AALP Class 16 Explores Personality and Self-Understanding

AALP Alumnus Cora Whittington leads workshop

The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) Class 16 gathered together November 20 to 22, 2015 in Peterborough, Ontario, for their second seminar, each accompanied by a spouse, significant other or support person, to delve into personality, self-understanding and development.

The group was welcomed to Peterborough by local MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Honourable Jeff Leal. Minister Leal reiterated to the group the importance of the Agriculture Industry to both Ontario and Canada, and commended the AALP Class 16 members for their participation in the program.

The core of the weekend was built around a Lumina Spark Workshop led by AALP Alumnus Cora Whittington. Through personalized personality portraits and group exercises, the workshop led participants on a journey to better understand themselves and others to work together effectively for the benefit of the individual, the family and the community. Co-founder of PTBOCanada.com Neil Morton also spoke to the group, sharing the story of PTBOCanada.com and the importance of leveraging social media.

Saturday evening, the participants were joined by a number of AALP alumni and supporters for a reception, dinner and evening of networking. The Honourable Maryam Monsef, MP Peterborough-Kawartha and Minister of Democratic Institutions, spoke to the group, sharing her inspiring journey from refugee to Cabinet Minister.

Sunday’s agenda included a seminar with Dr. Tom Phillips, Adjunct Professor, Trent University, on working as a consultant team in preparation for Class 16’s Issues Analysis Projects (IAP). The seminar was concluded with a field trip to Wilmot Orchards Inc. to chat with owners and AALP alumni Charles and Judi Stevens about their operation and leadership in the Agri-Food sector.

To follow class 16’s journey, connect on Twitter at @AALPClass or #AALP16.

During the 19-month program, AALP participants learn about leadership and organizational development theories and practices, government and political processes, economics, trade policy, global affairs, sector and industry related issues in Ontario and globally through North American and international study travel components. AALP is delivered by the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI). Established in 1984, the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has graduated almost 450 leaders who are making a positive difference across Ontario and beyond.

For more information, visit www.aalp.on.ca.