Any Imagenal Cells Out There?
As many of you know, the Northwest Permaculture Convergence has been quietly hibernating in recent years, with this newsletter being its primary ongoing activity.
After much consultation and reflection, some of us have come to the conclusion that the Northwest Permaculture Convergence holds valuable assets that are worth stewarding through this time of change. Like a healthy caterpillar entering its cocoon while imaginal cells develop into the next stage of life, the Northwest Permaculture Convergence is waiting for its next transformation.
We Are the Assets of NW Permaculture
Many permaculture activists have shared with me that the assets we hold are valuable and that Northwest Permaculture is ready and available for the right person—or group of people—to join our Board or become an ally with new vision and enthusiasm to use these resources in service of a thriving future.
These assets include a mailing list of thousands of individuals who, over the years, have found the Northwest Permaculture Convergence valuable enough to remain connected through this newsletter. We also carry more than 20 years of history bringing together dedicated and innovative permaculture practitioners, creating a rich network of relationships, knowledge, and experience that can be mobilized for future projects.
Perhaps most importantly, the Northwest Permaculture Convergence is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, allowing donations to be tax-deductible—a priority for many donors and grant opportunities.
End of Year Board Positions Open
There are 3 Board Members currently (2026) and one with a term ending in November. Three is a minimum number of Board members. Five would be ideal. More can be added gradually after stabalizing a comon vision (i.e. I learned the lesson/mistake of adding more new then old BOD members when I was the last one left end of 2023 with 10 new BOD – not advisable!). There is a vetting period process! The last convergence was in Oregon in fall of 2023 with 3 sets of BODs since then, who have been unable to find the capacity to meet nor do an event. Ive kept the newsletter going in hopes of serving our community to stay coherent and cooperrative by keeping in touch and gathering at Cascdaia events. The last 5+ years, many Board members have wanted to explore a different vision, thinking the “permaculture mycelium” has spread to plenty of other events – are we still useful as an event giving organization? Are their other visions we can serve? Speaking to many through the years, no-one wants us to die and most still expect or hope we will still gather. What do you wish for?
Do We Have a Shared Vision for NW Permaculture?
Read what we’ve talked about a new shared vision here. Yes weve asked – you can read our communites vision for us and add yours here on this GDoc. NW Permaculture needs a shared vision to serve and to continue to exist. If this invitation resonates with you, or if you have questions, ideas, or suggestions, please reply/comment, add to the Vision GDoc or apply or contact us directly so we can setup a talk with you and the Board of Directors. We would love to hear from you.