Group X (2002 - 2004)

National Seminar, Washington, D.C., March 15-21, 2003

Group X participants met in Washington, D.C. for their National Seminar led by Seminar Chairs, Al Anderson, UW Extension, Director, Center for Community Economic Development and Dave Wernecke, WRLP Alumni Group VIII. It was a week filled with tension, excitement, and energy (both literally and figuratively). Participants focused on policymaking and how citizens and organizations influence formulation and implementation of policy. They specifically looked at US policies related to energy.

Saturday & Sunday. The seminar began with dinner and a night tour of the Washington monuments. There is something inspiring about visiting our nation's monuments in the evening. Sunday found participants taking in the many other sights and sounds of D.C. Then the group gathered for dinner and the seminar began with a sharing of questions about energy and areas to explore.

L-R: Margaret Larson, Pat Lallemont, Margaret Burlingham in touring the FDR Memorial site

Monday & Tuesday. The hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. was in full swing including the tight security - an interesting experience. Several speakers shared their insights into federal public policy, particularly as it pertains to energy. Then the group split up into smaller groups and visited their legislators, interviewed protesting groups and attended Senate and House hearings.

L-R: Dan Knutzen, Michelle Zahn, Renie Howard,
back Co-Chair Dave Wernecke during presentations at the Hall of States

Wednesday. War was declared, a tobacco farmer drove his tractor into the pond by the White House, security tightens even more. Participants broke off into smaller groups and met with key people involved in the energy issues listed below. In the evening these same groups prepared presentations - who they talked with, what the key issues were, whose interests were involved and what the long-term, social and economic impacts are, and what the key challenges to resolving these issues are.

1. Foreign Policy and Energy
Issue: What role should U.S. foreign policy play in assuring access to a reliable, reasonably priced supply of petroleum?

2. Energy Supply
Issue: How can government assure adequate supplies of energy at reasonable prices while recognizing longer-term realities and trends?

3. Energy Demand
Issue: Given that adequate, reasonably priced supplies of energy may be increasingly difficult to provide, what role should government play in reducing short and long-term demand for energy?

4. Global Climate Change
Issue: How can government minimize the negative effects of global climate change?

L-R: James Freeman, Jim Tobakos, Trisha Kempkes, Renie Howard, Pat Lallemont working on presentation

Thursday morning was filled with presentations by small groups and a synthesis of what was learned so far in the seminar. In the afternoon, the group changed gears and visited with the Director of the US State Department - Australian office as they began preparing for the International Seminar. Later they were treated to an art tour at the Corcoran Art Museum and the play, Booked for Murder at Arena Stage.

Corcoran Art Museum

Friday. The week went so quickly. Al Anderson, seminar co-chair, shared his recent experience in Australia, "Down Under." The last stop was with the Australian Ambassador Michael Thawley and staff.

Left, John Deitrich presents Ambassador Thawley with a token of appreciation from WRLP

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