Creating a Network of Agricultural Advocates

For the past week or so, I have been reflecting upon the first session of Class I. The week truly was busy. I'm not sure there is a better word to describe the agenda prior to the session. But it's not just about the agenda. What makes programs like Advancing Georgia's Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL) successful are the people, how they interact and work together, and what they do with their experience.

Class I consists of 22 individuals from across Georgia (and South Carolina), are representative of the various sectors of the agriculture and forestry industry, range in age from 26 - 53 years, have varying degrees of educational, leadership, and agriculture experience, among a number of other statistics we could list about them. However, what is important to note about Class I is that they are NOT just a group of 22 individuals participating in this class. They have already formed a bond, established relationships, and engaged in a leadership journey as a group. They are a class, a cohort.

The question is, what will Class I do with their AGL experience? I asked this same question of the LEAD New York Class 14 members today while visiting with them in Washington, DC. What will you do with each individual speaker's information, each activities lesson, each tour of a business or facilitity? What will you do with your leadership program experience?

Participating in any leadership program is a gift. It is an experience. The value of that experience is determined by what you do with.