You may have noticed things look a little different around here. 

Cultivating Change Foundation is now Open Fields Alliance, a new name and identity to better reflect who we are today and the organization we want to continue building together.

This change isn’t about leaving Cultivating Change behind. The community, relationships and support at the heart of this organization remain just as important. Open Fields Alliance gives us room to build on that foundation and think more broadly about how we can support LGBTQ+ people throughout their careers in food and agriculture. 

Why Open Fields Alliance? 

When we began thinking about what we wanted for the future of this organization, we kept coming back to the image of an open field. 

When you visualize an open field – you see endless possibility. There is space to grow and room to thrive. We want to create that feeling of openness and opportunity for growth for each of you. 

For too many LGBTQ+ people, the food and agriculture industry can feel like standing at the edge of that field, seeing opportunities without seeing a clear place for themselves. Open Fields Alliance represents what we believe is possible instead: an industry where more people can bring their experiences and ideas forward, build meaningful careers and contribute to greater diversity in agriculture.

Our vison carries into the new logo, which draws inspiration from the view across an open field toward the horizon. It’s a simple idea, but an important one: when more people have the chance to grow, agriculture does too. 

More Than Finding Community

Community will always be central to Open Fields Alliance. Like many LGBTQ+ organizations and LGBTQ+ community support groups, we know how important it is to create togetherness and foster relationships. But we also want to spotlight the additional value that Open Fields Alliance offers. 

We’ve heard: How do I grow my career? Where can I find mentors and peers who understand my experience? How can I become a stronger leader? How can I make the path easier for someone coming behind me? 

Those questions are shaping our focus: Grow. Connect. Lead.

• Grow through professional development, career resources and opportunities to build new skills.

• Connect with peers, mentors and organizations across food and agriculture.

• Lead within workplaces, communities and the industry as a whole.

What’s Ahead

We are continually thinking about what we can do to grow and improve. Through our Collegiate Network, SpectrumNEXT, affinity groups, community socials and the Annual Conference, we’re exploring how to add value while building diversity and community. 

We’re expanding professional development opportunities beyond the Annual Conference, developing employee resource group leadership programming, strengthening our collegiate presence and creating partnerships with other nonprofit and agriculture organizations.

Rebranding to Open Fields Alliance pushed us out of our comfort zone and encouraged us to think ahead. While we are just getting started, we are excited to move forward with purpose and focus. 

Thank You for Being Part of It

While our name is changing, the people behind this organization are not.

To everyone who has attended an event, shared their story, volunteered, donated, partnered with us, supported our programs or simply showed up for this community: thank you.

You've helped create a place where LGBTQ+ people in food and agriculture can find one another and know they aren't navigating this industry alone. We're incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. 

There is a lot we're looking forward to in the years ahead, but most of all, we're excited to take this journey with you.

Welcome to Open Fields Alliance. We're glad you're here.