Page 26 - C.A.L.L. #39 - Spring 2015

The Goodenough Community: a rural/urban demonstration

Kirsten Rohde

I came into the Goodenough Community through participating in its educational
and personal growth offerings. I was impressed by the multidisciplinary
approach to learning in the individual, relationship, and organizational levels. The
community’s culture was one of non-judgment, compassion, and lots of laughter.
People were committed to life-long learning and combined intellectual study with
experiential learning. I was not raised with any religious focus, yet in this
community, I was drawn to learn more about the spiritual aspect of life much to

my surprise. I had been struggling with depression and loneliness and here I
found that I could make changes
in my life and in how I related to
others that gave me a new
understanding of what I wanted
to do in life. The community was
very inclusive. I felt at home and
wanted to join and help this
wonderful project in community
living. I am with close friends

and we support each other in life
challenges and healing.

We define the approach of our
community as a comprehensive methodology for personal and social
transformation. The Goodenough Community has always intended to be both a
caring, healing environment and a learning/training laboratory. We are about
human development with the intent to develop our members well, then guide and
support them in serving the needs of society. Founded in 1981, the community
focused for many years on relationship and community building skills. While
some small groups of people lived together in or near Seattle, Washington, we
were non-residential until 2001. Holding retreats and workshops at various

retreat centers around the U.S. Pacific Northwest, we dreamed of having our
own retreat space. This dream became a reality in 2001 when we purchased
property near the Hood Canal in Washington State.

The community runs a retreat center, Sahale Learning Center, for our own and
others’ use; has applied permaculture practices to the land and food production,
and is a fledgling EcoVillage with 6 permanent residents.

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