Western SARE Alumni

Western SARE's alumni program aims to continue the relationship already developed with those who have "retired" from direct involvement, but who are still interested in continuing to work with SARE on issues of sustainable agriculture. Engaging this breadth of experience will help maintain the institutional history of the SARE program and the sustainable agriculture movement. And it will harness the experience and skills that made these individuals such valuable, integral parts of SARE's evolution since its emergence in 1988.

Vision

The vision of the Western SARE Alumni Group is to be significant contributors to the success of sustainable agriculture in the Western region.

Mission

The mission or purpose of the Western SARE Alumni Group is to utilize the diverse understanding and knowledge of former members of the Western SARE Administrative Council, Technical Review Committees and Professional Development Program Coordinating Committees as advocates and active participants in functions and activities of Western SARE as directed by the Western SARE Coordinator's office.

Outcomes of the program for Alumni will include:

• Participation in review of projects and proposals, conferences, interaction with other agricultural professionals and agricultural organizations and in advocacy efforts.

• Opportunities to "stay in contact with and contribute to" SARE.

•  Friendships reestablished and maintained with colleagues.

Outcomes of the Alumni program for SARE include:

• A reservoir of talent that the SARE program can call upon to help support the program as needed.

• A diverse team of advocates who know the SARE program intimately.

• A source of diverse agricultural expertise that can provide feedback on regional program operations and issues of regional importance and assist in education and training where needed.

The Alumni program will be most successful if:

• It is voluntary and recruitment begins before members leave committee assignments.

• A regional Alumni Coordinator is identified who has a committee of state and regional advisors and who would attend at least one Western SARE Administrative Council meeting a year.

• The initiative is perceived by both Alumni and Western SARE as "win-win."

• Close coordination is maintained with the regional coordinator's office and efforts are made to communicate with similar activities being carried out nationally.

• Activities of the Alumni Group are focused on regional needed and will strengthen sustainable agriculture at the grass-roots level.