"What we practice at the small scale sets the patterns for the whole system" -Margaret Wheatley
"Do you understand that your quality of life and your survival are tied to how authentic and generous the connections are between you and the people and place you live with and in?" - adrienne maree brown
Winter Gathering 2026
Join us for a weekend of connection, ideas, and open space.
January 30, 31 & February 1, 2026
Northwest Maritime Center
Port Townsend, WA
Three Days. 50 People. Real Conversations
In times when larger systems are failing and uncertainty feels overwhelming, we need places where we can be together—where our community's generosity, creativity, and collaborative spirit can flourish. This weekend is about connection, inspiration, and just hanging out on purpose with people who care about this place we call home.
Inspired by Margaret Wheatley's concept of "Islands of Sanity," we're creating a protected space to explore how we can support each other through whatever comes next. Because whatever the problem, community is the answer. And humans can get through anything as long as we're together.
What to Expect
This isn't another meeting about making a plan. Using Open Space Technology, you'll propose conversations about what matters to you, self-organize around shared interests, and move freely between discussions. You'll create real connections, not sit through presentations.
The outcomes won't be task forces or reports—they'll be the real stuff: testing ideas, finding collaborators, making friends, having conversations that shift how you see things, expressing creativity, finding hope, laughing, dancing. The kind of connections and energy that actually change how we live.
We'll explore what matters most:
Housing and affordability • Climate resilience • Community connection • Local food systems • Economic justice • Environmental stewardship
At the heart of it all: Who do we want to be as a community?
This Is For You If...
You're already doing the work—community building, environmental justice, local resilience—even in small ways. You bring goodwill, humility, and care to what you do. You're ready for real conversations. You believe in local community. You want to connect with neighbors who give a damn.
Space is limited to 50 people.
The Weekend
Friday Evening
Arrive, settle in, meet each other. Opening circle. Shared dinner. We'll introduce key themes and set the stage for the weekend.
Saturday
Morning talks with regional and local voices. Then Open Space—where you lead and join the conversations that call to you. Time for scheming, connecting, wandering. Evening celebration with local art, music, and dancing.
Sunday Morning
Final reflections and inspiration. Closing circle. Leave with whatever you came here to find—or something you didn't know you needed.
All meals included from Friday dinner through Sunday brunch
Childcare available (additional fees)
