Windcall Institute

The Windcall Institute is dedicated to nurturing and developing resilient leadership among community and labor organizers engaged in the work of social justice in low-income communities and communities of color. Windcall fosters transformative learning and leadership through residential and alumni programs that improve the quality, effectiveness, and vitality of social movements and the organizers who devote their lives to them. Over 400 organizers have experienced a transformative Windcall retreat over the past 25 years. Windcall was founded in 1989 by long-time social justice funders Albert and Susan Wells (Abelard Foundation of the Common Counsel Foundation) and housed at their ranch in Montana. They were spurred by having met many organizers who were exhausted, or who had left the field prematurely due to burnout or because of coming to a crossroads in their role in the social justice movement and not having a way to navigate change. The Wellses decided to offer organizers a restorative retreat at the guesthouse on their ranch. The New Windcall In 2006, the Wellses retired from hosting and funding the program. Having announced their plans in advance, Windcall’s alumni came together to build the new Windcall. The new Windcall, with leadership by its alumni, has developed its capacity to deliver Residencies that include a full orientation process, three-week sessions and support after that intensive experience to help organizers incorporate Windcall’s lessons into their daily practice. 25th Anniversary Over the course of 2014, Windcall will be celebrating its 25th anniversary and providing multiple ways for everyone to participate in this gift from the movement to the movement. Join us!