Lend a Hand

Another important aspect of advancing a successful early learning strategy was brought home again to me this past week and a half with full force. Namely, we will not get far if we do not join hands and support each other, not just philosophically, but in a real and practical way.

As plans for the Governor's Summit on Early Learning move ahead next week, there are many other activities distracting key players. The impending reports of Washington Learns, the Early Learning Council and the Department of Early Learning to name but a few. Since the effort to plan the Summit has been a collaborative effort from the start, it is not surprising to me that tasks woudl get handed from one person to the next as circumstances change. But in the past week and a half, we have absorbed multiple vacations, illnesses, major car crashes, unexpected and tricky political work in Seattle and all sorts of challenges to our success.

I have been amazed and gratified as people have pitched in, helped each other and additional support has fallen from the sky. It is a good reminder that investing in strong work relationships with people you can trust, is a necessary precursor to creating a movement in any field. Thanks to all of you who have lent a hand to make sure that my work and OUR work continues NO MATTER WHAT!