Introducing the Rhizome Network Emerging Leaders Pilot Program!
We are so excited to introduce CFPAC's newest program offering: the Rhizome Network Emerging Leaders Program!
This 9-month leadership development program will run from March 13th through December 11th, 2026, and is aimed at supporting early career Rhizome Network participants interested in deepening their understanding of network impact and building skills to make transformative food systems change. 2026 is a pilot year and we are seeking 3-4 emerging food system leaders to help us shape and develop this program.
Because of the unique nature of a pilot program, this year we are seeking only candidates who are already engaged in our Rhizome Network spaces.
This is a hybrid leadership program with flexible hours. Ideal candidates will have some daytime availability for real-time meetings. The expected time commitment for this opportunity is 1-3 hours/week plus periodic 1-2 day skill-building trainings (3 modules throughout the program).
Apply here by Wednesday February 25th at 11:59pm CST.
Program Highlights:
What is the Rhizome Network Emerging Leaders Program?
Impact Networks are designed to be centered not around one person, organization, or institution, but rather around shared purpose. To serve that intention, the Rhizome Network aims to cultivate and empower emerging leaders throughout the network to ensure the sustainability, durability, and success of food systems transformation in Chicagoland. CFPAC seeks emerging food system leaders to take on network leadership roles aimed at stewarding network working groups and convening spaces to advance emerging priority projects and build food system resilience, while building skills through training and mentorship.
Selected candidates will:
Receive a $2000 stipend for participation
Participate in three training modules:
Network Impact (Spring 2026)
Facilitation Technique (Summer 2026)
Systems Thinking (Fall 2026)
Spend 1-3 hours/week supporting one Rhizome Network working group, convening space, or project:
Resilient Food Systems Working Group
Food Chain Worker Rights and Livelihood Project
Local Policy Advocacy and Development
Produce a final report and presentation on their network area of focus, with recommendations for future activities informed by the training received in the program
Who is an ideal candidate for this opportunity?
Ideal candidates are:
Early-career food systems workers interested in building leadership skills to enhance impact and strengthen the food justice ecosystem
Interested in making an impact in one of our three key focus areas:
Resilient Food Systems: Building connected networks of food production, access, and distribution through non-profit, mutual aid, and other community-based formations
Food Chain Workers' Rights: Organizing for justice in the food system through the lens of the Good Food Purchasing Program's Valued Workforce pillar
Local Policy Development and Advocacy: Supporting coalitional efforts to win just food policy at the municipal and county level
Already engaged to some degree with the Chicago Food Justice Rhizome Network
May include participating in calls, convenings, councils/coalitions, or other engagement
Application requires one reference from a CFPAC partner or network participant
Available during the anticipated convening times for their working group:
Resilient Food Systems: Every other Tuesday at 3pm
Food Chain Workers’ Rights: One Tuesday per month, plus one monthly convening from March-August
Local Policy: Kickoff Thursday, March 12th; ensuing meetings TBD
This is a hybrid leadership program with flexible hours. Ideal candidates will have some daytime availability for real-time meetings. Apply here by Wednesday February 25th at 11:59pm CST.
For more detail, email info@chicagofoodpolicy.com