There aren't enough good things I could say about Fieldstone Leadership Network. I first heard about this organization through the chamber I belong to. Starting a nonprofit from the ground up with no official schooling or training, I was immediately interested in learning more. I started with the Executive Leadership class which is a 6 month training program along with other ED's in the industry. It was a wonderful experience and I left the 6 months not wanting it to end. I enjoyed meeting monthly, learning from other professionals in the industry as well as advancing my knowledge and expertise in my own field. I left feeling confident in my role and started implementing new tools right away.
Once I found out they were launching a new program called Launch, I signed up as soon as applications were available! I was left wanting more and was so excited there was a new program I could take. Just from taking one class I knew everything they do is top notch so I knew this would be another wonderful program. As someone who did not do well in the traditional school setting, I take these trainings very seriously as they are just as important as a traditional school setting would be.
The hosts of the groups and organization are amazing! They make you feel right at home and comfortable in a welcoming environment. They literally think of everything you could need or want or not even know you needed. I highly recommend you look into their programs if you are looking for top notch training to advance yourself and your own organization.
-Allie
I took part in Fieldstone's Leadership Network in 2021. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity, which has provided me with skills, understanding, and insights that have helped define my path forward. The course included a wealth of important information and tools that I use almost daily. When I'm pondering a decision or feeling unsure, I often find myself turning to the course content to review and aid in my process. The course helped me understand who I am, how I lead, and where I lead from, which has raised my confidence and helped me become a dynamic leader.
Fieldstone has been one of the most impactful courses I have taken in my life. I highly recommend Fieldstone and their many offerings to help strengthen your team and organization.
Previous Stories
Thank you so much for creating and making this group and learning experience possible! The past six months have been amazing and I have learned so much about myself, about leadership and about the wonderful community of leaders around me. Thank you for adapting and making the group virtual while still maintaining a sense of closeness. The gifts along the way were such a special touch and they are items I will keep with me to remind me of this wonderful time. Thank you both for all your hard work to make this possible, during a pandemic nonetheless!
As a first time executive director the time I spent with Fieldstone Leadership Network was invaluable to my development and my organization's success. Every session I was able to leave with valuable insight to problems I was facing in my organization.
This non profit has provided valuable information for the leadership course. The hospitality is amazing with welcoming attitudes and lovely refreshments. Your comfort if their top priority and it shows. There are a great group of accomplished facilitators that provide their expertise to enhance learning opportunities. We also received a nicely organized binder with resources and literature.I I think this is a well thought out course and I am excited for all that I will learn.
I found Fieldstone two months into my first Executive Director role and was paired with an amazing mentor through their Executive Coaching program. My coach was an absolute lifesaver-- providing me with a knowledgeable, supportive structure that kept me from drowning. I never wanted to let her go, and was sad when the mentorship was over!
Fortunately, I was then connected to the Executive Learning Group, where I was able to share my own experiences and learn from other new executive directors. One of my staff participated in Fieldstone's Nonprofit Leadership Learning Group during the same time frame, and we both had an incredible experience. From printed resources to thought-provoking structured discussions, every part of the curriculum felt relevant and connected us with many tools and techniques to make our work more impactful. I'll be looking forward to networking and learning through Fieldstone for years to come.
Fieldstone provided an excellent peer leadership learning experience that centers the San Diego market and the real lived experience of the leaders of nonprofits navigating it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone in, or seeking to be in a nonprofit leadership position in San Diego,
Karen Organization of San Diego is a recipient of this year's Clare Rose Sabbatical, and we have been receiving organizational and leadership development support from the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego (FLNSD). I am also participating in this year's Leadership Reading Group to learn from other leaders in this work. These are very rare opportunities to have, and we truly appreciate the support from the FLNSD. As an Executive Director of an ethnic community based organization, I have been always looking for leadership development opportunities for myself and our staff members, and the FLNSD offers very unique peer learning opportunities for the executive and other leaders of nonprofit organizations.
I’ve been attending Fieldstone Leadership programs for the past few years. All the courses I’ve attended provided state-of-the art research, information and resources for experienced and emerging nonprofit leaders. They have also been professionally organized and superbly facilitated. However, Fieldstone provides much more than a stellar learning opportunity. They provide an amazing environment for cross-fertilization, professional growth and the opportunity to make new and lasting friendships.
