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2019 Clare Rose Sabbaticals Announced!!

We are pleased to announce the four recipients of the 2019 Clare Rose Sabbatical Award

Dawn Price, Executive Director, Friendship Shelter, Orange County

Sahra Abdi, Executive Director, United Women of East Africa Support Team, San Diego
Renato Paiva, Executive Director, Access Youth Academy, San Diego
Barbara Reuer, Chief Executive Officer, Resounding Joy Inc., San Diego

With the aim of increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations by offering time for the leader to replenish his or her energy while providing opportunities for others in the organization to take the helm in leading, the Clare Rose Sabbatical program is in its sixth year. The grant is valued at $50,000 and covers the salary and benefits for the leader to take time away to reflect and renew, an organizational consultant to assist in the planning, implementation period and the return of the leader, a fund for staff development and stipends for those leading during the three-month sabbatical. Once again, one of the four sabbaticals was awarded to a new member of our leadership community!

The four newest members of the Clare Rose Sabbatical Community join 19 other organizations in receiving a sabbatical grant, including 211 San Diego, American Diabetes Foundation OC, Families Forward, Grandma’s House of Hope, HomeAid Orange County, I Love A Clean San Diego, Ivey Ranch Park, Mainly Mozart, Make A Wish San Diego, Malashock Dance, Mama’s Kitchen, Mercy House, New Village Arts, North County Lifeline, OneOC, Pacific Arts Movement, Susan G. Komen Orange County, The Ecology Center, and transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project.

As in past years, former recipients participated in the selection process of this cohort. Our thanks to Dan McQuaid, Alberto Cortés of Mama’s Kitchen, Tonya Danielly of Ivey Ranch and John Ohanian of 211 San Diego for sharing their time and wisdom with us.

The Fieldstone Leadership Network is the only local operating foundation in the Orange and San Diego Counties to offer sabbaticals to nonprofit leaders and their organizations. The next application deadline is January 31, 2020. If you would like to participate in the next program or have any questions, please contact Janine Mason to request additional information. Applications and more information are available on our website.

Builders of the Field – Nordson Corporation Foundation

Builders of the Field highlights philanthropic leaders who financially partner with the Network to support our work in the nonprofit community.  This month we are delighted to feature our friends at Nordson Corporation Foundation.

Nordson Corporation delivers precision technology solutions to help customers succeed worldwide. They engineer, manufacture and market differentiated products used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealants, biomaterials and other materials; for fluid management; for test and inspection; and for UV curing and plasma surface treatment. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, USA, they have operations and support
offices in more than 30 countries.

Sara Vaz is the Community Relations Manager for the Nordson Corporation Foundation. In her role, she manages all of the Corporate Social Responsibility activities for Nordson in the California and Colorado regions. Sara recently shared her thoughts on partnering with Fieldstone Leadership Network.

Why do you give back to non-profits?

At Nordson, we have a long and proud history of giving back to the communities where we live and work. We strongly believe it is our responsibility as a corporate citizen to share our success with our communities, which is why we donate 5 percent of our U.S. pre-tax profits to support charitable endeavors every year. We pursue and support results-oriented opportunities that prepare individuals for full and equal participation in the economic and social mainstream. We believe these kinds of programs help improve the quality of life over the long term and produce stronger, more enlightened communities in which we live and work. We strive to fulfill these respo

As part of the Time ‘n Talent program, employees taught children at the Boys and Girls Club in Oceanside about recycling and caring for the planet, while helping them plant saplings that they could take home.

nsibilities in our communities through contributions to charitable activities with a focus on education. Other major giving categories that are supported are human welfare, civic affairs, and arts & culture.

What motivated you to make a gift to the Fieldstone Leadership Network?

We understand that strong nonprofits make stronger communities. We also understand that investment in the professional development of leaders in our nonprofit sector is lacking. We were thrilled to support the Fieldstone Leadership Network in the work they do for our nonprofit leaders and sector. We have heard from many of our nonprofit partners how impactful participation in the Network was for them and we were happy to make this investment.

