To Those Who Love This Place
To Those Who Love This Place,
We have an update to share. The short version of the story is that, after nearly 12 years of service, I am stepping down as a staff member in the organization. The process began March 16, 2021 and will be complete in March 2022. Filled with optimism for our organization and gratitude for the relationships and communities I’ve encountered here, I take this step in service to the emerging future.
With our solid leadership team, robust system of distributed authority, and clear map for the work ahead, we are well prepared for this transition—and the team and I are parting with a ton of mutual care and regard. We have accomplished big work together as part of the fabric of a fifty-year journey, and I am enthusiastic for what will be made possible in the years to come.
If you’re curious to learn more, a long version of the story follows.
—Heather Johnson Read More →
The Center for Knowing Home
Center for Knowing Home
Fall Equinox 2021
Essay and program by Whidbey Institute founders Fritz and Vivienne Hull
“Humanity is part of a vast evolving universe. Earth, our home, is alive with a unique community of life. The protection of Earth’s vitality, diversity, and beauty is a sacred trust. The spirit of human solidarity and kinship with all life is strengthened when we live with reverence for the mystery of being, gratitude for the gift of life, and humility regarding the human place in nature.”
—Earth Charter
Forest Listening Project
Photo from Forest Listening, by Russell Horning.
The Forest Listening Project is a program of Center For Knowing Home, launched in Legacy Forest by Whidbey Institute founders Fritz & Vivienne Hull.
You are invited into the forest — to listen!
We understand—the earth’s atmosphere is warming with alarming seriousness. Global warming is definitely here. At the same time, is it possible that this period could be a time of a powerful cultural renewal and regeneration as some are now suggesting? What is needed to make this possible?
The Friendship of Trees | Oct-Nov 2021 Newsletter
Something New in Legacy Forest: the Center for Knowing Home. Over the past several months Whidbey Institute founders Fritz and Vivienne Hull have been preparing a new project, the Center for Knowing Home, on their five acres near Storyhouse.
Read this story and more in our November newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/whidbeyinstitute/newsletter-1122849
The Year of the Donor: 2020 Gratitude Report
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The Wellspring
The Wellspring: Reflections from Sarah Goettsch
I recently connected with our friend and community member Sarah Goettsch, who’s been in relationship with the Whidbey Institute from a number of perspectives: as a program participant, a program leader, a volunteer, a substitute caretaker, a donor, and more. Here are some excerpts from our conversation. —Marnie Jackson
Marnie: Thanks for being open to sharing your story in our Gratitude Report!
Sarah: You’re welcome! In preparing to have this conversation, I kept coming back to gratitude—gratitude for the wellspring of the ecosystem of the Whidbey Institute. I’ve had all these different connections and experiences. Each one is another instance of showing up, as we are, in any particular moment, in one of the vast variety of ways of being human. That’s one of the things that’s really been a treasure for me.