I am extremely grateful for Fieldstone Leadership Network, and its impact on my leadership journey. I recently graduated from Fieldstone's peer learning cohort, where I spent 6 months gaining valuable insights and practical tools alongside like-minded nonprofit leaders. The cohort brought together individuals with diverse backgrounds, creating a rich environment of shared learning and mutual support. During my cohort experience, I transitioned to a higher level executive position and was able to go through a unique and custom one-on-one coaching opportunity through Fieldstone. During the process, Janine was invaluable in tailoring my needs with a custom mentorship program. Through Fieldstone's coaching program, I've had a transformative experience that has deepened my passion for nonprofit work and elevated my leadership skills. My coach took the time to understand my specific goals and challenges, offering personalized strategies and insights that have had a profound impact on my leadership approach and overall effectiveness at my organization. I am extremely grateful for my experience with the Fieldstone Leadership Network in San Diego and highly recommend their programs and approach for leaders at all levels.
When you think of, hear about or mention the Fieldstone Leadership Network, their programs or their outstanding leader Janine Mason - the first thing that comes to mind is TOPNOTCH QUALITY. Fieldstone's culture is diverse, respectful and embracing. They have created a safe and respectful space to make meaningful connections with nonprofit leaders throughout the San Diego region. What impresses me most about the Fieldstone Leadership Network is that it's a breeding ground for thoughtful, generative and out-of-the box conversations and their leadership training produces outstanding leaders. It gives me hope for our future.
What an incredible find FieldStone Leadership Network has been for Solana Center! The organization is so competently run; it's no wonder Janine Mason has remained at the helm since inception.
Solana Center has engaged with FieldStone since 2020, with our staff participating in development programs. We are now receiving organizational and financial support for staff leadership training and consulting in preparation for a Clare Rose Sabbatical in 2025.
This organization really knows what services nonprofit leaders need to be the best they can!
Fieldstone Leadership Network connects San Diego nonprofits in a way no one else does it. They are thoughtful, nurturing and fun. There are many ways to engage throughout their many programs, each bringing a different way to meet and interact with fellow nonprofit leaders.
Being an Executive Director can be a lonely and daunting role. Sometimes you feel like you are in the middle of the hourglass with your volunteer board above you and squeezed to oversee staff, governance, programs, fundraising all with minimal resources. The Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego understands this pressure and provides a unique support network. A special shout out to their leader, Janine who is thoughtful and intentional with their content and programming. Going through any of their programs feels like a warm hug from a friend. The friendships and comradery I've gained through Fieldstone's programs has been invaluable.
I cannot sing enough praise for Fieldstone Leadership Network. My experience with their Executive Learning Group was transformative. Janine and Tom set a stage from day one that opened us all to different ways of thinking, problem solving, belonging, and new trusted partners in leadership. I await with anticipation my next program opportunity with the Network.
Fieldstone is a great San Diego resource for nonprofit leaders, both emerging and established! The opportunities to create networks, deepen learning, and tap into the collective wisdom is abundant.
I am a sabbatical award recipient from Clare Rose Foundation/Fieldstone, and the experience was tremendous. I’ve remained an Executive Director for 18 years because of the sabbatical!
Fieldstone Leadership Network is a catalyst for possibilities among the non-profit community of San Diego, having nourished the courage, compassion, and curiosity of it's members for forty years. What I admire most about Fieldstone is the organization's responsiveness to the evolving needs of the nonprofit sector, forever ideating and implementing programs that grow alongside the leaders it serves driving change in our community. Participating in multiple Fieldstone Programs over my career as enriched my practice in leading teams, my audacity in partnership, and the network of change makers I now call friends.
I took part in Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego's Coaching as a Leadership Tool course, and it was a tremendous experience! I learned so much about how to be a good Coach and was able to take many of the lessons I learned back to my company and incorporate them into how I manage my team. I cannot say enough about how valuable this hybrid course was. I definitely am interested in taking more courses with Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego in the future!
I have been fortunate enough to participate in two Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego programs that have helped me grow professionally and personally by deepening my understanding of the nonprofit sector and helping me to become a better leader. Fieldstone creates a space where conversations and shared connections with others in nonprofit fields help us all to strengthen our leadership skills and thus better serve our missions and the wider San Diego community.
