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
RLNC 2008 - "Reaching Across the Community"
Saturday, May 17, 2008 – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Little Lake Grange$15 Donation includes lunch
The third annual Regional Localization Networking Conference (RLNC) will be a little different than the last two. In the past we reserved the Brooktrails Lodge for two nights and two days and invited localizers from all over the
The theme this year, “Reaching Across the Community” is about talking to those parts of the community that we may not be reaching. We have invited a panel of community leaders from a broad spectrum of our community to share their thoughts on 1) how their organization enhances Community Self Reliance; 2) how they mend fences and relationships within their organization, and 3) how do they want outsiders to their organization to seek to influence them. This will be followed by lunch and break out discussions to follow-up the morning panel. We will have a presentation by the Willits Women’s Council on communication styles as well.
The panel members that have graciously agreed to help us are:
Sheriff Tom Allman
Maricela Nieto of Nuestra Alianza de Willits
Lynn Kennelly of the Willits Chamber of Commerce
Mayor
Ron Orenstein – Rotarian and former City Council Member
Margie Handley of the Howard Foundation
Rev.
As in years past, this RLNC is sponsored by WELL and the City of
For reservations call (707) 459-7076 or e-mail the WELL Office.
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.
