Guest blog post by Jackie Douglas, Executive Director of LivableStreets Alliance in Boston, MA

I have had the fortune to attend the last two Alliance Leadership Retreats, in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2010, and Long Beach, California in 2012.

My first retreat in Chattanooga was interesting, to say the least.

I didn’t know what I was getting in to. I put down my bags in a room on boat that I would stay on for three days with a roommate I didn’t know. There I was, the Director of LivableStreets Alliance, the only paid staff person of the organization, and only two years on to the scene of the livable streets movement. I was eager to meet people who were in a similar position that I could learn from, and help me solve problems that seemed like unusual, unique issues.

Today, LivableStreets  has three full-time paid staff people, an active Board of Directors, and hundreds of engaged members and volunteers. Our budget has grown tenfold, and above all, we have won campaigns – from Better Bridges to Neighborhoods Not Highways – to make change in the Boston region.

Jackie in the early days of the LivableStreets Alliance, with a fleet of volunteers. Source: LivableStreets Alliance

Looking back, it was attending the Leadership Retreat in 2010 and 2012 (in addition to many other trainings the Alliance hosts), that has helped me and LivableStreets become what we are today.

Jackie with staff members Kara and Jamie earlier this year. Image: LivableStreets Alliance

I learned exercises that I took back to use with my own board and staff.

I met people who I continue to call on for advice and resources.

I shared stories and listened, and realized that our own problems were not unique and there was something greater – a movement - happening across the country.

I had the great fortune to then send our second paid staff person in 2012. I was thrilled to provide her the opportunity and share the experience together to get re-energized, learn, share, and grow.

I hope you have the same fortune to get to attend the 2014 Leadership Retreat this September 5 - 8 near Pittsburgh. I know that I want all future staff of LivableStreets to attend.

When I am in the weeds of work back in Boston, working around the clock and wondering what chess move to play next to influence change, the Alliance's network supports me. And at Leadership Retreats, state and local advocates build and strengthen those powerful relationships. 

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