Hi, friends:

I’m on my way home, sitting in the AMTRAK cafe car, rolling through the mountains of Western Pennsylvania. My thoughts are turning to you all, as they have many times these last few days.

I am grateful to all of you for the gift you gave me of keeping the ship of state afloat while I was gone. I could rest easy in PA, knowing that things were proceeding apace.

Maybe more important than that is that you are collectively now running the ship of state in ways that could not happen if I were trying to do it myself. There is a sense of collective leadership that has emerged in the last month or so. That has many manifestations, and I couldn’t name them all, but a few come to mind:

Kelly’s leadership of the Skills Bank;

Jason’s incredible burst of energy brought into our midst in the last two months;

MJ’s continual unfolding of talents and skills and roles:

Gerry’s increased practice of leadership in designing campaigns, and leading the Thursday sharing;

Ben’s steadiness in web revisions, and calling us to fundraising;

Val’s spirit and energy and wordsmithing;

Juard’s arrival and activities in Elkhart.

There is more, of course. Charity’s reliability and multitasking, Kalaine’s repeated trips to the office to sign checks, Darin’s fundraising activity; Gilberto’s companionship and belief in us; Greg’s maintenance of our computers and political acuity. And more.

There are meetings and plans and analysis involved in making what we do stronger and more wide – reaching as we move into the future. As well there should be. Part of that analysis involves reflecting on what our organizational dynamics are, what makes us tick, what makes us unique.

I’m thinking that the way we are with each other comes pretty close to the essence of ECWT. The caring for each individual. The belief that each person who comes through our door is valuable, and is welcomed in our midst. Our support of each other first, and our supportive challenge to believe in ourselves – and to put into words our central affirmation: We are strong. We are creative. We are an asset to our community.

When I think of each of you, I see that strength and creativity, and see the many ways that you are an asset to our community.

I couldn’t be more proud or thankful to be part of this group and this effort.

Yours in peace,

David