We are an intentional community and worker-owned cooperative that operates Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center, hosting 25,000 guests annually. Sixty miles east of Salem, Oregon, Breitenbush sits on 155 acres in ancient forests of the Cascades. Our community ranges from 45-60 adults and children. We are off the grid, using hydro and geothermal, and practice low-impact Earth stewardship.
The Members of the worker-owned cooperative make major decisions about community and business affairs at annual meetings, and elect the Board of Directors from their midst to oversee operations. The Business, Financial, Facilities, and Marketing & Events Directors all work as a team and report to the Board. To become a worker-owner, a community member must be employed for one year, be an employee in good standing, and purchase a membership share of $3,600 (which can be paid with an interest-free loan at $50/paycheck).
The community lives across the river from the retreat center in an ecovillage setting. We have regular community sharings, and three times a year we close for a four-day community renewal where we join together for training, fun, and community building.
We live a rich, full life here. We delight in an abundance of diverse people, innovative ideas, healing practices, friendships, and challenges.
From our credo: “Our primary service is to provide a healing retreat and conference center that promotes holistic health and spiritual growth. We mutually support and respect each person’s dignity, and awaken to the Spirit within each of us that acknowledges we are all One… It is our hope that the thriving Community which we create will be an inspiration to others in their exploration of lifestyle and community. We also extend ourselves to the greater society in which we live, the world community, and commit ourselves to being socially, spiritually, politically, and environmentally responsible.”
Our mission is to provide a safe and potent environment where people can renew and evolve in ways they never imagined.
To live in our community, a person simply needs to be a member of staff at the retreat center. We have positions on various teams such as Kitchen, Office, Maintenance, etc. To view our current openings, visit our website.
After working full time for one year, any Regular Hire (not temporary) staff may apply for Membership in the cooperative. After completing an application, the prospective Member has an interview with the Board of Directors, who make then vote on the acceptance of the application.
You are more than welcome to come visit our retreat center by booking a day or overnight visit. You can do so at www.breitenbush.com.
If you would like a tour of the community side while you are here, please reach out in advance or connect with a member of staff while you are here. Please do not enter the community village without a staff escort. Thank you for respecting our privacy!
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
A single person, couple, or small group makes most major decisions.
Primary authority rests with the community’s founder(s) or designated leader(s).
A Board of Directors of 5 is elected from the Membership, by the Membership. They meet every 1-2 weeks and make the business and policy decisions for the Retreat Center/Community. We also have 4 Managing Directors who have limited decision-making ability. A Business Director, a Facilities Director, a Marketing & Events Director, and a Finance Director.
Only the Membership can make decisions in certain areas, such as changes to the Bylaws, selling of any land, etc. The Membership can also pass non-binding or binding resolutions to the Board of Directors if it chooses to.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Join fee: $3600
Labor: Yes (35 hrs/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
The Managing Directors are all salaried. Most other staff make minimum wage (some positions with greater responsibility make slightly more), in addition to included housing, meals, and benefits. Staff are expected to work a minimum of 35 hours per week.
The partners of staff who live in the community (called Partners in Residence, or PIRs) do not have to work for the retreat center, though their help from time to time is appreciated. PIRs receive some benefits like housing, some meals, and discounted massages, among others.
Garden(s), Vehicle Share, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Hot tub or hot springs, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Waterfront access, Gym or sports area, Internet
Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.
Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
interaction while maintaining independence.
Shared living spaces with private bedrooms/bathrooms and communal
kitchens, dining, and social areas.
Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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