Previous Stories
As a nonprofit professional interested in continuing to grow as a leader both personally, and to better serve the mission of my organization, I have been grateful to participate in multiple learning opportunities through the Fieldstone Leadership Network of San Diego. Our staff and I all greatly appreciated the insights we gained together during the Equity Journey and the Equity Journey 2.0. We are committed as a group to continue growing and engaging on diversity, equity and inclusion and these were powerful opportunities to do this together. I was also able to participate in the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group in 2022 and it was another wonderful chance to stretch myself as a leader and benefit from peer learning with an amazing group of nonprofit leaders from a variety of sectors. All these groups were very intentionally organized by FLNSD, from the big-idea themes down to the smallest details.
Words cannot adequately express my appreciation for the the Fieldstone Leadership Network! I am grateful to have participated in a learning group cohort, attended their retreat in Malibu and been coached on a regular basis by a stellar leadership mentor. Fieldstone serves as a tremendous support for nonprofits to empower leaders who are doing important work in our communities. With mission-focused budgets, there is often little money available for professional development and, thankfully, Fieldstone addresses this problem with their supportive offerings at very minimal cost to organizations.
I was fortunate enough to have participated in a Fieldstone Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group in 2022. Prior to enrolling, I knew of Fieldstone's reputation and caliber of offerings but my experience exceeded any expectations I may have had going into the six-month program. The peer-to-peer learning model, coupled with the excellent facilitation, was invaluable in helping me clarify and hone in on my professional goals with leadership best practices. I ultimately landed exactly where I want to be and I'm grateful to my Fieldstone cohort for having been partners in learning and growth.
I can't wait to take my next Fieldstone course to continue to build upon my experiences. I am a proud member of the Fieldstone network.
I felt like I could not connect with anyone in my administrative role. When I started the Fieldstone program and working with an experienced mentor, it changed everything for me. Having an outside person that can give you new perspectives and is a safe space is incredible for leaders that may feel "lonely at the top". The continued involvement and support of the Fieldstone staff and volunteers has also been incredible.
The team is supportive of developing leaders to be equipped to serve a range of important non-profit causes in our region. It makes the day-to-day work and leadership challenge a less lonely journey. Fieldstone has various programs to help meet people where they are in their career and guide everyone to have the tools they need to meet their career aspirations.
Fieldstone Leadership Network in San Diego is a tremendous asset to the nonprofit sector in our city. It is much more than a network. Our organization, Advancing Students Forward, has benefitted in a variety of ways via Fieldstone's robust programing and learning opportunities. Leadership Learning Group, Mentoring/Coaching, Reading Group and Leadership Retreat. Participation in these programs improved my leadership abilities and strengthened my confidence. In turn, these development opportunities have helped us to better serve our clients and strengthen our organization. I appreciate the opportunities to grow in the context of my job, but most importantly how they have helped me to grow as a person. Fieldstone emphasizes the well-being of the nonprofit organizations and their clients, but also the well-being of those leading and working in the sector. I have not found another organization that intentionally offers this type of care. I am grateful to be a part of FLN and the community it fosters. Many thanks!
I have enjoyed multiple learning/professional development experiences with the Fieldstone Leadership Network, first in a Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, then through their Racial Equity series, and lastly through their Leadership Reading Group. I am always impressed by the quality facilitation/instruction, the brave, professional learning environment they create, and the wonderful people they have in their network. I cannot recommend their programs or their approach enough. How lucky we are to have this incredible resource in San Diego!
I completed Fieldstone’s 2021 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group. Thank you to Laura Spiegel, our fearless facilitator, who helped me get through the pandemic and taught me so much about myself. Thank you to Janine Mason, who has been an invaluable resource to me, the nonprofit community in San Diego and beyond! I am so appreciative of the programming Fieldstone offers to nonprofit professionals, thank you!
Fieldstone has helped me see myself as a whole person and improved my leadership skills, including learning how to make space for improved decision making, looking at things from another perspective and owning your own story. I highly recommend this program!
I am forever grateful for Fieldstone. I never intended to be r in the non-profit sector, finding myself in leadership positions after many years of commitment to the work. Once I was there, I realized that the landscape of skills I had access to were falling short of what was required in my newer positions. Fieldstone came into my life at just the right moment, providing me with a context where I was able to reflect on and develop critical skills that have been UNBELIEVABLY useful as I continue forward. I know it's a bit cheesy to say, but I honestly feel a lot lighter in my work since the fieldstone program. Beyond the skill building exercises, great literature, and strong facilitation, I have been able to connect to a community of non-profit leaders that I am very privileged to know. I feel very supported by them and this organization.
