A farewell message from Dee Sweet, Native Vote Manager

“…we all shine on – like the moon, the stars, and the sun.” – John Lennon, 1980

Dear WCV friends:

I hope all is well with you and your family this holiday season. I want to share this important day with you: the day I clear my desk at Wisconsin Native Vote and begin my retirement. We’ll see if it takes. I have worked practically all of my life, so this will be a challenge as any major life change can be.

A friend once observed that I often fall backwards into good fortune; that is, extraordinary opportunities often come my way unexpectedly. Wisconsin Conservation Voters offered me the chance to be a part of the Native Vote team, and on April 8, 2019, I accepted the invitation. I was about to be a part of an incredible organization without any idea of the challenges, the opportunities, and the rewards in store for me. There have been plenty. You have been especially important to me and Native Vote, and I want to say chii miigwech (Ojibwe, meaning “many thanks”) to you all.

Skoden!

Where do we go from here? As for me, I’ll work on finishing another book, continuing my love of papermaking, and immersing myself in volunteer work. As for Wisconsin Native Vote, I leave with complete confidence that this team will continue to grow and thrive with your support. This dream team is so talented and motivated. Let’s celebrate the next chapter in the story of Native Vote – I am excited to see what the team can do.

As you may know, many Native languages have no word for goodbye. We simply declare that we’ll see each other again, and it’s a lifetime sacred promise.

We’ll all shine on – like the moon, the stars, and the Sun. I look forward to seeing my WCV friends again – those who care so much about our beautiful state, and the beloved Water, Earth and Sky. I imagine our journey together will continue to be my good fortune.

Always,

Dee Sweet