I have the great pleasure of serving on the Board of Western States Center. This is a special honor in my personal journey as an activist because Western States has been the single most invaluable support system in nurturing my leadership to organize for human rights advances in Idaho. My first exposure to the Center was in 2002 when I was invited to participate in their prestigious Western Institute for Leadership Development and Organizing or the two-year WILD program. The experience changed my life and gave me the tools, analysis and confidence I needed to carve out a career in the progressive movement. I haven't missed a CSTI since my first seven years ago because for my money, the Center offers the most dynamic and professional training for activists anywhere. Their warm staff are on the vanguard of framing issues and responding to policy attacks in our region in meaningful and comprehensive ways. And the peer networking is unbeatale. Happy 21st Western States and here's to 21 more!