In 2007, after several terms as The Center's board chair, and more than 10 total years as a board member, I was able to retire, and was moved up to Board Emerita. I am proud of our excellent trend-spotting, coalition building, issues analysis, and organizational engagement– work that continues to be pertinent, current, leading edge and critical to building real community in the West. When we crafted the Community Strategic Training Institute, I knew then that we were ‘simply the best.’ But I continue to be astounded at the outpouring of interest and applications to our Northwest gathering; and honored that we continue to attract eager applicants from a wider pool that includes the East, South, Midwest, California, and all states in between. Each year, I’ve joyfully greeted grassroots ‘teachers and learners,’ social justice activists, funders, academics, new and ‘long-on-the-frontlines’ participants, and welcomed them to CSTI. Happy 21st birthday to us all, and many, many more! Sharon Gary-Smith, Emerita