Student Peace Alliance came together for its Third National Coordinating Committee Retreat on Wednesday June 4th in Washington D.C.  All seven members of the Committee, Student Peace Alliance's national staff, were present at the Retreat for the first time in SPA's history. Attending were Executive Director Aaron Voldman, Managing Director Julia Simon-Mishel, Field Organizer TJ Bowen, Communications Coordinator Rob Atkinson, Finance Coordinator Jake Hoy-Elswick, along with our new Technology Coordinator Shands Pemberton and High School Organizer Rachell Farnham. The Peace Alliance's Managing Director Wendy Greene and Field Director Kathy Kidd were also present.

 At the Retreat, we discussed proposals and plans for the upcoming year. On Friday June 6th, the Coordinating Committee was joined by nine state organizers, bringing the retreat total to 18. Over the next two days, the attendees came to consensus on SPA's organizational direction and bonded with their fellow activists. After identifying their priorities for Student Peace Alliance, the Retreat attendees developed national actions and the beginnings of a legislative plan for the upcoming year. After a trip to the Washington Mall to see the monuments at night, the state organizers said their goodbyes on Saturday evening.

On Sunday, the Coordinating Committee gathered once again to develop the details and work strategy for the upcoming year. Part of this process allowed the committee to recognize a necessary shift in our development, as Rob Atkinson transitioned from Communications Coordinator to the Chair of the newly formed Legislative Strategy Committee. Leaving the Retreat, each attendee felt connected with students from across the country and saddened to leave their new friends.

For the first time Student Peace Alliance has developed a national plan decided with a democratic process by youth leaders from across the country.  We feel great confidence going into our third year, confidence in our goals, confidence in our relationships, and confidence in our strengthened Youth-Adult Partnership with The Peace Alliance.  Thanks to everyone for your continual deep and gracious support. We look forward to sharing another year of successes with you!