The Whidbey Institute

The Whidbey Institute is located on the territory of the Lower Skagit, Swinomish, Suquamish, and Snohomish tribes—the island Tscha-kole-chy, named Whidbey Island by colonial settlers. We acknowledge this land, its history, and the people—past, present, and future—for whom this land is an ancestral home. 

We exist for those who sense the urgency and responsibility of this moment—this world in turmoil, and this culture in transition.

Whidbey Institute is a home for transformational learning and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1972. Our current areas of focus include self-organization, racial equity, and regenerative environmental stewardship.

Our mission is to nurture the conditions for transformational learning, and our purpose is to be a Place for those called by the responsibility and transformative potential of these times

We partner with a network of program leaders working in the areas of generative leadership, ecosystem vitality, community resilience, and more to offer one-day and multi-day workshops, conferences, and retreats. 

Our 106-acre home includes four miles of public trails, conservation forests and wetlands, and integrated permaculture gardens. Our built structures include gathering halls and residential spaces for multi-day programs and retreats.