This past weekend while retreating at the Elerbee Inn, we had a State Network Meeting with our pals at the Tar River Writing Project.  We started the meeting with a little ranting and riffing Youth Roots style, tweaked by Lacy Manship and Lil Brannon.  What a powerful way to clear the air about the frustrations of the past months with the federal budget and then begin to re-build together through the sharing of ideas and the building of ideas from each other.  We were able to discuss what each site is doing to seek funding from the state and university level and share roadblocks as well as successes.  We also were able to share some vital contact information and get a better understanding for the changes going down at NCDPI.  We have now shared our Sustainability Google Site with the Tar River group so that they can continue thinking with us there.

Before if was over, Lacy and Lil were firing off e-mails right and left and we were starting to think of ways to restructure NCETA and work with NCDPI.  More importantly, we were able to reconnect face to face with another group of teachers, writers and thinkers in the state who share our passion for the Writing Project.  I left the meeting reminded that when we say “In Solidarity” these great people are right there with us!