2024 MFBF ACE Application

Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
County Farm Bureau
Phone Number
Program Description

Armed to communicate industry issues, participants will be able to represent Farm Bureau interests and agriculture at a local, state and national level. ACE participants will receive an in-depth approach to leadership and how to apply it. More than that, ACE participants will learn to identify the needs of their own communities and the role they, and Farm Bureau, have in serving those needs. Without a vibrant, healthy grassroots foundation we cannot profoundly affect change on the policy issues impacting agriculture.

The focus of the program is built around 3 primarily objectives:
1. Developing leaders
2. Engaging Local Communities
3. Issues Advocacy
Upon completion of the program, graduates will have gained skills and understanding in the following areas:
- Advocacy
- Active Listening
- Public Speaking
- Coalition Building
- Industry Issues & Public Policy
- Conflict Management
- Communication with Elected Officials, Media and Non-Ag Audiences
Program Details and Eligibility
- Applications are due by December 1, 2023.
- Applicant must be a voting member in good standing with their county Farm Bureau.
- Applicant must be willing to meet all time commitments associated with the program, listed below.
- Participation is limited to 10 individuals. The 2024 class will be announced in December 2023.
- Selected participants are required to pay a $500 tuition fee.
  - You are encouraged to reach out to your county Farm Bureau and seek sponsorship.
- Selected participants are required to sign, date and return acommitment form plus tuition fee by December 31, 2023.
- Lodging and some meals will be provided during seminars.
Calendar

During this year-long program, participants will attend six seminars focused on enhancing advocacy skills and leadership development. Throughout the year, class members will also participate in one-on-one virtual coaching sessions with an expert in leadership development.

2024 ACE Calendar
- January 9-11, Bozeman: Leadership Development
- March 20-21, Helena: Issues Advocacy & Legislative Affairs
- May 1-2, Bozeman: Working with the Media and Communicating with Consumers
- June 10-11, Miles City: Rural Development & Coalition Building at MFBF Summer Conference
- August 28-29, Bozeman: Grassroots Engagement
- November 18-19, Billings: ACE Program Graduation at MFBF Annual Convention
Questions? Contact Sue Ann Streufert or Karli Johnson.

Sue Ann: sueanns@mfbf.org or 406-587-3153

Karli: karlij@mfbf.org or 406-868-1233
How long have you been a Farm Bureau member?
Tell us about any past Farm Bureau and non-Farm Bureau leadership experience you have.

Why do you believe you are a good candidate for ACE?

What successes do you hope to achieve by participating in ACE? What are your own personal/professional goals you hope to build on through this experience?

In what ways do you plan to apply new skills learned through this program to become a better advocate and leader for Farm Bureau and Montana agriculture?

This program focuses on developing leadership and advocacy skills like effective communication, active listening, working with elected officials and non-ag audiences. What leadership and advocacy skills are most important for you to gain in this program?

ACE participants are expected to participate in 6 training sessions over the course of one year, are you able to commit to that schedule?

YesNo
Who encouraged you to apply for this program? (If applicable)

Participant Commitment Statement

Upon acceptance as a participant in ACE, I understand and agree to the following:
1. I am expected to fully attend all trainings and have reviewed the training dates to make necessary scheduling arrangements. If a situation occurs that prevents my attendance at any ACE function, I will directly contact the Program Coordinator as soon as possible.
2. Montana Farm Bureau incurs significant costs in arranging speakers, lodging and meals. Accordingly, I understand that any unexcused absences or inappropriate actions are considered detrimental to the program. They will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and may result in removal from the program.
3. I am expected to arrive at each seminar with an open and inquiring mind, a willingness to learn and a respectful attitude towards the opinions of others.
4. I am expected to pay a tuition fee of $500. I understand that participants are responsible to individually seek scholarships from local County Farm Bureaus.
5. I am expected to secure the necessary time away from my place of employment to attend all trainings.
6. Upon graduation from ACE, I am expected to utilize my training to be an active leader on behalf of my local County Farm Bureau, Montana Farm Bureau and the agriculture industry.

Participant Commitment Statement Signature*

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