FLN-San Diego leads an incredible sabbatical program that allowed our organization to increase its leadership capacity. In addition to a life-changing three-month sabbatical, the program provided leadership consulting and capacity-building for our entire team. Friendship Shelter is forever changed -- for the better-- thanks to this amazing program.
I had come to a genuine crossroads in my nonprofit career, coming to the realization that my knowledge, experience & acumen were missing some key components that I needed to acquire if I were to level up into management. I was in that grey area at the time - the one where I was too old to participate in emerging leaders programs, yet not experienced enough to be considered for executive programs (and in most cases unable to afford them).
I was introduced to Fieldstone initially through their reading group. It was a chance to learn more about cutting edge insights into the field and a chance to socialize those learnings with a cohort of my peers. I truly loved every minute of this process - the monthly in-person discussion, the critical feedback of the content and the space to be creative with how those learnings could be applied to our work.
With each book I read I began to build confidence in my own voice and thinking, knowing that the feedback from these sessions were both challenging and supportive. Fast forward a couple of years and I'm now an international award winning author (and in my book mentioned Fieldstone and one of their most innovative & impactful programs, the Clare Rose Sabbatical). This would never have happened if it wasn't for my exposure to, and participation with, the Fieldstone Leadership Network.
I can't recommend their suite of leadership programs enough. They are unique to the field, always evolving, and their staff (and trainers) have an uncanny ability to sense the trends and shifts in the field and apply them to their current offerings.
My ability to serve my community is all the better for my time spent with Fieldstone - and the bonus is that I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and been inspired to be more and do more as a result of my participation.
We had the privilege of working with Janine Mason at our board and leadership retreat. We enjoyed the Creative Encounters experience and plan to use some of the lessons learned at our all-staff event.
I am truly grateful for being a recipient of the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego's Clare Rose Sabbatical. It was a priceless gift of time to reflect, renew and to build into myself and in turn others. I could not have asked for a more effective use of the opportunity and the lessons that I have learned along the way and others around me. In the end, as a result of the Clare Rose Sabbatical, I have grown as an individual and as a leader and so has my interim executive director and long-term colleague Gina Cunningham and the board of directors and staff of HomeAid Orange County. An unexpected but truly impactful outcome from the sabbatical is that I am now the Chief Executive Officer of HomeAid America and Gina Cunningham is the Executive Director of HomeAid Orange County. The purpose and intent of the sabbatical was fulfilled and truly multiplied its initial impact and I could not be more thankful for the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Deigo.
Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego has been a wonderful support, resource, and connector for our non-profit. They have provided access to training, recruitment to fill open positions, opportunities for coaching, and a sabbatical for our CEO. All these opportunities have resulted in more experienced individuals, a stronger team, and an ability to continue to grow the organization to meet the needs of our mission. Our experience has been invaluable and we look forward to the continued support and leadership Fieldstone provides.
I had the pleasure of being a part of several of Fieldstone's programs (a leadership retreat, an emerging leaders group program, and a leadership coaching program). I can honestly say that the experiences I had with Fieldstone changed my life in a hugely positive way. I came to the first retreat a young manager who was unsure of himself and I learned there to trust myself and embrace the silence of the uncertain. In the emerging leaders program, I got to spend one full day a month for a year in a group of other nonprofit leaders discussing our development. You don't really realize until you are in a group like this how much the feedback of your peers and the support of people who share your role is worth. I made many connections in this group that I still have today, and I feel like I could reach out to any of them for a chat, to brainstorm, or just for moral support. This group also worked with one of the best problem solving strategies I've had the pleasure of implementing, involving a detailed breakdown of a problem and supportive questioning from your peers. Finally, the one-on-one coaching program I went through there really helped me to see who I was and decide what was best for me in my life and career. I made a major career/life decision based upon my work with my coach and ended up living my dreams and hiking the Pacific Crest Trail on a brief work sabbatical. Needless to say, this was life changing. I'm not really sure if I can put into words how much I have gained from Fieldstone over the years, but I can say that I am more than thankful to them for providing a space for me to grow and collaborate and become the best me I can. Much love and respect to Janine and all the rest of the people there who facilitate these life changing experiences. I highly recommend becoming a member of their network!
