Reconnecting with Purpose Program Welcomes Applicants for Year 3 Cohort

August 12, 2022/Violet Stone

hands tree team reconnecting unsplashAs farm and food system educators or change makers, we face enormous challenges to our efforts to support improved livelihoods of those we serve.  Although we may work hard toward positive change and genuine service, our goals can become daunting. There are times we find our energy, commitment and spirit depleted.

Are you seeking a space to step away from day-to-day work to pause, reflect, search and connect with a broad community of others working in the farm and food system? The Cornell Small Farms Program is pleased to offer a Year 3 Cohort opportunity for “Reconnecting with Purpose – A Renewal Experience for NY Farm and Food System Educators and Change Makers”.

This 5-month program is designed for those working across the New York farm and food system and seeks participants from all backgrounds, roles and ages. This includes those working with NYS community gardens, urban farms, youth farms, food systems organizers (e.g. food hubs, food banks), farmer-educators, Cornell Cooperative Extension, USDA, NRCS, non-profit organizations, private consultants, and community foundations.

“Reconnecting with Purpose” creates a welcoming and trustworthy space for participants to explore challenges, to ‘live their questions’, and to uncover a sense of clarity and direction in their work and lives.  Facilitators guide participants through a carefully curated journey of themes and reflections. The program, which spans from October 2022 – March 2023, consists of an in-person 2 day opening retreat, 4 monthly peer learning circles, and a virtual 2 day closing retreat.  The entire program is aligned with the Center for Courage & Renewal principles and practices and is funded by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

Program Schedule

Wednesday, October 26th – Friday, October 28th, 2022. 2 Day Opening Retreat at Light on the Hill Retreat Center, Van Etten, NY
November – February:  A 1.5 hour facilitated Peer Learning Circle convenes each month (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 22nd – Friday, March 24th. 2 Day Closing Retreat (Virtual)

Cost

Thanks to support from NESARE, the total cost of the program is income-based, ranging from $100 – $310.  This includes the cost of the full 5 month program, including the Retreat.  It does NOT include travel to the Retreat.  A limited number of full scholarships are available upon request.

Learn more in this Video….

How to Apply

You can now apply for the program online.  Applications are due by Wednesday, September 7th, 2022.

Violet Stone

Violet's work focuses on creating retreats, workshops and programs for the agricultural community centered on themes of connection, wellness, purpose, integrity and courage. She sees this work as contributing to a more inclusive ‘culture’ of agriculture where all voices are warmly welcomed, honored and celebrated, including the voices of our ‘inner teachers’, sometimes referred to as 'spirit' or 'soul'. Violet serves as the NY SARE Coordinator and can help farmers and educators navigate NESARE grant opportunities.
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