FAQs
We were deeply influenced by Alexis Cunningfolk’s work at Worts + Cunning Apothecary and are grateful to pass on her knowledge and “green bottle” graphic.
Why use a sliding scale?
A “sliding scale” system of payment is a way to ensure accessibility for as many people as possible, bypassing the financial gatekeeping of our capitalistic society, and working to redistribute resources/information/experiences with greater parity. When I was starting on my medicine journey, I couldn’t afford the cost of herb school or wellness consultations. I vowed that if I ever became an herbalist, I’d do my best to make it affordable for other budding herbalists to gain the knowledge I so desperately wished for. As a wise woman, I continue to offer this as a form of Community Weaving. So mote it be!
Barter and Trade
We currently accept some barter and trade for locally grown food, wood for fuel, some bodywork, and carpentry and masonry work for the sanctuary.
How does your sliding scale work?
For our apprenticeships, I offer herbal education at $90/hour, with the option to pay more or less based on where you fall on the Green Bottle (see graphic below). For most of our stand-alone classes and events, we offer multiple pricing tiers, with the actual cost of the course in the middle, and options for subsidized and supporting/pay-it-forward tickets. For individual consultations, I offer limited sliding scale sessions, for those who otherwise could not access these services without it being a true hardship, as opposed to a sacrifice. We ask and expect that people pay the highest amount they can.
Sacrifice versus Hardship when examining access
From Alexis Cunningfolk: If paying for a class, product, or service would be difficult, but not detrimental, it qualifies as a sacrifice. You might have to cut back on other spending in your life (such as going out to dinner, buying coffee, or a new outfit), but this will not have a long term harmful impact on your life. It is a sacred sacrifice in order to pursue something you are called to do. If, however, paying for a class, product, or service would lead to a harmful impact on your life, such as not being able to put food on the table, pay rent, or pay for your transportation to get to work, then you are dealing with hardship. Folks coming from a space of hardship typically qualify for the lower end of the sliding scale. I find the idea of sacrifice versus hardship to be a very useful nuance when talking about class and access because it recognizes and respects that paying for something might still be a challenge even if it is just a short-term one, while giving appropriate space for those who are dealing with financial hardship.
“The top price is the actual cost of the class. If you choose a ticket price below the top tier you are receiving a discount.
The middle price is for those who are able to meet their basic needs but have little-to-no expendable income. Paying for this class may qualify as a sacrifice but it would not create hardship.
The bottom price is for those who struggle to meet basic needs and paying for this class would still be a significant hardship.
The Pay-It-Forward price is a few bucks above the actual cost of the class and that extra money goes towards supporting scholarships as well as future free and low-cost classes. Essentially it's an opportunity to not only take your class but also support your fellow community members while you're at it. Sweet!”
How do you know people won’t take advantage of this system?
We rely on each other, and trust that people will truly pay the highest amount they can, to continue to support our collaborative mission of providing accessible herbal education and holistic wellness for all. If people don’t pay the most they truly can, it harms me and takes resources from people who need them. If people honor the system, I can pay my bills and continue to do the work our community and the planet needs.
That’s awesome! How do I support this?
Sign up for a class, wellness session, or visit to the sanctuary! Venmo us a donation to @jessica-labrie-3 with the subject “scholarship donation,” and make sure to choose the “pay it forward” option when you’re purchasing tickets to events. Thank you for helping us keep herbal medicine the people’s medicine!