I had the privilege of being part of the 2011 Fieldstone Foundation (San Diego) Executive Learning Group. The six-month long program had a transformative impact on me as a leader. The learning group met a full day, once a month and engaged on a variety of thoughtful activities facilitated by a professional with real experience in the nonprofit sector. In addition to the excellent leadership development program, one of the most significant aspects of the learning group experience was the opportunity to meet amazing leaders and human beings. My cohort included 11 nonprofit leaders in social service, arts, education, membership associations and nonprofit support organizations. Ten years later, half of my learning group continue leading in the same organizations, four moved to other organizations/leadership positions, and two retired. Ten years later, we all continue to stay in touch and support each other as professionals and friends.
In 2016 I joined the first cohort of the Fieldstone Leadership Book Club. Reading is an essential component of leadership development. And, yet, it is often difficult to find the time to read. Doing reading in a peer supported format with other nonprofit leaders has been very gratifying. Reading and exchanging different points of view on books which one may not have otherwise selected has helped expand my perspective tremendously. And, equally gratifying has been the opportunity to meet a new group of fabulous nonprofit leaders!
I am very grateful for the many and significant leadership development opportunities offered by the Fieldstone Leadership Network. Special thanks to Janine Mason! Janine is one of my favorite servant leaders: she is always encouraging diversity of thought and fostering leadership in others!
Jorge Riquelme, Senior Vice President, Community HousingWorks (CHW)
I have been participating in the Fieldstone Leadership network for almost a decade now and have learned so much through their Executive Learning Groups, Coaching Programs, Equity Journey program, as well as the one-off trainings and networking events provided. I truly believe it has been one of the most beneficial programs in my leadership development as a nonprofit executive and I have been connected to so many resources, friends and supporters throughout the years. We have had many of our staff team participate as well and feedback has been so positive. The speakers and staff are engaged, committed, fun and inspiring and you can tell they are extremely dedicated and invested in the growth of our local nonprofit community. Elizabeth Schott, CEO, Accessity (formerly Accion San Diego)
Over the past 6 months, I had the opportunity to be a part of Equity Journey 1.0 and 2.0. Through these programs, I learned more about DEI at both a personal and professional level. EQ1.0 gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself, to talk through difficult topics with my peers and overall made me a better leader. In EQ2.0, I have been given the tools to lead and influence change in working towards a more diverse and inclusive organization. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of FLN which has had such a profound impact in my leadership ability.
Rakesh Patel, CEO
Neighborhood Healthcare
Many of us in non-profit leadership have likely experienced firsthand how organizational leadership can often be a challenging experience that many face alone.
FIeldstone Leadership Network San Diego truly changes that experience by providing non-profit leaders with the opportunity to participate in life-changing programs bringing together peers, coaches, and more.
My experience with FLNSD first came through my participation in the Executive Leadership Group, which was a critical experience that truly resulted in my own personal leadership growth while also developing a network of peers to connect with moving forward.
Best of all, FLNSD’s continued programming not only maintains our connections with our peers - it also allows our network to continue learning and growing while tapping into guidance and resources from a vast array of past participants.
I am absolutely grateful as well as proud to be part of the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego and look forward to supporting and giving back for years to come!
I am a grateful and proud member of the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego. Over the past 5 years, I have participated in the Leaders Learning Group, Reading Group, Coaching Program, and countless events and gatherings and each was uniquely fulfilling and transformational. Fieldstone has been a source of support, education, connection and renewal for me in my career and over this past year especially. Thank you Fieldstone Network San Diego - your dedication to our nonprofit community is unmatched!
As a nonprofit founder, I appreciate all that Fieldstone has done for me and our larger community over the years - from mentorship and leadership training, to its sabbatical program and now its Equity Journey. Fieldstone and its long-time executive director, Janine Mason, have been responsive to the needs of the field, and even before the pandemic. Fieldstone recognized that our industry needed to do more work from a social justice lens, and so it developed the Equity Journey program, which I just completed. It provided a safe, confidential space to share, reflect, and learn with other nonprofit leaders how to incorporate and prioritize DEI into our work. I strongly recommend Fieldstone's programs, as I can say genuinely that I am a better person as a result of this tremendous organization.
