YDLI Class 11 Puts Themselves in the Spotlight!

Thursday was the first full day of Phase 3 training for YDLI Class 11. The morning started with a group of class members reporting on their activities and key learnings during Phase 2, which as taken place over the last 12 months. Some of the assignments included reaching out to local media and legislators, doing a presentation to a community group, and organizing and executing an advocacy project. The projects were as diverse as the participants who organized them - organizing educational booths at community events, reaching out to schools and athletic programs to help them understand the benefits of "refueling with chocolate milk," and even writing a children's book about how "farmers are superheros."

After the first group of reports were completed, we launched into the advanced media training session, "Leading Out Loud," led by Joan Horbiak. She spoke with the group about skills and tips for navigating media interviews to help them clearly convey their messages, and then each table received a scenario to review. After the break, every team had a chance to take the stage and face some hard-hitting questions and put those newly learned skills to practice.

Joan Horbiak presents "Leading Out Loud"

Ben Smith, Virginia

Ashley Martin, Maine

Eli Caldera, Texas

Amy Brickner, Pennsylvania

At YDLI, no time goes un-utilized, and after dinner the class enjoyed a keynote talk by Pete Kappelman, "The Dreams, the Doers, and You." Pete has recently assumed the role of Senior Vice President of Member and Government Relations for Land O'Lakes. Prior to that, Pete has been a life-long dairy farmer in Wisconsin, and has held extensive leadership positions on many boards through the years. By sharing many interesting experiences he has had in his life, Pete emphasized the importance of having written goals and intentionally working towards them, as well as periodically reviewing those goals and reworking them if needed.

Pete Kappelman presenting "Dreams, Doers and You!"

Stay tuned throughout the week as we post updates from Young Dairy Leaders Institute Class 11! For more information about YDLI, or to be notified when applications are available for the next class, visit the Holstein Foundation web site.

This program would not be possible without the support of many generous sponsors - thanks to all of them for their support!