Windcall Institute

All over the country, organizers and activists are leading heroic efforts to resolve long-standing social, economic and environmental problems, from rebuilding the Gulf Coast and defending immigrant rights to expanding affordable housing and protecting workers rights. We all benefit from their work to expand civil and human rights, win economic justice and improve the environment.

But years of unrelenting stress can take a toll on even the most committed leader. Too often, the result is burnout, with organizations weakened by leadership turnover. In fact, Daring to Lead 2006, a national study conducted by CompassPoint and the Meyer Foundation, showed that three-quarters of Executive Directors plan to leave their jobs in the next five years.

The Windcall Institute is dedicated to helping organizers and leaders in the social, economic and environmental justice movements stay in their work for the long haul, maximizing their contribution to solving the nation's pressing issues. We invest in people dedicated to expanding participatory democracy, inspiring leaders to:

• Rediscover their purpose and direction, moving from burnout to renewed energy.
• Continue in their leadership role, keeping their organizations stable and vibrant.
• Innovate and launch new efforts.
• Create work cultures that are more sustainable for social justice organizers.

The Windcall Institute renews leaders and strengthens social justice organizations through:

• Running the flagship Windcall Residency Program, one of the most powerful programs many organizers have utilized in their professional lives. Over 95% of the 435 Windcall Residents are still working in the social justice arena, the majority with the same organization.
• Promoting dialogue on practices that sustain community and nonprofit leaders.
• Continuing education with Windcall alumni on sustainability strategies.

The Windcall Institute especially strives to support people of color, women, and those working in under-resourced sectors of the country. Since 1989, hundreds of women and men, representing diverse issues and regions have benefited from Windcall's unique approach to reflection and renewal for social justice leaders.

Effective leaders periodically need to regain balance, strengthen their own inner fire, and reflect on next steps. Leaders from Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr. to cutting-edge thinkers in all fields have recognized the importance of reflection and renewal. The Windcall Institute builds on that tradition by providing the opportunity to renew and build new visions.