Remember Northwest Freedom University?

Whatcom Folk School has been fashioned after the much loved Northwest Freedom University. The Northwest Freedom University was a fun-filled, non-profit school operating in Whatcom County from 1968 to 2003. Its purpose was to provide high quality, low cost instruction to the entire community.

The NFU had a contractual agreement with the Associated Students at Western Washington University to provide office space and access to classrooms and facilities. Many classes were held off campus at instructor’s homes, offices, and studios or in the field; classes such as River Rafting, Massage, Tai Chi, Photography, Dance and even a class titled How to Flirt.

The NFU and Whatcom Folk School derive their operational funds almost entirely from the registration fees. This pays for the catalog, posters, publicity, telephone, office supplies, mailing and wages.

The word “Freedom”, in Northwest Freedom University, referred to the dedication of the school to lifelong learning for everyone without credits, grades, degrees or tests. The community came together enjoy learning, teaching and sharing their skills, crafts and knowledge.

Whatcom Folk School also offers supplemental income to those who have skills they would like to share – a real boost to the underemployed or those who have not been able to find work at all.

You might want to check out and consider joining our local Transition Town community on-line: www.TransitionWhatcom.org