2023 has been a year of growth, major milestones, and new programming at NOFA/Mass, supported by huge strides in our internal systems, impactful increases in funding, expanded networking through regional partnerships, and a remarkable cohesion among our staff as we reflect on our vision and make plans for the future.
Over the past year, we have launched three major regional programs:
- Our Farm Share Program is an expansion of a long-standing program at our sister NOFA Chapters in VT and NH, which has now expanded into neighboring NOFA states to provide accessible CSA shares across the region.
- The Transition to Organic Partnership Program is a national collaboration, and here in Massachusetts we are excited to welcome our first “class” of farmer-mentors and mentee pairs for valuable peer-to-peer education over the next year.
- We are making our final Technical Assistance Provider hires for a regional Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing Program.
With all of this growth comes a need for new staffing, to provide capacity for more internal coordination, and more public outreach. In response, we have hired for some brand new positions around project management, and hired multiple staff in existing roles, such as Technical Assistance Providers and Food Access Coordinators. (Meet some of our newest team members below.)
We are also thrilled to announce that we have recently hired a new Administrative Director, Kallie Robertson (left). Kallie rounds out our team not only with her administrative skills, but with a range of experiences relevant to the NOFA community. For over a decade, Kallie and her family have owned and operated a farm focused on livestock.
Kallie’s mix of expertise in HR, bookkeeping and spreadsheets, combined with knowledge of topics that aren’t currently well-represented on our staff, such as livestock and fiber arts, is a dream. It’s an added bonus that Kallie brings the same cheerful, supportive, can-do attitude that we appreciated so much in our previous long-time Admin Director, Barrett Anderson. (As many of you know, Barrett left NOFA to pursue his passion as a full-time musician this summer.)
My own journey this year has been full of new learning as a non-profit leader, with fulfilling moments of finding the perfect candidate for our job openings; watching our staff and community embrace our ongoing work on racial equity; and gratefully accepting new and ongoing contributions from our generous supporters.
My big news going into the new year is that I will be stepping down from my role as Executive Director of NOFA/Mass in 2024. I have accepted a position as the director of an independent school, starting in March. As many of you know, I have had two children since I started in my current role with NOFA/Mass in 2020, and my new job is an opportunity for my daily work to be centered around my little ones during this fleeting period of their childhood. I will continue to be available for weekly consultations with NOFA/Mass staff for the remainder of 2024.
Having been involved with NOFA for over 30 years, and having worked for NOFA in various capacities since the late ‘90s, I will certainly stay involved with the organization for many years to come. My long-term project with NOFA will be to work with the NOFA Interstate Council to build and support a stronger and more coordinated development and fundraising effort across the seven NOFA chapters. Our recent success coordinating around regional grant partnerships has played a crucial role in the growth of all of the chapters, and my hope for the chapters is to expand our successful collaboration into areas such as planned giving, sponsorships, and other fundraising efforts.
Of course, the continued success of NOFA/Mass will be in a large part thanks to each of you and your participation throughout the year. I can guarantee that your support through funding, knowledge sharing, and insightful input will be received and implemented by a dedicated and talented team of staff and leadership. Lastly, we need all of you to spread the word and help to find us a new Executive Director who will take the strong foundation that Julie Rawson built over so many years, and the crucial fine-tuning I have had the opportunity to contribute over the past 4 years, to bring NOFA/Mass to the next level. Please share this job posting widely.
Thanks so much for being a member of NOFA/Mass. Please read on to find out more about new member benefits and opportunities coming up in 2024!
Membership Updates
The Power of Sustaining Membership
All contributions support our work to expand the production and availability of nutritious food from living soil for the health of individuals, communities and the planet.
We encourage you to contribute in whatever way makes the most sense for you, with the understanding that recurring or “sustaining” online donations go the furthest in providing consistent, reliable revenue we can count on throughout the year.
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If you are a current sustaining member, write to membership@nofamass.org to find out how to ensure that your support continues into the new year as we transition to a new membership platform.
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To enroll in a new sustaining membership for 2024, go to nofamass.org/membership and select any monthly amount.
Your ongoing support means everything. We appreciate your questions during this time of transition. Questions? Write to Lili at membership@nofamass.org We look forward to hearing from you.
New Member Benefits for 2024
In the first few months of 2024, we’ll be rolling out new member benefits, including discounts at premiere agricultural publisher Acres bookstore, access to the Massachusetts Pollinator Network online community, a NOFA/Mass member portal, and expanded benefits for farm and business members. Check your email for more information soon!
Exercise your right to vote at the virtual NOFA/Mass Annual Meeting
Online Sunday January 14 – 12:00 – 1:00 PM
The Annual Meeting takes place every Winter Conference and is a critical part of our organization’s membership-based structure.
NOFA/Mass members take this opportunity to hear about everything the organization has accomplished in the past year alongside policy goals for the year to come. In addition,
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You’ll learn more about our member benefits, both established and new.
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On deck will be a summary of our whirlwind growth since last year and areas of development that you can support
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Members will vote on the 2024 slate of board members
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Hear about opportunities to join the Board of Directors
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Make a difference by learning how you can share your skills with NOFA/Mass
Become a NOFA/Mass Board Member!
We know how passionate our members and followers are about growing healthy organic food in Massachusetts. Will you consider bringing that passion to the NOFA/Mass Board of Directors or our standing committees?
Our board of directors have been hard at work making NOFA/Mass a great organization. Whether they are leading the finance team, coordinating the bulk order pick up site, teaching youth about soil microbes using a microscope, supporting communities in preparing healthy meals, assisting with grants, or fundraising for our food access program, our board members are deeply engaged and make NOFA/Mass a dynamic and productive organization.
Right now, we need new board leadership, as many board members are reaching their term limit after 6 years with NOFA/Mass.
Might you have some time on your hands to commit? The skill sets that we are focused on right now in our board leadership include farming experience, personnel/human resources, fundraising, marketing, and strategic planning. While our board is mostly volunteer, a small stipend is available.
Behind the Scenes: NEW STAFF!
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