During these tumultuous times, I was seeking resources that would help me understand diversity and social equity and its impact on me personally and professionally. I was excited to hear of Fieldstone's Equity Course and pleased that our non-profit affordable housing organization encouraged participation. Participation in this three month experience has opened my eyes to so many issues and created a new awareness of community resources and needs. The course also provided tools to help share what I have experienced in the broader context of our work. Social inequity issues in housing are systemic and require thoughtful and coordinated responses. The Fieldstone Course opened my eyes to opportunities for meaningful change and new tools to utilize in this journey
Although I have been in the nonprofit sector for 20 years, it was just last year that I was finally able to participate in the Fieldstone Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group. Just two months later, we were in the middle of a global pandemic. Although there was a great deal of uncertainty, what we were all certain about was continuing with the program, actively supporting and encouraging one another, and providing a safe space for hard conversations.
The ten of us formed an incredible bond. I will be forever grateful for the lasting friendships and life-changing lessons that I learned along the way.
I had the great opportunity to participate in the 2016 San Diego Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group cohort. It was an amazing learning experience understanding the similar challenges that we encounter in the nonprofit sector and brainstorming different approaches to find better solutions. I appreciate Fieldstone Leadership Network commitment to supporting nonprofit professionals as we develop our careers in San Diego. I’m especially grateful to Janine Mason whose door and phone are always open to all of us.
This is a great network to build a foundation for leadership to impact your professional career!
It helped me understand leadership traits, recognize my shortcomings, and help me grow into a more mature professional. I found it very valuable and recommend to those new or seasoned in the nonprofit industry.
Fieldstone Leadership Network has been a lifeline during this challenging year of uncertainty! As an Executive Director of a small nonprofit, Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group was instrumental in providing me support and guidance when navigating through all the rapid changes of COVID-19 shut-downs, staff morale issues, and staying mission-driven during extreme changes. Thank you to my amazing ELG colleagues, and thank you so much, Fieldstone, for being a rock I was able to lean on.
Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego provides transformative experiences facilitated by skilled, thoughtful staff and a supported by a robust community of cross-sector non-profit leaders. A values-driven organization, Fieldstone helped guide me and my colleagues through some of the most challenging times the non-profit community has faced in recent history. Through providing a safe, encouraging space to talk candidly about the issues our organization and society at-large are facing, Fieldstone not only served as a life raft through a immensely uncertain time, it also enabled the formation of truly authentic, lasting relationships. The lessons learned, skills gained, and friendships made through Fieldstone's leadership programs will stick with me for a lifetime.
Really quality and thoughtful people running this organization. They strive to meet you or your teams needs and don't work from a cookie cutter format. They really have a passion for developing strong community leaders. Proud to be a graduate from Fieldstone - now time to choose my next course.
This was the best leadership group I have ever attended. The topics were relevant and the steps were super helpful.
I have been an active participant in the Fieldstone Leadership Network for the past seven years or so. Every experience has been extraordinary. When I first became a nonprofit CEO, Fieldstone was valuable in helping me establish a local network of colleagues (my organization's focus is more national) through the Executive Learning Group. During a pivot in my organization's business model, I was selected for a special program for social entrepreneurs and received a year of coaching and attended the Harvard Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders. Currently, I am serving as a leadership coach and finally fully understanding the Network's value of reciprocity. Of all of the outstanding experiences I have gained through Fieldstone, the opportunities it affords me to give back to other leaders may be the most enriching of all. The people of Fieldstone are warm, generous, and committed to ongoing learning and development. This tone is set and nurtured by the Founder/Executive Director, Janine Mason, who makes it her business to get to know everyone in the Network well so she can customize the experience. I am so grateful for Fieldstone and for Janine.
I grew up as a nonprofit leader with The Fieldstone Leadership Network. At various times during my career, I relied heavily on different state and national executive trade associations for specific knowledge and advocacy related to mental health, child welfare, nonprofit management services and community organizing. But it was the Network that provided me with the local peer learning with my fellow nonprofit leaders in an environment of mutual trust, openness, and sharing that fostered both personal and professional development. I especially appreciated the unique opportunity to engage and learn from exceptional leaders from arts, environmental, human service and other nonprofit organizations, both large and small. The Network’s diversity of organizational leaders often made it easier to identify and focus on personal leadership issues, obtain different perspectives and advice of others, and own a sense of accountability to peers for talking need action and personal growth. For over thirty years, I have taken advantage of all the Fieldstone programs from one of the first Executive Learning Groups to a Clare Rose Sabbatical. The Network is aptly named. It is not just a cluster high impact programs. I found it to be an on-going relationship with the Fieldstone staff and an expanding peer group that supported me each step along my leadership journey.