What impact do you think the Fieldstone Leadership Network makes on our community?

We know that the nonprofit sector fills significant gaps left by the public and private sectors and we rely on the work of these nonprofits to lift-up and strengthen our communities. When nonprofit leaders are empowered and encouraged through rigorous training and support networks like the Fieldstone Leadership Network, our entire community benefits. We are grateful to the Fieldstone Leadership Network for working to motivate and increase the effectiveness of our hardworking nonprofit leaders.

Builders of the Field – PIMCO

Builders of the Field highlights philanthropic leaders who financially partner with the Network to support our work in the nonprofit community.

PIMCO’s Legal and Compliance team took part in games and mentorship activities with students from the Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange Coast, in Santa Ana.

PIMCO is one of the world’s premier fixed income investment managers. Launching in 1971 in Newport Beach, California, PIMCO introduced investors to a total return approach to fixed income investing. Today they have offices across the globe. They believe in operating globally but also in supporting local organizations in the communities in which they live and work. Since establishing the PIMCO Foundation in 2000, they have worked to support hundreds of local nonprofits. They have foundations in the U.S., U.K., and Germany, and support local communities via local grant programs. Their focus is on hunger, gender equality, homelessness and college and career readiness.

We recently asked Amber Skalsky, Vice President of the PIMCO Foundation, the following questions:

Why do you give back to non-profits?

At PIMCO, we’ve always believed in giving back; it’s a value woven into the fabric of our culture. Our colleagues and executives have a long history of giving time and talent as it’s just something we’ve always believed was the right thing to do. Through our community engagement platform, Purpose at PIMCO, we seek to not only deliver on our commitment to strengthening communities, but to driving impact alongside our nonprofit partners.

What motivated you to make a gift to the Fieldstone Leadership Network?

We understand that if we are to achieve real outcomes and positive social change, we must support the leadership and development of those who are at the helm of our partner organizations. We must arm our nonprofit leaders with the tools they need to build strong teams, impactful programs, and sustainable change in the community. Fieldstone allowed us to play a small part in helping local leaders build networks, strengthen capacity, increase confidence, and more…

What impact do you think the Fieldstone Leadership Network makes on our community?

Too often we hear that organizations have to choose between investing funds in either their programs or staff. Fieldstone helps solve that problem by offering leaders access to knowledge and peer networks on a monthly basis. Participants are able to take advantage of self-learning opportunities and curriculum which helps them become stronger problem solvers, strategically agile, and helps members bring back those learnings to their organizations and teams. Fieldstone Leadership Network has a vast impact on the Orange County community, and across Southern California.

Do you have any personal stories you would like to share as the result of working with or benefiting from the Fieldstone Leadership Network?

As a funder, I have not had any personal interaction with the programs, however, we have many partners who have taken part in Fieldstone programs, and we’ve heard firsthand the positive and lasting impact programming has had on them both personally and professionally. This feedback was one of the key reasons we felt compelled to invest.

Builders of the Field – Clare Rose Foundation

Builders of the Field highlights philanthropic leaders who financially partner with the Network to support our work in the nonprofit community.

The Clare Rose Foundation was established in 1997 by Valerie Vincent and was inspired by her passion for empowering leaders of nonprofit organizations and educational institutions assisting under-served populations. She led the Foundation’s grant-making efforts until her death in 2007 . Valerie’s daughter, Anne, continues the work of the Clare Rose Foundation with her brothers and aunt. Based in San Diego County and continuing her mother’s legacy, Anne has formed partnerships with leaders of organizations who are committed to strengthening the nonprofit sector as well as empowering and providing resources to those impacted by trauma.

Valerie Vincent

We recently sat down with Anne Vincent, President of the Clare Rose Foundation, and asked her some questions:

Why do you give back to non-profits?

In my past life I worked as a social worker for nonprofits on the east coast and here in
San Diego. As a result, I have first-hand experience in the sector and understand how hard the staff and leadership of these organizations work to better the lives of those in need. I want to be part of providing the support leaders need to do their work.

