July 3-8, 2007

Energy Independence Day

     America is at the center of a world-wide struggle to control the dwindling supplies of cheap fossil fuels. As long as we remain dependent on foreign resources to power our consumer lifestyle, America will remain mired in war-everlasting. People will continue to die, the biosphere will continue to degrade as the earth's other life forms are trampled underfoot in mankind's headlong rush to consume whatever's left. And the saddest part of all is that there is another way.

     From it's earliest days, America has served as a role model in the quest for a better way of life founded on liberty and social justice for all. Today that moral leadership has given way to a dependence on foreign resources, an addiction which undercuts our tradition of self-reliance and creativity. Where American used to be admired, it is now feared--that has to change.

     The good news is that we can turn away from the path of dependence--we've done it before, and we can do it again. Sixty years ago Americans rallied to conserve and create in order to fight World War II. Victory Gardens sprung up in vacant lots as ordinary people waged war by growing their own and recycling everything from cooking grease to metal cans. Today the challenge is for us to wage peace with the same level of passion and commitment.

     Wars are fueled by hatred, and hatred is rooted in fear. If people are afraid that they won't be able to provide wholesome food to their children, heat their homes or access clean water--that fear will lead to aggression and conflict.

     Fortunately, there is a better way. We can join together in cooperative association to produce the food, fuel and clothes we need in order to live and help live. We can embody Bishop Desmond Tutu's vision that the only way we can be truly human is to be human together.

     Windward is engaged in applied research into the challenge of showing how twenty people can be sustainably fed, fueled and clothed on one hundred acres. You're invited to join us July 4th to the 8th to celebrate Energy Independence Day, and to learn about our approach to marrying pre-industrial crafts with post-industrial technology to create a critical mass of sustainability at the small community scale.

      This is a tentative schedule for the event:

      This event is a cooperative event at which each person helps to put on the event by doing what they can. The goal is to work some, play some, teach some and learn some. Attendance will be limited to one hundred adults, so reservations are important. One purpose of this event is to raise funds to further Windward's research into key sustainability systems such as hyper-integrated aquaponics, the conversion of biomass to automobile fuel and representative consensus systems for small communities.

      For more information on how we're going about that, you're invited to read our newsletter/blog at Notes From Windward . The people who attend will be asked to make a donation to help cover costs and further Windward's research in these important areas. Even if you won't be able to attend this year, please consider making a tax-deductable donation to support Windward's research into modeling energy independence at the small community scale.

      Windward's 131 acre campus is located amid the pines and oaks of the Columbia Gorge highlands some 90 miles east of Portland, Or. Our campground features semi-developed, shaded camping areas with biff-style toilets and potable water.

      The annual state-wide fire ban will be in effect, so plan on bringing propane gear to cook with. Instead of campfires, we'll gather around clusters of candles so please bring a few large candles if you can. Please plan on packing out your trash when you leave.

      The site has sheep, goats and ducks, so dogs are a problem. If you feel you have to bring your dog, please contact us ahead of time.

      There are some RV sites available, but no hook-ups

          For directions to the site, Click Here.

          For specific question or to RSVP, Click Here.