The WELL Vision An enduring local economy that provides health and security for our community.
The Mission of WELL To foster the creation of a local, sustainable economy in the Willits area by partnering with other organizations to watch for opportunities and vulnerabilities, incubate and coordinate projects and facilitate dialogue, action and education within our community.
Become A Well Member
Join Today
WELL began three years ago when three consecutive showings of 'The End of Suburbia' gathered a large group of Willits residents exited about making our town ready for Peak Oil. One year ago we became a membership organization. Today over 289 names are on our membership rolls. That accounts for more than 2% of the population of the 95490 Zip Code. Come and lend your support to our efforts. Membership costs only $10 per year. The requirements are that you support our goal of "an enduring local economy that provides health and security for our community" and that you reside in the 95490 Zip Code. If you live elsewhere and want to get involved in the Localization movement, please contact a group in your area, or start one.
To join WELL, come to a meeting and get an application, or drop by the office between 9:30 and 5:30 weekdays. The office is located across the street from The Country Skillet at 713 S. Main St., #A in Willits.
Announcements
2008 HARVEST FESTIVAL
For the third year in a row WELL and the Little Lake Grange are sponsoring the harvest festival. Mark your calendars for September 20 and get ready for wonderful day!
To kick it off,we want your help making the poster:
HARVEST FESTIVAL ART SHOW & POSTER DESIGN CONTEST
ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS OF ALL AGES ARE INVITED!!
looking for abundant colorful images of FOOD for our poster design.
ART SHOW ENTRY DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 12TH
color poster, enter the poster design contest! Photography, water colors,
acrylics, collage, oils - any medium is welcome to enter. All ages are welcome.
Bring your art pieces to the Frame Shop in the Grange by August 1st and
fill out a simple application. No entry fee. We need all art to have a
sturdy backing (foam core, poster board, matting, or framed) and be ready to hang.
Here are some ideas: A harvest ready garden , Old fashioned seed
packets, apple picking, a bowl of apples, Canning veggies, a plate of
colorful food, a pile of pumpkins, etc.
Call Annie Maglinte at 984-6747 with any questions.
Please pass the word to
your Willits email list and to artists of any age!
Sustainable Development Program 2008
Grant Application Submitted January 2008
The City of Willits, in conjunction with WELL, submitted a grant application to Caltrans on January 11, 2008. If awarded, the grant will provide $187,000 to a 16 month project including the collection of data, production of a scale model of much of downtown Willits, convening stakeholder and focus group meetings and workshops, formulating and recommending plans, programs, and policies to the City.
This program was initiated by a consultant, Quinton Roland, who has donated a considerable amount of time and energy to bringing it from concept to completed application.
WELL is seeking five local qualified persons as Project Phase Leaders, to be contracted only if the grant is awarded, with work anticipated to start in the Fall of 2008. Please look at the Program Overview and the Grant Application for more particulars.
The 12 Public Workshops planned for the project give a good overview of the subjects we intend to tackle:
1) How do we get there from here? Mainstreaming sustainability.
2) Homegrown economy. Maximizing local exchange, production, consumption.
3) Optimizing the transportation grid for all users and modes. Minimizing travel.
4) Harnessing the full potential of the Miracle Mile. Main Street unites community.
5) Green affordable housing, urban design, architecture. Access and opportunity.
6) Financing sustainability from the private and public sector.
7) Energy production and efficiency. Balanced portfolio of energy solutions.
8) Water use and watershed management. Facilitating sustainable development.
9) Food production/distribution. Minimizing impacts, risks and waste by localization.
10) Harnessing and restoring the value of local raw materials and manufacturing.
11) Emergency response, safety, security. Minimizing exposure to injury.
12) Sustainable healthcare, education and other civic institutions.
Why Are We Doing This? Willits is a great place to live for many reasons. We have a strong sense of community, creative and dedicated residents, and surrounding natural beauty.
Economic, demographic and environmental trends concern many in our community. Rising fuel costs, climate change, and the importation of most of our essential goods leaves our community vulnerable.
Localizing our economy means that we will produce more of our essentials here in Willits. This behavior models the great American values of self and community reliance. Creating local food and energy systems will tap the vast wealth of knowledge and ingenuity in our area. Benefits include:
Diverse local employment Clean, efficient and more responsible options for food, energy and transportation Securing the future for our families and children Having a stronger connection to each other and the natural beauty around us
Through economic localization we strive to protect and enhance existing qualities of our community and meet the challenges of the future.
