A Letter from Deborah Meier

September 19, 2008

Dear NDSG Friends,

This year's North Dakota Study Group meeting will be February 13-15, 2009, at a new location, the University of St. Mary by the Lake, Mundelein, IL – still northwest of Chicago. Please save the date.

The planning team has, as usual, done an amazing job of pulling together a great program for us where we can all share our stories and re-examine old and new insights. And never has there been a time—since we began so long ago—when we've needed each other's wisdom more. There's no way I could miss our retreat this year.

But - to make sure this year's retreat carries forward the spirit of past events - we need help from those who can contribute. We need additional financial support to ensure that we have the kind of gathering we need – to ensure diversity of all sorts, to support those without the means to join us, to invite the guests we need to stimulate our thought, and for those odds and ends that make it possible.

Thanks to an initial $4,500 gift and the donations we received to match it, we do have a financial aid pool. Last year, we spent $4000 on financial aid – more than we received in new donations. We allocated another $4000 this year – but unless our donations increase, we will be spending down our financial aid money.

So we need to raise $4000. Any amount will help, but the more the better. And remember to save enough so that you can join us too. Based on a good deal with our very fine new site, we have been able to keep the costs the same as last year - $450 (for a double room).

Please be as generous as you can. Thanks.

Best,
Deborah Meier

Please make your check payable to the Financial Aid Fund, NDSG and send it to NDSG, Buxton School, 291 South Street, Williamstown, MA01267.