Illinois Stewardship Alliance Annual Meeting
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Learn About Illinois Food Policy Priorities
Illinois Stewardship Alliance is the leading non-profit advocate for better food policy in the state. If you are reading something called Local Food Forum, it’s pretty safe to assume you already believe that we need a better-for-people, better-for-the-planet food system. Some of you already may be Alliance members. If you aren’t, please consider becoming a member, and join the movement to engage Illinois lawmakers in our cause.
The members-only Illinois Stewardship Alliance virtual annual meeting takes place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, with an orientation for new members that starts at 5:30 p.m. There will also be an add-on session, starting at 7:30 p.m., about racial equity, for which the Alliance is seeking information from anyone who has encountered racism in agriculture (see below)
Click the button below to register (there is an option to become a member if you aren’t one), then read on for the Alliance’s description of the event.
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2023 Annual Meeting: Bee the Change!
You're invited to our 2023 Annual Meeting: Bee the Change! — a gathering to celebrate, network, learn and strategize with Alliance members across the state who are building people power for a just and regenerative food system.
Bonus: Members who register by November 30 will receive a special token of appreciation in the mail!
2023 Annual Meeting: Bee the Change!
Tuesday, December 12 Virtual Zoom Meeting
New Member Orientation: 5:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting: 6:00 p.m.
Sowing Equity: How to Talk About Race in Agriculture: 7:30 p.m.
At the Annual Meeting you will:
Meet and network with folks who share your passion for a just and regenerative local food system
Celebrate all we've accomplished together in 2023
Get the down-and-dirty scoop on food and farm issues that impact you and your community and vote on a 2024 Policy Agenda
You can also participate in two new optional sessions for members who want to deepen their knowledge and skills as an agent of change.
New Member Orientation: 5:30pm
Are you new to the Alliance, or could use a refresher? Join us for a 30-minute orientation at 5:30 p.m. to meet other new members and get the inside scoop on how the Alliance works, how to build power for change, and how you can plug in.
Sowing Equity: How to Talk About Race in Agriculture: 7:30 p.m.
This optional workshop is open to members looking to deepen their understanding of racial equity in the food system. “There are no black farmers.” “Prioritizing BIPOC farmers is racist.” “Immigrants are stealing jobs.” In this interactive session, you'll hear common myths about race in agriculture and will leave with information that you can use to confidently and kindly sow the seeds of equity in future conversations.
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Have you heard or read something about racism in agriculture that made you cringe?
In our upcoming workshop, your anonymously shared experience may be an example we use to help dispel common misconceptions and myths about racism in agriculture.
Talking about racism is not easy, and you need tools and language.
We are building our workshop, Sowing Equity: How to Talk About Race in Agriculture, around your lived experience.
Please share your experience or questions by Wednesday, Dec. 6 [using the form linked below], and consider joining us at our workshop following the Alliance’s Annual Meeting on December 12.
Bob’s World, and Welcome to It
Hope you are enjoying this welcome warm-up day. It sure started out beautifully.