Thriving Communities Gathering - Rising, Rooted, and Resilient

Revitalizing Communities Through Regenerative Farming 

Come join us for three days of inspiration, learning, and real connection at the beautiful Whidbey Institute on Whidbey Island. This year’s Thriving Communities Gathering brings together the people doing the work—community leaders, farmers, activists, and the incredible folks featured in our newest films. We’ll also be celebrating the first class of fellows from this year’s pilot Catalyst Circle incubator program.

• Stories and insights from people who’ve transformed their communities through regenerative farming
• Conversations and hands-on activities in beautiful meeting spaces surrounded by 106 acres of peaceful woodland
• Amazing meals made right here on-site and cozy places to rest under the island stars

2025 Films: Stories of Resilience and Community

These aren’t just documentaries—they’re windows into what’s possible when communities come together around food, land, and shared purpose. Each screening will be followed by conversations with the actual people whose stories you’ll see unfold on screen.

Featured Stories:

Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (MI)
See how this grassroots movement is building food justice and community power through urban farming in Detroit.

Corbin Scholz, Seed Savers Exchange (IA)
Follow Corbin Scholz’s journey as a young, queer woman in rural America starting her own CSA and creating change through organic agriculture.

Red Acre Farms (UT)
Meet Sara Patterson and see how her thriving organic farm is nourishing both land and community while she and her team also work tirelessly to catalyze policy change.

These films and the conversations they spark will be at the heart of everything we do together—creating deeper understanding, real connections, and inspiration for action.

Who Should Attend? 

This gathering is for anyone who believes in the power of community and wants to be part of building something better. Whether you’re already farming, teaching, organizing, making policy, telling stories, or just passionate about justice and sustainability—your voice matters here.

Questions about the Gathering? 

Please contact Anna Zefferys for any inquiries or assistance (anna@thrivingcommunities.org)

Packages

Prices include meals (Thursday dinner through Saturday lunch) and a facilities fee. COVID testing ($20) optional upon arrival.

Join us for this November 2025 Thriving Communities Gathering: Rising, Rooted, and Resilient to participate in cultivating a brighter future in communities everywhere. Explore the theme and communities in focus this year on our website.