This document summarizes the keynote speech given at the Second Annual New York Agri-Women conference. The speech emphasizes that those who actively participate and "show up" are the ones who shape policies and decisions in organizations and communities. It encourages attendees to get involved in volunteer leadership to create positive change. It also notes that while change often begins with chaos, committed groups of people working together can change the world.

1. This Is Our Organization
Second Annual New York Agri-Women
Annual Meeting & Conference
March 3, 2012
By Cari Rincker

2. “The World is Run By
Those Who Show Up.”
--Robert B. Johnson in the Journal of
Management and Engineering, Vol. 15, Issue 1
(January/February 1999) at 90-92.

3. Think About It
• People who “show up” on election day pick
the President or other elected officials at the
federal, state, and local levels
• People who “show up” on lobbying outreach
day influence elected officials and their
representatives

4. Think About It
• The cattle ranchers that “show up” at the
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)
Annual Meeting vote on policies that steer the
direction of the organization
• Those that “show up” at Farm Bureau
meetings similarly set policies for the state or
national organization

5. Think About Your Community
• Do you think it’s a coincidence that the same
people serve the community in several
different ways?
– Local food bank
– Chamber of Commerce
– Little League
– Religious organizations
– Planning Agri-tours

6. Shaping The Future
(or “Running the World”)

7. The Power of Volunteer Leadership
• Most decisions, policies, laws, and programs
are put into place by governing boards, citizen
groups and professional organizations that
rely heavily on volunteer leadership.

8. The Power of Positive Role Models
• Great leaders don’t complain, they create
change.
– Be a role model
– Impress the value of public service on others
– Play an active role in positive change in your
community

9. So What Made You “Show Up”
This Morning?

10. Why Did You “Show Up?”
• Everybody has a reason – what’s yours?
– Business networking/marketing
– Camaraderie
– Education
– Legislative Issue
– Interest in the NY Agriculture Economy
– Learn how to communicate with urban consumers

11. Take A Moment To Think About the
Interests of Others
• Think about the potential interests of the
people in this room.
• What can you do personally to help satisfy
those needs/interests?
• What can New York Agri-Women do to help
satisfy those needs/interests?

12. But It Takes Volunteer Power & People
Willing to “Show Up”

13. “Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the
only thing that ever has.”
-Margaret Mead (1901-1978)

14. “All Great Changes Are Preceded
By Chaos”
- Anonymous