Dan McQuaid
McQuaid Consulting
I first learned about Fieldstone Leadership Network through my nonprofit CEO when I was a program director. That was 20 years ago. I participated then in what was their emerging leaders program, and have now participated in almost every single support and service. I can honestly say that the Fieldstone Leadership Network has been with me every step of the way in my development to a nonprofit executive director and beyond. I have developed partnerships for our organization, great friends, and my most trusted network of advisors. I will always be grateful to Fieldstone, and to the Clare Rose Foundation for making me a better leader!
Don Stump, Executive Director
North County Lifeline
stepped into the role of Executive Director with no nonprofit experience other than as a Board member and as a Volunteer. 3 years into my tenure the Fieldstone CEO Learning Group was recommended to me. It was the best coaching, networking and professional development I experienced in nearly 30 years. The model is so sound and the leadership is informed and supportive. Taking a sabbatical was a highlight! Having the experience of 3 months without a thought was terrific…for me it was absolutely but for the organization including the Board it was a turning point. I give all the aspects of the Fieldstone network credit for my success at Families Forward.
I have been deeply impacted by the work Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego does. I started my involvement with FLN with the Executive Learning Group, and since then have participated in many other programs (Coaching Program, Creative Encounters, Reading Groups, Leadership Retreats, and Sabbatical).
During all these years participating in several programs, I learned the importance of a safe space and the value of a network of special individuals that work daily to improve the lives of others. I can say that FLN has changed me for the better personally and professionally.
I strongly recommend all non-profit professional in San Diego to get involved with FLN.
I have been associated with the Fieldstone Leadership Network for nearly 25 years. I first participated in the CEO Learning Group. I gained valuable insight into leadership skills and developed a network of amazing CEOs from whom I continued to learn during my sojourn as a CEO. A year afterward my learning group, I received additional training and became a Coach for other nonprofit leaders. Not only has this provided an opportunity for me to contribute to our industry, but it also continued to provide me with valuable learning opportunities through the rest of my own career. Today, as a retired CEO, I continue to coach and thus meet amazing, talented, innovative people within the nonprofit field. This participation allows me to continue to contribute and it allows me to maintain relationships with other CEOs, some retired, some still working, which I might otherwise have lost. The Fieldstone Leadership Network has become an important part of my life as I've moved through my professional years into my retirement years and I am grateful and honored to have been part of it from its beginning.
With over 30 years of experience in the sector, I can confidently say that I am more effective and confident in my role as a nonprofit CEO because of the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego's programs. The learning groups and the leadership reading group have provided exceptional learning experiences with thought-provoking conversations, shared best practices, and a wonderful support system. Additionally, I benefitted greatly from their peer one-on-one coaching program and the exceptional experience of a reenergizing sabbatical through their Clare Rose Sabbatical Program. These programs have made me a better leader. And, in turn, my organization is a better organization. The Fieldstone Learning Network provides a safe and supportive environment for leadership growth and evolution. San Diego has a truly exceptional resource in this organization. Thank you Fieldstone!
I was extremely fortunate to be chosen to participate in one of the first learning groups through Fieldstone. Thirty years ago there was a gap for leadership development in the non-profit field and Fieldstone was there when I needed it most. With the day to day job requirements of running an agency, CEOs are not often exposed to alternatives and new ideas of conducting business. Having a safe environment and the time to research and experiment with best practices was offered through Fieldstone. I knew I was a good manager, but as a CEO, I lacked leadership skills. Fieldstone helped me to learn the difference through their small group trainings with similar CEO's. Developing the skills and the confidence to take risks and act out of my comfort zone made me a better leader and renewed my passion for the work I was doing.
When I started an arts education nonprofit, I was well-versed in arts and education, but ignorant of business practices. The FLN gave me the training necessary to build a vibrant organization - now in its 35th year. In groups and through one-on-one coaching, I grew into a leader who now
coaches for the Network. The Network has enriched my professional life by welcoming me into a community of learners. We help one another confront daily challenges while making space to envision a positive future for the nonprofit sector.
As a life-long non-profit professional, I have found very few ongoing structural supports for non-profit leaders. And certainly none that go as deep and broad as the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego.
From full-day/six-month cohort trainings to year-round coaching, from a book club to quarterly mixers around key topics, and from multi-day retreats to the simple and ongoing networking opportunities for hundreds of non-profit professionals in the sector, Fieldstone is the best capacity-building organization I've ever worked with.
