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<TITLE>IMPORTANT NOTICE - Smart Marriages Conferences</TITLE>
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</SPAN></FONT><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12pt'><FONT FACE="Helvetica, Verdana, Arial">Dear Coalition, <BR>
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After what you can imagine has been a painful process of deliberation, it has become clear that the 14th Annual Orlando 2010 conference has to be the last Smart Marriages® conference. I congratulate and thank all of you who attended – as everyone is saying, it was the best ever and a wonderful way to go out. It feels a bit like the Beatles 1966 concert at Candlestick Park – they had no idea it was to be their final live concert as they belted out, "I Feel Fine" and "Yesterday". I am so glad I didn’t know, in Orlando, that this was going to be it. It might have killed me. <BR>
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I know this is sudden. For me, it feels like hitting a brick wall at 100 miles an hour. But I can also say that there is a definite convergence of factors – lots of writing all over the brick wall – and that this is a natural and obvious time for change. I trust that in the 15 years we have worked together we have built a solid and sustainable effort and that with the new trade association and the many other organizations, initiatives, foundations, marriage conferences, resource centers, websites, campaigns, etc, etc, – that this Marriage Education campaign we have created will carry on. <BR>
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I have not consulted with anyone which means you are all receiving the news at the same time – are all at same place in deciding how to move into the future and if/how to plan a Marriage Education Conference (or Conferences) for 2011. In other words, I am not passing on the Smart Marriages® name or baton to, or endorsing, any one entity or group. I hope you will 'talk among yourselves' and come to decisions about the best next steps. <BR>
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I plan to continue the Smart Marriages® listserv, website, Blog, Twitter, etc, and will do what I can through the listserv to help you stay connected and organize the next stage. In other words, I will share your updates and calls to action. <BR>
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Finally, there is no way I can even come close to adequately thanking those of you who have given so much to the Smart Marriages campaign – your incredible support with so much enthusiasm and creativity – and lots and lots of just plain hard work. Whether you’ve been on board since day one or you just discovered Smart Marriages® this year, I thank you for all your contributions. I guarantee there will be places to apply all you've learned – all your individual and collective wisdom in the ongoing campaign to bring Marriage Education to the world. We’ve come a long way but there is still so much to be done. <BR>
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I expect great things for the future. There are amazing new books, fantastic and innovative new programs, and exciting research ready to roll in 2011. I can't wait to see what you will do and I, for sure, will be the loudest, proudest voice cheering you on. <BR>
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Diane Sollee <BR>
Founder and Director, Smart Marriages® <BR>
Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education (CMFCE) <BR>
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