Sometimes the work seems overwhelming. How will we ever get 100 cities across Canada to develop or support multi-sector roundtables focused on reducing poverty? There are calls, emails, presentations, progress made, failures, and glimmers of hope. But once a year, at the Communities Collaborating Institute, we get to stretch. We have a week to think, to reflect, to meet others who may, at times, feel alone in the work that is collaborative.

There is a tribe of like-minded folks who will share their wisdom, their frustrations, and give you a peek, if only for a moment, into their aspirations and hopes for their communities. That for me is the gift of the Communities Collaborating Institute. It's not so much the insights of the speakers, or the challenge of absorbing so many ideas in such a short time, but it is the people, who journey with you through the week.

If you haven't had an opportunity to attend a CCI, make sure you put it on your bucket list. I've been to all 7 - first as a participant and more recently as a member of the curriculum team. And while I have experienced both the frustration of absorbing too much content and the joy of connecting with other like minds, I think it is the total package which keeps me coming back - that and the fact that each year has a unique character - largely due to those who come to the gathering and share their gifts. Thank you to all of my colleagues attending the 2012 version. The paths we walk twist and turn but it is good to know we will meet each other on the journey.