I have benefited from nearly all of their programs over the past 8 years and am proud to serve as a volunteer coach for emerging and established non-profit professionals in the program for the past 3 years. I wholeheartedly recommend the program for current and future leaders in our sector and am delighted this organization exists to support them.
The Fieldstone Leadership Network, San Diego provides non-profit leaders with a safe space to learn and grow while inspiring collaboration and the exchange of ideas. I first "dipped my toe" into their programming during the 2018/19 fiscal year by joining the Executive Book Club. Monthly reading assignments provided an excellent springboard for analysis of content/ character and group reactions were always enlightening and frank. Loved this program so much we decided to continue beyond the purview of the initial coordination through Fieldstone!
This year I was thrilled to be accepted to the Executive Learning Group. Since day one this group has been diverse and intelligent, representing a broad segment of the sector. In person meetings ground to a halt when the COVID lockdown prevailed, but the group's integrity remained in tact with a swift move to Zoom. I don't think I would be as sane as I am today without the support of the ELG participants who have continued to meet monthly to discuss difficult issues we, as non-profit ED's, are dealing with as we all navigate the pandemic. Fieldstone staff and the mentors they provide have proven to go above and beyond as they continue to nurture their fold.
I'm looking forward to continuing my journey with Fieldstone.
Fieldstone is an exceptional organization both for its leadership and services. Its unique role to identify and support emerging and seasoned leaders grow and develop is critical to the nonprofit and leadership development eco-system. There are more and better leaders because of Fieldstone. That is certainly true for me. As a new executive, I have been participating in the coaching program and have grown, learned, developed new skills that make me a better leader and therefore, better able to lead an organization. Given the current crisis, every support matter, but supporting Fieldstone's mission and work ensure the impact continues well beyond the crisis to systematically enhance nonprofit leaders' skills and abilities to lead with vision and courage in the face of uncertaintly.
Fieldstone is an incredible organization that does so much to support nonprofit leaders in San Diego. I am a part of the 2020 Nonprofit Executive Learning Group, which started at the beginning of 2020 right before the COVID-19 outbreak. Fieldstone did an incredible job of creating online meetings for our group and developing online learning opportunities for all nonprofit leaders. As hard as this time is for everyone, including nonprofit leaders, Fieldstone was there to support us. It made a huge difference for me personally. I am so pleased to be a part of this network and to benefit from the work of this organization, particularly during these challenging times.
I first encountered Fieldstone in the 90's. At that point I was already a seasoned CEO. I accepted the invitation to join a learning group ( the first Fieldstone learning group in San Diego) with some quilt. I felt that all of my efforts needed to be directed towards growing an agency and maximizing positive client impact. Taking time away from that for "personal growth" seemed a little self indulgent. Nonetheless I accepted the invitation and that began what has been a 25+ year journey with the Fieldstone Network.
I joined the group thinking I might "learn a thing or two". I did, but that was not the most important thing that happened. What happened was that I learned the value of being involved with a network of peers that was willing to share challenges, struggles, triumphs, and expertise. Fieldstone has been centerpiece of my capacity to maintain that important nework of peers. That network greatly extended my longevity in the job. It helped me grow relationship that were not only rewarding but useful. That network nurtured and rewarded my capacity to work collabortively. It helped kept me creative, energetic, and actively learning.
So thanks to the Fieldstone Network. It has been a special and important community and a great ride.
Michael Carr
"Thank you for your interest in our Leadership Programs. We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to be a participant in the Executive Learning Group beginning in January 2012."
This email message was my introduction to Fieldstone as a novice Executive Director of Just in Time for Foster Youth and I've been associated with this transformational organization ever since. Not only did I gain valuable insight from engaging in honest discussions on topics ranging from organizational culture, sustainability, effective Board partnerships and work-life integration, I also experienced the power of connecting to other nonprofit leaders as a network of support for effective problem-solving and positive fellowship.
In the years since, I've connected most of my leadership team to the Fieldstone Leadership Network with consistently positive results. Their involvement has strengthened Just in Time in measurable ways and I plan to continue to take advantage of this empowering resource in the future. And recently, I've become a Fieldstone Coach to provide the kind of continuing supportive discussions that can elevate our collective work.
Just in Time has benefited greatly from my association with Fieldstone. I highly recommend Fieldstone Leadership Network for any nonprofit leader looking to maximize their efforts.