Nourishing Futures’ core operating principles are sovereignty, interdependence, resource sharing and collaboration. When we stumbled upon the model of a Worker Self-Directed Nonprofit (WSDN), we recognized it was a match for our values, studied it and eventually adopted it. In a WSDN, leadership is distributed among a self-directed group of autonomous, interdependent Project Leads called the Project Lead Circle. All members of the circle take on responsibility for the whole, as well as their own Project interests. This includes an Executive Director, whose task is to focus on Nourishing Futures as a whole. By working together, we reduce administrative and financial burdens, create shared infrastructure as needed and provide mutual support. As with all 501c3s, the Board of Directors ensures that Nourishing Futures has a clear and accountable governance structure, maintains fiscal viability, and continues to operate in accordance with all applicable laws.