sector. Program history has demonstrated that most coaches stay because they value the relationships created with their coachee and with the other coaches serving in the program. The bonds of coach and coachee can be as close as those in any rewarding professional relationship because they are built on trust, mutual goals, and a shared commitment to making the relationship work. Fieldstone Coaches also appreciate how much they learn in partnership with their coachee and fellow coaches. While Fieldstone coaches are recognized for their expertise and service, their participation allows them opportunities to continually hone their coaching skills so they are better able to lead and manage their own staff or team. As part of our program and in appreciation for leaders volunteering as a coach, Fieldstone offers additional learning and training opportunities to its coaching team to further invest in their personal leadership development.
FLNSD’s philosophy of reciprocity and mutual support are the foundation for this program, which has served hundreds of San Diego leaders over the course of the past 27 years. Because our coaches are volunteers, Fieldstone is able to offer this coaching experience at an affordable price point, which allows those who might not otherwise be able to work with a coach, the opportunity to do so. The coaching experience is valued at over $15,000.
The new coaches, along with the existing group of coaches, will be matched with a coachee in December 2022. They will begin working together in January 2023.
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Number 7 is lucky for Leadership Reading Group Program
Reading program fills to capacity to study leadership through literature
To support our nonprofit leaders in developing and sustaining a healthy reading habit and provide opportunities to study leadership using literature, Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego created the Leadership Reading Group in 2015. To date, six groups of leaders have participated in and completed the program. Many of the groups continue to meet regularly, including LRG 1 which has been meeting for seven years and LRG 2, which as been meeting for six. Reaching a milestone at year 7, the Leadership Reading Group program began again in September and will run through June 2023.
Professionally facilitated by Stefanie Schiff, the group meets once a month for a total of 10 months. Using fiction, non-fiction and trade books, the facilitator will model how to lead a book discussion using different types of materials. Learners will then select a book from a curated book list and work with a partner to facilitate one of the remaining six sessions.
I cannot recommend the Leadership Reading program enough! It enhanced my leadership through fellowship with other leaders and being able to discuss leadership principles and practices we were encountering through our shared reading and the advice and experiences of our authors and protagonists alike. It is a fun and meaningful way to deepen one’s learning while connecting with others in the sector” shares Allison Morrissey, Director of Development at A Step Beyond, who participated in LRG Group 6.
Evaluations of the program indicate that participating in the program has:
- Provided an opportunity to commit to and develop a systematic reading habit to sharpen intelligence and increase knowledge.
- Helped the reader read more deeply and better understand diverse perspectives.
- Allowed the reader to build and deepen relationships through shared learning.
- Developed leaders who are more comfortable and confident in professional discussions and in using literature as a teaching tool.
“Fieldstone’s reading group helped me connect with so many San Diego nonprofit professionals! Not only did I widen my community, but I was able to have thoughtful, hard, and joyous conversations around books I never thought would be as impactful to my leadership development as they were”, reports Hannah Tackett, who participate in LRG 6 as a member of ElderHelp.
The following nonprofit leaders are participating in LRG 7:
- Bryan Fisher, Alliance Healthcare Foundation
- Corey Ford, Casa de Amistad
- Elaine Himelfarb, Mira Costa College
- Carrie Holmes, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
- Steve Morris, I Love a Clean San Diego
- Allison Ohle, Okayfour
- Sara Orlansky, University of San Diego, SOLES
- Doug Satre, Plant with Purpose
- Sue Schaffner, Serving Seniors
- Catherine Spray, University of San Diego, School of Law
- Patrick Stewart, Library Foundation San Diego
- Jamie Weissburgh, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation SD Chapter
The next Leadership Reading Group will begin in September 2023. To join our interest list and learn more, click here
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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 10, 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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