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The following is a summary of the key decisions and commitments made at the SFA Steering Committee face-to-face meeting held in February 2009. We hope these notes will provide some transparency and accountability within SFA. As a fluid network of people united by our work in the Campaign for Fair Food, we hope that the steering committee provides some national direction, coordination, support and resources for local work and organizing. Check out the 2009 Steering Committee here and get in touch with the SC member in your region. If you have any questions or comments, please
contact us.
objectives
The goals of the retreat were to plan for the upcoming Dine with Dignity campaign launch as well as improving on internal steering committee and broader SFA development. We were to review SC roles and responsibilities, improve on our accountability mechanisms, develop campaign plans and strategy, and, of course, develop closer relationships with each other and with the CIW, and have a good time!
steering committee accountability & communications
After reflecting on past challenges of accountability, the SC and staff came up with a number of strategies and plans around workload, time commitments, etc. SC members committed to utilizing a “buddy system" to give each SC member someone to call upon for support when questions or important decisions arise. The SC also committed to being present at major CIW and SFA mobilizations and events (and to holding meetings at those events), making realistic commitments, and voicing personal goals to the rest of the SC. Members will also make themselves accountable to the broader network by serving as liaisons between the SFA network and the team in Immokalee. The SC will continue to communicate through bi-monthly conference calls.
campaign
The SC laid the groundwork for the launch of the Dine with Dignity campaign through intense strategy and action discussions and committed to escalate the campaign in Fall 2009. Specifics include identifying and reaching out to students at campuses deemed the most strategic to influencing the food service providers and continuing to help involve past and current SFA'ers in this new phase of the campaign.
fundraising
The SC committed to raising $500/year each and recruiting 5 people to the SFA Sustainer program. SC members will also work on a national fundraising/sustainer drive.
encuentro
We agreed to hold the 5th-annual SFA Encuentro in Immokalee in September 2009. Planning for the 2009 Encuentro will begin in May and the SC will be intimately involved along with staff in all aspects of planning and in making the Encuentro as effective as possible.
sfa network development
The SC committed to holding network-wide SFA calls periodically but especially in lead-up to major actions. The SC committed to help provide a workshop guide and a bibliography of books/articles relevant to the campaign. Regional Encuentro's will be held to build organizing skills and capacity within SFA.
working groups
The pros, cons and functionality of working groups were analyzed and discussed. Working groups were then established that focus on both the Dine with Dignity campaign and internal development. The working groups include Campaign Research; Materials; Curriculum; and Regional Encuentro's. These groups are open to the entire SFA network; contact us if you're interested in becoming a part of one or more.
staff transition
Both current co-coordinators will be around for at least one more season as SFA undergoes a staff transition – possibly in the second half of the coming season – to allow for adequate overlap and training of the new staff member. A new staff member will be hired through an open application process and close consultation between staff, the SC, and the CIW. We will strive to hire a staff person of color and are exploring the feasibility of implementing a requirement that at least one staff is a POC at all times. We've accepted two summer interns and continue to accept applications for a Fall 2009 internship in Immokalee.
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