Windcall’s 30-Year Historical Timeline
A Gift from the Movement to the Movement
1989: Pioneering Rest & Reflection
Windcall was founded in 1989 by long-time social justice funders Albert and Susan Wells (Abelard Foundation of the Common Counsel…
Fall 1989: The First Resident
The first Resident was Anthony Thigpenn of SCOPE / AGENDA in Los Angeles.
1990: Focusing on Frontline Organizers
Windcall was the first program of its kind for social justice organizers and leaders. It stood out for its prioritization…
A Holistic Approach to Healing & Resilience
The program soon proved to be transformative for organizer after organizer – far beyond the expectations of the Wells’ and the…
1989-2006: Sabbaticals as Practice
The practice and policy of taking a sabbatical slowly took hold. The Windcall Residency established a new model that convinced…
2006: Stories of Changing Course
Susan Wells, at the urging of Windcall Residents, wrote a book, Changing Course: Windcall and the Art of Renewal, which tells…
2006: Transition
Susan and Albie retired in 2005 and a group of alumni committed to its mission fundraised to continue the project…
2010: Growing Capacity & Diversity
From 2006 onwards, Windcall cultivated meaningful partnerships with programs and individuals who donated facilities, land and staffing: Stone Circles, NC;…
2013: Staying Power As A Journey
Alumni organized weekend-long gatherings in the Central Valley of California and in North Carolina, as well as shorter get-togethers elsewhere…
2014: 25th Anniversary Celebration
Over the course of 2014, Windcall alumni, allies, and partners celebrated its 25th anniversary and provided multiple ways for everyone…
2015: New Partnerships & Leadership
In 2015, Windcall partnered with the Four Freedoms Fund to sponsor residency opportunities for Immigrant Rights organizers. Groundswell Fund joined…
2016: Cared For By Organizers
In partnership with the idyllic inn Rancho Gallina in New Mexico, Windcall holds the residencies at a movement home for…
2017-18: Staying Power Webinars & Trainings
Responding to alumni’s interests for continued learning of wellness and healing justice, Windcall holds several webinars per year focused on…
2018: Debuting Mindful Breathers
Long aware that many organizers are limited from taking sabbaticals by caretaking responsibilities while they raise a family or care…
2019: Committing to POC Organizers
With the rise of white supremacy and increased violence against communities of color, Windcall renews its commitment to hold healing…
2020: 30th Anniversary Video
As part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations, Windcall is debuting a new video highlighting the journey from trauma healing to…