We all know how stressful election season is - the constant ads, the uncertainty of what comes next, and the fear that things will not go how we want them to. But we also know that election season is a time of hope for the future and a time to reflect on the year to come.

Ohio Citizen Action has also taken this time for a season of appreciation. Our canvass staff is the lifeblood of the organization, the work we do is impossible without their relentless positivity and perseverance. We took a day to go to Dave & Busters together to celebrate the hard work that has been done this year and take some time to decompress together. 

Our day of fun at Dave & Buster’s was such a great experience! We enjoyed delicious food, drinks, and cake, and even held a raffle where DJ won a plasma screen TV, which turned out to be extra special since it was his birthday! The scavenger hunt game brought out everyone’s fun and competitive side, and it was a wonderful way to connect with my coworkers outside of work. It truly felt like a great team-building experience, and I hope we make it an annual tradition. - Bella Bogin, Director of Programs

Only a couple weeks later, we held our inaugural Staff & Board Retreat at Great Wolf Lodge Mason, near Cincinnati. Our staff came from all corners of the state to take some time to relax, have fun, reflect on 2025, and get excited for what is to come in 2026. 

With presentations like “What to Expect When You’re Electing,” “Voter Courtship, Going Steady, or Engaged?” “Please Don’t Let Me Die in Committee,” and “Here Comes the Sun and Solar Policy,” we definitely tackled serious issues while honoring the personality of the organization and our staff. 

 I loved getting to know everyone as real people instead of just faces on Zoom. The retreat pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way and helped me feel like I could just be myself. Between games, laughter, and learning about everyone’s talents, we went from coworkers to friends—and in this type of work, you need to feel like you have each other’s backs, making events like this so important. - Linda Ozello, Volunteer Coordinator

Whether you have been on staff for 30 years or for 3 days, everybody had an opportunity to spend time together in one space, both doing some work but also being people together. Again, thank you to every staff member, both past and present. Ohio Citizen Action is only as strong as the people who make it possible.