WFC Board Statement & Call to Action
“…We know that we are living through a moment in history that future generations will look back at and ask how certain things could possibly have taken place. We know that the founders of the World Fellowship Center hoped to create a space and foster a movement that would stand firm against such horrors as those listed above – and the more unthinkable horrors that will certainly come if we all do not take immediate action.
“And so we start with this statement and an open invitation to join us in concerted action to defend our core values and our collective future. We also reaffirm our commitment to sustaining and growing our supportive community spaces where we can come together, connect, reflect, strategize, heal, and find safety whatever the broader context. – The WFC Board of Trustees”
Learn about World Fellowship’s unique history & mission
For 83+ years, progressive activists have found a home away from home at World Fellowship Center, originally founded in 1941 as a physical home for an interfaith movement fostering peace through intercultural, interracial, and interreligious understanding and with a bold vision for global governance as a pathway to peace during the horrors of World War II. Over the years, we have grown into a secular organization, with great respect for the role that faith and humanist philosophies have for many in grounding their commitment to social justice, and we have offered a safe haven at different moments in history for persecuted radicals during the McCarthy era, and for interracial, same-sex, and other non-traditional families to come together to appreciate nature and learn through exchange and a continuous process of “life as dialogue” as the basis for a secular form of “fellowship” across diversity. Through our educational and recreational programs, we bring people into nature, offer space for reflection and learning, building mutual understanding and refreshing individual and movement efforts toward social justice and progressive activism.
These practices continued in the Summer 2024, with regular community conversations about priority issues from Gaza to the impending U.S. elections, social justice struggles to protect housing rights and advance reparations, among others, and intergenerational exchanges through our inaugural Summer Social Justice Insitute. During the fall, winter, and spring, we continue to offer retreat space for social movements and other gatherings, while supporting our broader community through online programs and occasional in-person gatherings/events in NH and elsewhere where WFC community members live year-round.
Plan your visit to World Fellowship & see how to get involved!
OFF SEASON VISIT: As we move into the colder months, the beautiful Davis-Walsh House remains open for short- and long-term stays. Come and explore the magic of Whitton Pond in the fall or gather your family or friends for the holidays or for a ski weekend with cozy evenings by our masonry fireplace. You don’t have to wait until next summer to come back!
VOLUNTEER: Already thinking toward next summer? Want to spend a few weeks, a month or the whole summer at World Fellowship? We have options for long-term volunteers who help with various aspects of summer operations from gardening to body movement, cooking to hospitality, organizing hikes and outdoor activities. Two-week minimum commitment. Send an email to sign up for Summer 2025!
VACATIONS WITH A PURPOSE: Whether it’s your 1st time or 50th year running, start planning when you can join us in Summer 2025 to learn, relax, connect and replenish in the beautiful White Mountains and the company of an intergenerational, progressive community. We look forward to a full Summer 2025 with social justice programming, hiking, swimming, boating, body movement, kids’ activities, music and more!
RETREATS: World Fellowship offers workshop and training space to groups and organizations throughout the year. Accommodations are rustic and the food is delicious, with swimming, boating and hiking on our 455-acre campus and more adventure in the White Mountains all around us. Inquiries: office@worldfellowship.org
EVENTS: Weddings, celebrations, reunions, memorials. Let us help you plan the special event that launches or reaffirms your connection. Many beautiful outdoor space options abound, including Mount Chocorua and Whitton Pond as a backdrop to your love for nature and each other. Inquiries: office@worldfellowship.org
We encourage you to become a monthly donor and to support World Fellowship’s next 80 years working for a more just world – and check out our wishlist as you do your spring cleaning!
Sign up for our newsletter here.
Read our 2024 end-of-year newsletter!
Our message to the WFC Community, November 6, 2024
Considering an EV? Hear from WFCers!
Missing WFC discussions? Catch up on any virtual programs you may have missed!
BECOME A PART OF THE LEGACY
For over 80 years, World Fellowship Center has nurtured a progressive vision for a more peaceful, just and equitable world. World Fellowship welcomes all who seek community, solidarity and respite in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire on the Abenaki land of N'Dakinna.
Vacations
Families and friends have been enjoying the get-away opportunity that WFC offers for decades. Spend a few days with like-minded folks in a beautiful setting!
Retreats
We love to host groups! We have a range of options for your multi-day retreat or conference that includes enjoying the unique setting WFC provides.
Events
Whether planning your wedding, retirement party, or child’s birthday weekend, WFC can help you make it a celebration to remember.
Upcoming Events & Programs
Fun Night!
White Mountain Ceili Band (Music & Contra Dance)
White Mountain Ceilí Band is Dexter Harding on the tenor banjo, Fiona Howell on the flute, Siena Kaplan-Thompson on the fiddle, and Mike Levine on the guitar and occasional concertina. They play Irish, Scottish and Cape Breton instrumental music with warmth and joy, as well as the occasional song. At WF they will perform and call a Contra Dance!
Dexter first came to Irish music when he played for contra dances around the valley, and the session at May Kelly’s deepened his focus on the Irish tradition. Fiona grew up playing flute through Mountain Top Music Center, and went on to study music at Loyola University. While in New Orleans she began playing at Irish sessions, and now plays and sings with a few groups around New England. Siena grew up playing classical violin and viola and switched to fiddle in college when she discovered the Boston Scottish and Cape Breton music scene. Mike has played a wide range of musical styles, from classical to rock, and more recently bebop. He and Siena have both enjoyed branching out into Irish music with the White Mountain Ceilí Band.
Summer Social Justice Cinema
At World Fellowship Center, each day offers many options for all ages, resulting in a memorable experience of relaxation, growth, learning, and rejuvenation. WFC allows each visitor to choose the activities that best fit with what they need – a day with us can be as full or as open as you want it to be!
We are committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship
We strive to protect the wilderness and every environment surrounding us. We hope to reduce negative impact, learn and employ environmentally sustainable practices, and provide an opportunity for visitors and staff to learn and deepen their own conservation efforts.
More about our practices
Each Day is an Opportunity for Growth!
Our mission is to promote social justice and connections between people, communities, and nature through education, recreation, and creative expression.
Your strength, commitment, and support make a better world possible. Join in standing up for justice in the face of wrong – at WFC, in the streets, in your community, in your neighborhood. It takes courage to be the change we hope to see, but it starts with each of us accepting the challenge.