Our Initiatives
Issue Area Working Groups and Committees
Our working groups and committees bring people together around specific food system or internal governance issues to ensure our work is accountable and responsive to our network.
All Committees and Working Groups meet regularly, and participation is open to the public.
Action Committees & Working Groups
The groups below help to advance SOFSA’s strategic priorities and respond to community-identified opportunities to advance a more just and sustainable food system.
These groups convene 4 times a year, with various offshoot meetings as is relevant.
Food Justice Policy & Action Committee
Food democracy means people coming together to shape the decisions and systems that determine how food works in their community. This group builds civic power to advance community-driven change in the food system. It connects community members with opportunities to influence public decisions, strengthens relationships with decision-makers, and coordinates collective action to advance food justice across our region.
Urban Agriculture Working Group
Networking and action planning group for folks interested in improving coordination and collaboration around urban agriculture. Plans the Urban Gardens Tour and other smaller events.
Health & Environmental Justice Working Group
Health and Environmental Justice Working Group addresses issues concerning health and environment that intersect with food, farming, and the food system. These issues include lead contamination, nutrition literacy, and Micron’s effect on the environment, among others. The group consists of a wide range of community members and professionals in health care, soil and water conservation, Indigenous sovereignty, and many more.
School & Institutional Food Working Group
Convenes professionals in school food, procurement, agriculture, and infrastructure development to coordinate action towards getting more local, fresh food into schools.
Governing Committees
These groups help to shape SOFSA’s internal operations, uphold our commitments to the coalition, and ensure our ongoing sustainability.
Equity, Inclusion, & Accountability Committee
Assesses SOFSA’s plans and operations to ensure their alignment with our mission, vision, and justice statements. Also collaborates with the Board on the development of equity-related training programs and maintains social spaces for SOFSA members of marginalized identities. The EIA Committee also holds responsibility for ensuring that SOFSA is accountable to community-defined priorities and maintains accountability of the coalition as a whole to our shared values. (Convenes monthly)
Fund Development Committee
The Fund Development Committee supports SOFSA’s fundraising and funding stream diversification, financial sustainability planning, cultivating Board and member giving, and donor/funder relations. Their organizing charge is to invest in SOFSA’s future and long-term sustainability. (Convenes 2-3 times per year)
People & Culture Committee
The People & Culture Committee supports the health, accountability, and development of SOFSA’s leadership. This includes supervising the Executive Director; supporting strong staff, Community Connector, and Board relationships; addressing interpersonal challenges when they arise; and guiding onboarding and ongoing development for Leadership Team members. The committee aims to nurture a culture of trust, accountability, and shared purpose so that the people leading SOFSA can do their best work together. (Due to the sensitive nature of this committee's charge, participation is limited to SOFSA Board members & Community Connectors.)
Fiscal Management & Audit Committe
The Fiscal Management & Audit Committee provides oversight to ensure SOFSA’s financial resources are stewarded with integrity, transparency, and care. This includes supporting budget development and revisions, monitoring grant performance and reporting, overseeing financial compliance, and coordinating independent financial audits. (Committee meetings take place during regular Board meetings and are open to anyone to attend)
Affinity Groups
Affinity groups provide a structure for powerful conversations that build connection, awareness, knowledge, and action within groups of individuals who share an – often marginalized – identity.
Global Majority @ SOFSA
Meets monthly and is co-facilitated by one of our community connectors. Stop by for a cup of coffee and some good conversation.
LGBTQ+ @ SOFSA
Meets various times throughout the year, often in collaboration with ComeOutCNY. A space to explore the intersections of food and the LGBTQ+ experience, and to catch up with what is happening around town.
