Twice a year, the CSSC hosts leadership retreats for students who are interested in getting involved or staying involved in the leadership of the organization. The CSSC operates with a three-pronged structure: a Council of students from across the state, an Operating Team, and a Board of Representatives. At retreats, these bodies get together to discuss the direction and structure of the CSSC, plan and strategize for campaigns and projects, come up with new ideas, elect new leadership, and have fun with one another!
The 2012 Summer Leadership Retreat took place at the McLaughlin Natural Reserve in Lower Lake, CA, from August 9th-13th. 28 student leaders were able to attend, and the retreat was one of the best ones yet. Here are what some of the attendees had to say:
The Summer Leadership Retreat energized and equipped me as a leader by giving me strategic training, new friends, and a sense of community as we work toward a common purpose. I highly recommend this experience and this organization for anybody who wishes to create positive change in the world.
- Chara Bui, Council Rep, San Jose State University
This summer leadership retreat brought me around full circle to my first leadership retreat I attended in 2010. It was an amazing reminder of the diversity of experience and passion for this work held by CSSC students. I am so excited to have had the chance to connect with leaders old and new and am really looking forward to working with our new student leaders this coming school year.
- Andrew Chang, CSSC Campaign Director, UC Santa Barbara Class of 2011
CSSC is a beautiful framily. This year’s summer leadership retreat was full of daily conversations about making real positive change in the world. Everyone is so honest and welcoming, and full of passion for earth justice. Each member of the CSSC brings their own unique perspective on sustainability issues but we come together and work with our strengths and through our weaknesses to shake up this world for good. I’m so glad I went, and shared great food and random hugs with such incredible people. Looking forward to campaigning, outreach, and the Convergence in Butte!
-Emili Abdel-Ghany, Council Co-Rep, UC Davis
It is so fantastic coming back to the retreat for the fourth time around and seeing seasoned and new CSSCers alike tackle some of the hardest questions facing any student-run organization. These folks are building bonds not just for this academic year, but for the rest of their lives and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing experience. I will never forget the moment when Butte College took on the challenge of becoming the first community college campus ever to host a convergence over a (very) late night snack of organic veggie pizza. UBUNTU!
-Kristina Davtyan, CSSC Operating Team Co-Chair, California State University of Los Angeles
This years summer leadership retreat marked my first year with CSSC. Looking back to my very first retreat last summer, the CSSC has grown tremendously! We are now in the midst of our second Power Vote campaign and I could not be more excited about the future of CSSC. At every retreat our leaders get to connect on many different levels with one another, and it is through these connections that we form the bonds needed to work in unity and passion for a more sustainable tomorrow. I am so blessed to know and work with such wonderful people.
-Wendy Myvett, CSSC Council Co-Chair, City College of San Francisco.
In my experience in the youth sustainability movement there is no other organization that does what the CSSC does, not only are its students bright, intelligent, but they are some of the most loving, caring individuals I have met. This year at the Summer leadership Retreat new attendees well as veteran CSSC’ers came together to share best practices and pass the flame to the next generation. It is through this non-hierarchical snowflake model that the CSSC’s web is ever growing and empowering new youth leaders. The retreat is a chance to come together as a close-knit family and begin planning and strategizing for the upcoming semester. This group displays the finest work and play ethics around, providing an environment of intense learning and intimate bonding.
Thanks CSSC!!!!
-Kevin Killion, Convergence Coordinator, Butte College
*If you are interested in getting involved with the CSSC, we hope to see you at our Fall 2012 Convergence at Butte College — stay tuned for updates!*
Photos by Tia Tyler