What motivated you to make a gift to the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
I was inspired to start a sabbatical program for nonprofit executive directors based on my past career experience as well as a chance encounter at a conference with the president of the Durfee Foundation. After hearing about their sabbatical program, I understood it was something I wanted to pursue for Clare Rose. However, I recognized we did not have the connections in the community, the infrastructure, or expertise to administer it
ourselves. When I met Janine Mason, Executive Director with Fieldstone Leadership Network, I knew immediately that Fieldstone was the organization who could help us meet our goals of establishing a sabbatical program and of providing support to nonprofit leaders. To use Janine’s analogy of the Reese’s peanut butter cup, Fieldstone was the chocolate to our peanut butter!

What impact do you think the Fieldstone Leadership Network makes on our community?
One of the most important things Fieldstone does (in my opinion) is build relationships and offer support to those working in nonprofit organizations. The sense of camaraderie and connection is a gift to those often working in isolation and under great pressure. In addition, by developing the leadership capacity of nonprofit leaders (through the sabbatical as well as their other programs) Fieldstone fortifies the service programs these organizations provide. This sustains our community as a whole. Fieldstone’s impact is undeniable and important.

Do you have any personal stories you would like to share as the result of working with or benefiting from the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
Professionally, it has been a gift and a joy to partner with Fieldstone on the sabbatical program and to watch the profound impact the Clare Rose Sabbatical has had on the organizations and leaders at all levels who have participated. Personally, our partnership has introduced me to so many incredible people in the sector who, in turn, have influenced and expanded the work of the Clare Rose Foundation in positive and meaningful ways.

Builders of the Field – Christopher Weil & Company

Builders of the Field highlights philanthropic leaders who financially partner with the Network to support our work in the nonprofit community.

Chris Weil formed The Weil Company (now dba Christopher Weil & Company, Inc.) in 1989 to provide a platform to do his own investing and to advise and manage wealth for others; and investing “for our own account” remains an important component of what they do. The principals of CWC co-invest alongside their clients in all recommended investments.

Why do you give back to non-profits?

What people call “giving back” seems as natural to us at Christopher Weil & Company, Inc. as breathing out after breathing in. It would be unhealthy to the extreme to live by taking in only. All of life is characterized by taking in and giving out. Philanthropy is simply an instance of this. It is a healthy way to live.

What motivated you to make a gift to the Fieldstone Leadership Network?

I have known Janine Mason for many years and have admired her work in the various venues in which we have collaborated. Therefore, when she asked to talk with me about Fieldstone and to support its work, it was an easy and informed decision.

What impact do you think the Fieldstone Leadership Network makes on our community?

I am not a graduate of a Fieldstone program, but I know a number of people who are. In discussions with them there is a sense that the Fieldstone Leadership Network has allowed them to make material contributions, not just to their own institutions, but to their communities as well.

Do you have any personal stories you would like to share as the result of working with or benefitting from the Fieldstone Leadership Network?

It turns out that I know three Executive Directors who are beneficiaries of Fieldstone’s Clare Rose Sabbatical program. Each has testified to a radical improvement in their leadership skills when returning to work. I don’t think it is just coincidental that, in all three cases after their sabbaticals, their organizations experienced demonstrable improvements in operations, service delivery, development and employee satisfaction.

First Republic Bank and Fieldstone @4

First Republic Bank Partners with Fieldstone Leadership Network to Sponsor the 2019 Fieldstone@4 Series

The Fieldstone Leadership Network (FLN) is proud to announce its partnership with First Republic Bank as the official sponsor of the 2019 Fieldstone@4 events in San Diego and Orange Counties. “This is a partnership with great synergy because we both share the core belief of investing in our nonprofit leaders,” said FLN Executive Director, Janine Mason.

First Republic Bank is committed to developing deeper relationships with non-profits. They believe that donating time, money and knowledge to those who are best placed to make a difference to the lives of many is the right thing to do. They also uphold a key focus in creating inclusive opportunities for our community.

