Windward

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Windward

Located in Wahkiacus, Washington, United States

Windward is an intentional community and sustainability research center located on the eastern edge of the Cascadian Wilderness in southern Washington State, about 80 miles east of Portland, Oregon.

As a community of people and a research cooperative of farmers, scientists, historians, healers, engineers and artists, Windward is guided by the understanding that it is time for radical change and that there is nothing more radical than a working model of a better way.

So, we are dedicated to developing the skills, knowledge and working systems that will help us transition into a sustainable culture.

In the process, we have found that getting back to the basics and mastering the tools fundamental to living well with the land and each other lays the groundwork for the personal transformation necessary to head into the prevailing winds our times.

Some History

Windward's history, like that of most intentional communities, is full of many people and many life stories. It would take far too many words to recount in full here.

In short, Windward grew out of an effort in the 70s to create a new country in a region called the Silver Bank in the Caribbean. Yes, you read that right, a new country. Similar to Venice, this new country was designed to be built on platforms in shallow water.

When this effort got shut down (a long story), a small group of those involved moved to Nevada, founded Windward and started a foundry. By the early 80s, they realized they needed to move to a place with more water and a greater capacity to grow food. In 1987, they moved to Klickitat County.

Since then, many people have given their labor and love to transforming this raw land into the foundations for a village homestead. They dug in power lines and septic systems, they raised goats and planted potatoes. Perhaps most importantly, they paid off the land and created a set of governing By-laws that has held the organizational structure together despite 3 community crashes.

Windward Today

Because of this legacy and in spite of it, we can say that we are currently in the process of handing over the reins to the next generation of stewards who will carry Windward into the future.

With the land paid for, the legal entities recognized, and much of the foundational infrastructure in place, we are now in a position to make significant strides in creating our own sustainable paradise.

The interests and passions of the current group are eclectic and wide-ranging, connected by a common desire to live fully and to create a future worth inheriting.

We come together with the recognition that happiness is not something we stumble upon, but rather something we create, and that in hard times the best thing to hold on to is each other.

Windward is a small community, and does not intend to grow into a large one. However, we are looking for several more brave hearts and wild souls who want to join us in the adventure.

Housing
Status: We have land we have developed on
Area: 120 acres
Current Residence Types: Tiny house, Mobile homes, RV’s, converted buses, Natural built structues, Lots to build on
Current Number of Residences: 7
Planned number of residences: 20
Planned Residence Types: Tiny house, Natural built structues
Housing Provided: Included in Membership
Land owned by: The Windward Foundation
Additional Comments:
The property is owned and stewarded by the Windward Foundation, A not-for-profit corporation managed by the board of directors comprised of community members. The Board of the Foundation is the representative consensus body of the community, making many of the big-picture strategic decisions of the community.
No one person owns community assets. However, Windward is not a financial commune, and members do not need to forfeit their personal resources to the community.
As of 2015, most structures are mobile homes, etc. We are gradually building and improving housing. We are continuing to expand our infrastructure as the needs of the community grow.

Membership
Adult Members: 5
Non-member Residents: 5
Percent Women: 51-60%
Percent Men: 41-49%
Percent Transgender: 0%
Visitors accepted: Yes
Visitor Process:
We handle inquiries through email.
Since we are talking about sharing our life, and working closely together, we want to get to know you! Here are some questions to consider answering when sending us an introductory email.
Where do you come from? both in general and specifically right now in life?
Where do you want to go? What kinds of life trajectories are you already on?
How does Windward fit into your big-picture plans?
Having read through out website (www.windward.org), and describing what about us is of interest to them, is also a good indication that they are willing to invest in getting to know about us.
We also offer an annual “open house” around the fourth of July weekend for people to come and check out our approach to building community More info is available on our website
Open to new Members: Yes
Membership Process:
Typically, a new member will come to Windward as an apprentice for 3 months, during which time we will live and work together and mutually determine if moving forward is a good fit.
From there, the new person will become an assistant steward member of the community, and continue building a life and livelihood in the community for approximately two years, at which time they are eligible to become a Steward member.
An important part of this process is a new member learning the ropes of community life, broadening their skill base, and developing (with the help of the community) an financial base that fits within the framework of the community.

Economics
Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: Yes
Shared Income: Partial share of income
Required Labor Contribution per Week: 0
Open to members with existing debt: Yes

Sustainability Practices
Energy Infrastructure: We use both systems.
Current renewable energy generation: Almost All, around 90%
Energy sources: Biomass, Geothermal, Clean Energy from the Grid
Planned renewable energy generation: Almost All, around 90%
Current food produced: Up to 25%
Planned food produced: Almost All, around 90%
Food produced locally: From 50-75%

Lifestyle
Common Facilities: Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Large Scale Kitchen, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Internet
Internet Available: Yes, community provides it
Internet Fast?: Yes, it’s fine.
Cell Phone Service: Good for some people.
Shared meals: Approximately all dinners
Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (plants and animals), Local (food sourced within 150 miles), Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Somewhat – there are some dietary restrictions or customs.
Special Diets OK: Yes
Alcohol Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
Tobacco Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
Common Spiritual Practice(s): Ecological Stewardship
Spiritual Practice Expected?: No
Education Style(s): Up to each family or individual
Healthcare Options: Up to each family or individual

Source: https://www.ic.org/directory/windward/
             http://www.windward.org/2.0/about/what_is_windward.php