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Sharon McLaughlin, Plover, and Rob Burke, Sturgeon Bay, attended the Partners of the Americas, Inc. Farmer to Farmer Workshop in Washington, D.C. from March 26 to March 29, 2003. Following are comments made by both in response to the following question: What did you learn from the POA Farmer to Farmer Workshop?
Sharon McLaughlin, W/NP Office Manager
"Seeing the big picture! I think we tend to operate within the parameters of our own partnership and don't see the big picture of what POA and the Farmer to Farmer program is and does. To see the awesome organization that I am privileged to be a part of, let alone be employed by, was just the most incredible thing. I am proud to be a part of an organization that has the vision and the heart of POA.
"The workshop caused me to do a lot of thinking outside of the box and made me realize that you get out what you put in. I think it made me wonder why we feel so edgy about pursuing financial support for such a great cause!
"I have a different attitude since the workshop. I'm bolder because I now know that we have integrity, credibility, and longevity behind us. I got to see what other areas are doing and what their needs are. It was just a really great experience to network with that caliber of people."
Rob Burke, UW Extension
"I am very happy to report on the Farmer to Farmer Workshop in which I participated, along with the very capable and pleasant Sharon McLaughlin, from March 26 to March 29 in Washington, D.C. One of the most rewarding things about the conference was that Sharon and I were able to give something to the FTF program by lobbying our elected representatives and sharing information about the accomplishments of the Farmer to Farmer program. In speaking with our Congressional representatives' staffers we shared not only some of our FTF successes, but we also educated them on our whole partnership and the scope of our excellent work. Also, during the workshop discussions, we were able to share our FTF experiences with volunteers from other states who are striving to reach a level of successful activity that we have already achieved in Wisconsin. To top it all off, we arrived as the cherry blossoms opened in our nation's charming capitol."
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