PNWFC was born of a growing collective consciousness around regionally, ethically sourced natural fibers whose applications span from industry to art and everything in between. We believe the path forward into a regenerative fiber economy veers away from mass-manufactured fiber and textile goods toward small and mid-size regional production models.

This organization is built on the idea that communication and collaboration between hyper-local fiber organizations are the most effective ways to support our region's fiber economy: the more producers, shearers, wool pools, mills, etc; the better.

With those values in mind, here is our mission:

PNWFC is an 501c(6) chamber of commerce founded in January 2025 with the mission to unite the natural fibers industry within the Pacific Northwest and revitalize a robust, accessible, and regenerative regional fiber economy. 

We aim to reimagine a legacy of natural fiber production, trades, and arts through education and mutual support. We will meet our mission through networked, place-based, sustainable programs that support the health of our people, lands, and the economies that sustain us. 

This organization exists to support and promote growth of a regional fiber and textile economy across the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho and operates within the following three pillars in order to best assist our region:

• Fiber Economy Connection Stewardship

• Fiber Business Development

• Fiber Trades Cultivation

PNWFC aims to provide a direct service to our region by bridging the broader public to a local supply network in order to further and shepherd the progress of the region’s fiber economy.

We see our entry into the Pacific Northwest fiber economy as a supportive and unifying force.

Our main goal for this community is to strengthen and expand connections between fiber producers, infrastructure businesses, and end-product buyers and users. The best way that we believe we can accomplish this goal is to have an engaged membership who share in: 

• Willingness to learn & listen

Everyone, no matter how long they’ve been at this work, has something to learn. PNWFC encourages its membership to stay curious and open to diverse ways of being and doing.

• Willingness to teach

Sharing information builds connection. PNWFC encourages its membership to participate in knowledge-sharing, contributing what they can to lend a helping hand. 

• Willingness to try

The road ahead is challenging and uncertain. PNWFC encourages its membership to continuously strive to be the change they wish to see. 

To meet the collective goals of our community, it’s important that all members feel safe and supported. This space is for connection. We welcome everyone and stand against all forms of disrespectful, dehumanizing, or unlawful treatment of others.

If you’re coming into this space, you’re committed to a mindset of mutual support. 

• Be polite and communicate with respect, treating others online as you would treat them in real life.

• Be mindful and operate in a manner respectful of people’s time.

• Respect the privacy of other community members.

• Operate in an inclusive manner that honors individual perspectives as well as community perspectives and consider differing views with equitable weight.

• Be mutually accountable - everyone in this group shares in the responsibility for achieving PNWFC’s community goals. 

PNWFC seeks to support and promote businesses and/or individuals that operate to the best of their abilities without harming people or the planet in the process.

Please contact us directly at pnwfiberconnect@gmail.com if you experience or witness any behavior that doesn’t follow our community guidelines such as, but not limited to:

• Personal attacks

• Racism, sexism and any other discrimination

• Misinformation

• Spam

• Illegal activities 

All reports are kept confidential.

In the event of conflict, members of PNWFC agree to report the conflict to pnwfiberconnect@gmail.com to initiate the following resolution process:

• Clarify what the disagreement is

• Establish a common goal for both parties

• Discuss ways to meet the common goal

• Determine the barriers to the common goal

• Agree on the best way to resolve the conflict

• Acknowledge the agreed-upon solution and determine the responsibilities each party has in the resolution