The 2019 Fieldstone@4 events will be held quarterly in San Diego and Orange Counties. Based on the theory of the Third Place, each event features members of the Fieldstone Leadership Network sharing their personal wisdom and experience on a topic relevant to nonprofit leadership. Each event is open to all participants of the Fieldstone Leadership Network. For a calendar of events and topics, please visit our website at www.fieldstoneleadershipsd.org

Clare Rose and Fieldstone Extend Partnership

The Fieldstone Leadership Network (FLN) is pleased to announce that it has formalized another partnership agreement with the Clare Rose Foundation to continue to offer sabbaticals for nonprofit leaders in Orange and San Diego Counties. Available to leaders with at least 10 years of executive experience leading a nonprofit, the Clare Rose Sabbatical program began 5 years ago and has awarded 19 capacity building sabbaticals thus far. The program is offered as part of the Fieldstone Leadership Network with a goal of increasing the capacity of the individual leader by offering time for rest and renewal while providing the agency’s leadership team the opportunity to lead the organization and expand their professional experience. The program offers four opportunities, valued at $50,000 each, every year.

“The past five years have been a wonderful success and we are excited about continuing our relationship with Fieldstone. Their years of experience in leadership development and the reputation of their programs make them well-positioned to continue to reach our shared goals of sustaining and supporting nonprofit leaders with this program.” said Anne Vincent, President of the Clare Rose Foundation.

According to Janine Mason, Executive Director and President of the FLN, “it is an extraordinary experience to find a partner with whom your organizational values align. Fieldstone and Clare Rose share similar philosophies which makes working together easy, effective and pure joy. It is a great privilege to be able to make this opportunity available to those leading in the nonprofit sector.”

FLN and Clare Rose Foundation anticipate working with an additional 20 organizations over the course of the next five years.

You are invited to apply for this once-in-a lifetime opportunity! Please share this opportunity with your colleagues who might also feel called to this experience. Additional information can be found on our website, where you can watch a video and hear from recent sabbatical recipients, read the Durfee report, and review the application and timeline.

Leadership’s Highest Calling

The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership

Harvey Firestone

Hear how the Fieldstone Leadership Network has supported the growth and development of Lee Ann Kim, Founder of Pacific Arts Movement.  As we move closer to Thanksgiving, we are grateful for her story and her invitation to keep the work going for other nonprofit leaders in our community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YBW2JsGVQU

Courageous Leaders on Retreat

Courage has nothing to do with our determination to be great. 

It has to do with what we decide in that moment when we are called upon to be more.  

Rita Dove 

In these turbulent and challenging times, leaders often need courage to stay true to deeply held values amid the complexity of roles and responsibilities.  For those who serve our communities, it’s especially crucial that there is time and space to renew spirits, reflect on purpose and reignite the passion that underlies the work.  Recognizing this need, FLN offered a three day leadership retreat called The Courage Way: Fortifying Nonprofit Leaders.  Last week, 24 nonprofit leaders gathered in Malibu for this unique professional and personal development experience.

Designed to provide meaningful opportunities for individual learning and group reflection as well as space for leaders to slow down and move at a different pace, Serra Retreat Center, perched above the Pacific Ocean, provided breathtaking views and quiet spaces to support the intentionality of the retreat’s goals.  Led by facilitators Janine Mason and Sue Carter Kahl, leaders were provided with tools and time to explore the connection of who they are with what they do.  While reflecting on their “true work”, time and space were also provided for leaders to build relationships with other leaders and to take time for themselves.  The grounds offered plenty of walking paths and a labyrinth to complement and encourage the work.

“The learnings and fellowship of the retreat were life changing and deep beyond measure” according to Scott Larson, CEO of HomeAid OC.    Carolyn Zollars of the San Diego Botanic Gardens concurred saying “I am so grateful to have been able to step away from my “every day” work to participate.  I look forward to implementing better ways to interact with my team members and fellow leaders going forward. ” Janie Wolicki Best of WHW in Orange County summed up her experience by saying; the retreat is “an amazing program to help nonprofit leaders to have courage, to be centered and to recharge”.

