Food For the Spirit (F4tS) is excited to announce that we are forming a Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) — a new initiative designed to strengthen our organization’s collective governance structure and deepen community-driven planning across our networks.
In an effort to center community voices, build local power through facilitative leadership, and clarify our role as a network weaver, the SPC will bring together representatives from across the F4tS ecosystem to help shape the future of the organization.The SPC will be facilitated by Obsidian Clarke, Food For the Spirit’s Network Weaving Lead, and will bring together representatives from each of the F4tS networks Buffalo Food Equity Network, Finger Lakes Accountability Network, Buffalo Bypass Network, and BlackRoots. This committee will include 2 staff members, 1 note-taker, and 1 board member to help guide conversations, gather input, and develop recommendations that will shape the future structure and strategy of the organization.
We are seeking to clarify our organization’s role as a network weaver and build sustainable models for network engagement and governance. Rather than making final decisions, the SPC will help facilitate dialogue, provide recommendations for F4tS’s leadership and networks, and support the gathering of information. The SPC committee is designed to be a meaningful and manageable commitment and will be meeting throughout 2026. This committee represents an important step in building a more inclusive and responsive governance model.The SPC is not a decision-making body. Instead, it will serve as an advisory group that:
– Guides conversations around governance and strategy
– Gathers input from networks and community members
– Develops thoughtful recommendations for F4tS leadership and networks
– Supports the collection and synthesis of information
By focusing on dialogue and recommendations, the committee will help ensure that future decisions are grounded in the needs and wisdom of the communities we serve.The launch of the Strategic Planning Committee marks an important milestone in Food For the Spirit’s commitment to shared leadership and community-centered governance. By bringing together voices from across our networks, we aim to build more sustainable, equitable, and powerful structures for the future.
We believe that real power is built when we plan together and we’re excited to begin this journey! Stay tuned for updates as the committee begins its work in 2026.