Sustainability Apprenticeships and Internship, with the Windward Intentional Community and it's non-profit Sustainabilty Education and Research Center
Klickitat, WA
As a cooperative community and research cooperative for over thirty years, Windward is dedicated to preserving and developing the social and material technologies needed to create a sustainable rural village. We believe that now is the time for radical change—and that there is nothing more radical than creating a working model of a better way.
Windward provides opportunities for deep learning through practical hands-on experience with the tools and skills needed to build a life in concert with the natural world. If it's a good fit--Windward offers the opportunity to create a sustainable home and a right-livelihood. To see what’s up at Windward, check out our community blog, Notes from Windward:
http://www.windward.org/notes/notes72/index72.htm
Position information
Windward offers three types of programs.
1)Apprenticeships are offered to individuals interested in learning generally about our lifestyle and often want to explore in more detail specific projects. Apprentices contribute $400 a month, funds which, in addition to housing and food, help to cover costs of materials for their projects of choice.
2) Internships are 3 month scholarships granted to individuals who demonstrate a financial need and earnestly want to learn. Interns receive housing, food and access to our living laboratory. Intern projects are guided by the seasonal needs of the community, however we endeavor to accommodate specific project desires when possible.
3)Fellowships are like apprenticeships for students that can receive funding for student-directed education of campus. If you are a student, check with your schools self-study or internship programs.
If you dream of being part of a village of artists and artisans, scientists and poets dedicated to creating a sustainable life close to the land, we'd like to hear from you. We’ve put together additional pages that describes in more detail the opportunities available for building a life with the people and place that is Windward:
http://www.windward.org/getinvolved.htm
http://windward.org/notes/notes72/index72.htm#essays
Basic Expectations
Coordinate your personal projects with Windward members Spend at least 2 hours a day working on your sustainability projectsContribute to daily choresParticipate in group activitiesWrite 1 blog-post every 2 weeks discussing projects or experiences at WindwardTake the work seriously, and follow safety proceduresMake the best of the opportunity
Dates
We are seeking folks to join us in the Fall seasons of 2012, or the Spring, Summer and Fall of 2013. Internships/apprenticeships usually last 12 weeks, and applicants can decide what time to arrive.We are flexible and will work with your schedule. Starting a conversation early will ensure we can reserve a place for you. More information is provided below.
Remuneration
This is an unpaid opportunity. Costs which are covered by Windward: Food, housing/electricity, internet and computing, laundry facilities, workshop space, access to tools, equipment and other learning resources.
How to Apply
Our application process happens through email. We have a group of people who jointly give input, ask questions and formally accept interns. Email is the best way we have found to allow each applicant to be heard in their own words.
To apply, send an email to
Windward@gorge.net with Ping! In the subject line. Tell us about yourself, what you are interested in, what draws you to Windward, and how your life has brought you to the point of applying for an internship. The conversation will continue from there as we work out what sorts of projects might best suit you. If you know what time of year you are wanting to come, including that in the initial email is also helpful.
Our internship program runs from March to November. The cut off point for applications is in September. To ensure that we can reserve a space for you, starting the conversation three months to a year in advance is helpful. Although we are willing to accept people with as much as a weeks notice if it appears that they have there priorities straight, and can work out the necessary arrangements.
We look forward to Hearing from you!
Contact
Windward Education and Research Center
55 Windward lane
Klickitat, WA 98628
Windward@gorge.net
http://www.windward.org
