The 1999 Annual NEGEF Retreat was held November 5-6 in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Seventy-nine grantees from over a third of our grantee groups joined us at the Eagle Mountain House in Jackson for a very full twenty-four hours of contact with other grantees working on a variety of community issues. An inspirational keynote speaker and workshops on fund raising, organizational development and community organizing were just the "organized" pieces of the Retreat, with a lot of networking and "corridor conversations" thrown in to fill out the time. Here is what a few of our grantees said about the Retreat:
"The Retreat was very useful in opening my eyes to ways we can get our group to move forward."
"This has been inspiring for me to reconnect with people, passions and actions I can take."
"Very encouraging to see so many groups working hard on great projects. We are not alone!"
"Thank you so much for validating and supporting our efforts."
"Great to see your support of so many young people. Not really knowing what to expect, we found we enjoyed it far more than anticipated."
"Thank you! This was scheduled at a time when we really needed a boost."
"I'm only sorry I couldn't spend more time with you - but it looked like you were always busy sowing seeds of goodwill."
"It was very inspiring to hear all those stories and to see so many people dedicated to the good fight, despite some enormous obstacles."
"The entire weekend was rejuvenating and validating."
"I want to thank you for a very helpful Retreat. It was nice to feel the support of like-minded people and to learn from each other. Our campaign is often frustrating, sometimes discouraging, so it is good to hear other people's stories and trade ideas."
"If our group had spent its last $500 on this NEGEF conference, then it would have been worth it. I can't believe it is all free!"
And as a final remark, Kathy Moyes from the Lawrence Environmental Action Group, wrote a poem as she took a few minutes away from the meetings and sat by the river below the Inn.
"River at Eagle Mountain"
The leaves are gone now, Soon the snow will lie Only you, rushing clear and swift I will recall your joy,
Even the oak-
Their trees, majestic, anchor the land
Against ancient mountains solid.
Thick in this valley.
Evergreens that now dance along your banks
Will be white heavy laden.
Through frozen landscape
Will not change your course;
Your voice will only deepen.
Your tumbling Life,
Your surges and calm shallows,
When hope eludes and all seems barren,
I will think of you.