Introducing Living Wisdom Project
A message from the Founder and Executive Director
Hello friends,
Over the past few years I’ve found myself returning again and again to a simple question: what is needed in the world right now and how can I use my gifts to contribute to the needs of society? Deep introspective work, healing in community, growth through education, and expanding my career have led me to a familiar answer… COMMUNITY!
Our world has changed around us - through the unsustainable path of consumerism and technological advancement - to a society that is disconnected from each other and the natural order, highly individualized, and alone in the journey of life.
The emergent need is for people to find their own paths back to themselves, to one another, and to a relationship with nature. Through my own life transitions, a growing commitment to nature-based practices, and many conversations with friends and community here in the Pacific Northwest, it became clear that I wanted to help create spaces where people can slow down, breathe, and discover themselves with others. That is what led me to San Juan Island, and ultimately to the work I’m beginning now through the Living Wisdom Project.
I’m reaching out to share something I’ve been strategizing with intention: Living Wisdom Project (LWP) — a new nonprofit currently in its infancy and pursuing 501(c)(3) status.
In January 2025 I purchased a twenty acre property built out in 1990 and formerly operated as a Buddhist retreat by Sakya Society. The retreat is in excellent condition and needs very little improvement to the structures or land in order to host events. At its core, LWP exists to provide spaces where people from any walk of life can access the healing power of community and connection to nature regardless of their background. The long-term vision is to develop an economically accessible retreat and gathering hub on San Juan Island, WA called Self Healing and Integration Retreat (S.H.I.R.) while also offering programs and gatherings that can travel beyond the shores of the island and partner with existing community spaces.
In 2025 we hosted a few events as a sort of proof–of-concept. These events included:
A camp-out for a local facilitator to create some bonding amongst her group
A ceremonial drum making workshop with a facilitator who is passionate about our mission and has already contributed so much to this effort
A pair of events with Coast Salish Master Storyteller Johnny Moses (one at the retreat and a public event at the San Juan Island Grange)
We are also holding monthly council circles; one for men and another for women - both with the intent of fostering a safe place for people who identify as either gender to be who they are with others
What LWP is building
Over the coming year, LWP intends to work towards hosting and growing a mix of offerings, such as:
Nature-based retreats and personal-growth gatherings
Personal Retreat / Digital Detox
Community circles and facilitated conversations
Seasonal events, workshops, and small group experiences
Volunteer work parties and community-building days
Pilot programs that evolve based on the desires and capabilities of the volunteer community
This is not a ready-to-deliver-product, rather a living project with care for ethics, inclusivity, and the long-term growth of a sustainable community.
How you can be involved
Because LWP is still in its creation phase, this moment is for laying a healthy foundation: clarifying the mission into something bold yet attainable, cultivating responsible governance, and testing early programs in a way that is financially sound and aligned with our values.
Like most nonprofits, LWP will need support in multiple forms over time—volunteering, professional expertise, introductions, partnerships, and (eventually) fundraising. Right now, the most immediate needs are centered on people and capacity. This will be strengthened through the below two groups:
Friends of Living Wisdom (volunteer community)
This is for people who want to contribute in practical, human ways: helping with events, outreach, occasional brainstorm sessions, work parties, logistics, and light administrative support. You do not need nonprofit experience to participate. If you care about the mission and can offer time or another resource occasionally, you belong here.Board of Directors (governance and leadership)
Because LWP is early-stage, we are actively recruiting passionate, values-aligned individuals who can help shape strong governance, financial oversight, fundraising capacity, and long-term strategy. If you’ve served on a board before—or if you have relevant professional background (finance, legal, HR, fundraising, operations, community leadership, program development, facilities/real estate)—I would welcome a conversation. This also does not require nonprofit experience.
A simple next step
For interested parties, please send me an email with one of the following:
“I’m interested in Friends of Living Wisdom”
“I’m interested in learning about board service”
“I’m not available, but I have an introduction or connection for you”
Kindly, include a sentence or two about what type of contribution you’d most enjoy (hands-on support, strategic thinking, event help, outreach, professional advising, etc.). I’ll follow up with and present upcoming opportunities to plug in.
Thank you for being part of my wider community and network. I’m treating this work with care in order to build a resilient organization and I’d be grateful to have the right people alongside me as it takes shape.
Warmly,
Tony Held
Founder / Executive Director
Email Tony