The change that comes through the work of Circlewood is not easy, fast, or smooth. Success and setback come in equal measure. That’s why I’ve been thinking about what it means for us to become “Resilient Changemakers.” Resilience is the ability to grow and persevere regardless of circumstance. It requires strength, perseverance, courage, and deep roots. It also requires a caring community that resists the status quo, imagines alternative ways of thinking and living, and supports one another. Circlewood has grown tremendously in the last year, in large part because of our growing community of partners and supporters – people like you! We are energized, focused, and more resilient than ever. Please take a moment to read a few highlights from the past year, as well as our plans for the year to come.  

 

Here are a few highlights from 2024: 

 

Media work connected to more people around the globe. Our Earthkeepers podcast is finishing its fifth season and has reached listeners in 124 countries. Our online journal, The Ecological Disciple, now has 400+ subscribers and thousands of online readers; articles have been translated into 35 different languages. 

 

Educational programming expanded to young adults. We helped college students in the Au Sable Institute’s summer learning program integrate their faith and scientific learning. In partnership with the Pacific Rim Institute, we invited three Ecological Restoration interns to join us for a year. We also launched a nine-month Ecological Faith and Vocation learning cohort for adults in their 20’s and 30’s.  

         

First building project of Circlewood Village almost complete. We are putting the finishing touches on an ecological learning center that will be able to host individuals and groups for educational programs and retreats in the new year. 

 

Strategic Partnerships Formed and Deepened. We received a grant from the Stanwood Camano Area Foundation to help with the solar installation for our building project, and became a partner in their Community Coalition work. We were accepted into the M.J. Murdock Trust’s Essentials of Development program. We also saw our individual and organizational donor community expand. 

 

As we celebrate these accomplishments with you, we also look ahead to 2025. Take a look at several opportunities we hope to pursue on the rest of this page.