June 1, 2009 Executive Board Retreat
by Becky Chaney, 45th LD Democrats

The day was tightly scheduled with activities planned by the chair and co-chairs. It began with two presentations. Brad Larson talked about the significance of organized labor and its past and present relationship with the Democratic Party, and Martin Chaney gave a quick overview of the Democrats Work program. The rest of the morning passed in a flurry of activity surrounding the team building exercise “Bridge to Nowhere”. Ian Jacobson, Celia Wu, and Adam White led the Red, White, and Blue Teams through the plan, construction, and presentation (complete with posters and buttons) of their bridges.

Lunch, a sandwich buffet and salad set out by local Democrats Houston and Teri Barclay, provided time for socializing. Carnation City Council member Lee Grumman and guest Jules Hughes joined the fun, Jules marking the start of lunch by ringing the still-functioning school bell. Lunch ended with a count of votes for the best bridge. Though the vote was close, the Barak Solid Bridge came out ahead and their campaign button will be made up to commemorate the day.

During the afternoon, teams formed breakout session that considered organization infrastructure, outreach, and relationships. Discussion considered what we do, what we could do, and how we could do it better. Adam, Ian, and Terry Linkletter gave summaries of team findings to the group as a whole, and it was decided that the material generated by the teams was worth typing up for further consideration and possible action at upcoming board meetings. As the day concluded with the dismantling of bridges to music provided by Terry, participants expressed their appreciation for the event and its promotion of good friendship and good governance.

Becky Chaney
45th LD Democrats