Participants in the retreat were, as pictured above,  Back row– Vanessa Davis, Just in Time for Foster Youth; Michelle Ginn, Carlsbad Education Foundation; Kevin O’Neill, SAY San Diego; Lisa Wood, Casa Teresa; Gil Brady, Nativity Prep; Third Row – Scott Larson, HomeAid OC; Nadia Babayi, Laguna Beach Seniors; Teresa Stivers, Walden Family Services; Mia Roseberry, Wounded Warrior Homes; Joe Buehrle, SAY San Diego; Kristianne Kurner, New Village Arts; Second Row – Cat Corral, TransenDANCE; Natalie Julien, Thomas House Family Shelter; Janie Wolicki Best, WHW; Carolyn Zollars, SD Botanic Gardens; Front Row – Sue Carter Kahl, Facilitator, Bonnie Benitez, Consumer Attorneys of SD; Sheila Romanski, Crystal Roses; Sonay Caruso, FLN; Nancy Batterman, Options for All; Wendy Weeks, Youth Employment Services; Janine Mason, FLN & Facilitator; and Trina Hester, KPBS.

The retreat was based on the Circle of Trust approach developed by Parker Palmer and the Center for Courage and Renewal.  Trained and certified as facilitators, Sue and Janine, created a “safe space” that welcomed the soul to show up.  In solitude, and large-and-small group discussions, leaders were invited to reflect deeply using poetry, nature, art and various wisdom traditions as guides.  The retreat also included training on asking honest, open-ended questions.  This training culminated with each leader participating in a Clearness Committee, a process of discernment that lets one hear their inner voice and wisdom.  It was the capstone of the retreat experience.

Leadership Retreats are offered as part of the Fieldstone Leadership Network’s continuum of programs to support nonprofit leadership in Orange and San Diego Counties.  The retreat is offered bi-annually.  For more information, visit  https://fieldstoneleadershipsd.org/leadership-retreat    

and watch this short video on our November retreat  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wImR6a8q4rk

Author Joins Leadership Reading Groups for Discussion

As part of our Leadership Reading Group Program, author Scott A. Huesing joined San Diego leaders to discuss leadership and his best selling book, Echo in Ramadi. 

Echo in Ramadi is a captivating story of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines during the Second Battle of Ramadi in support of Multi National Forces Surge Strategy in 2006.  It is a snapshot of a time that changed the face of operations on the battlefield and provides insight into how Huesing led young men as they began to battle through firefights and raids in the urban battlefield of Ramadi, Iraq.  It is a story of sacrifice and survival, the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood and the importance of human connection.

Huesing is a retired United States Marine Corps Infantry Major with 24 years of honorable service, both enlisted and as a commissioned officer.  During his career, spanning 10 deployments to over 60 countries worldwide, including Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa, he planned, led and conducted hundreds of combat missions under some of the most austere and challenging conditions.  While Huesing is a proven combat leader, he insists, “there is no such thing as combat leadership, just leadership”.

As part of our discussion with Huesing, he expounded on his commitment to train and develop leaders throughout his company and how this translates outside of the military and extends to an organization, his philosophy of doing the “little things”, the importance of authenticity, and simplifying the objective so everyone on the team understands what a win looks like.  Huesing also discussed “friction” and how it pays to be prepared for the unexpected.

Currently, Huesing serves as the executive director of Save the Brave, a nonprofit that connects veterans to each other through outreach and share experiences to help them build community and heal from the trauma and stress of combat.

Fieldstone’s Leadership Reading Group brings nonprofit professionals together to study leadership through literature.  With a goal of creating well-read nonprofit leaders while imparting facilitation skills and building trusted relationships among nonprofit leaders, the Leadership Book Club offers a unique opportunity to study and develop leadership in a communal setting. Currently, Fieldstone hosts four groups in both San Diego and Orange Counties.  Groups start each September.  More information and applications are on our website under the Programs tab.