Registration is now open for the 2026 SHI Learning Lab. These Learning Labs provide the foundation for the collaborative work that is the heart of SHI. Most broadly we explore how to bring the values at the heart of herbal medicine: reciprocity, respect for the aliveness of plants, relationship, into the work of sourcing and producing products made with these plants.
Key Questions
For stakeholders in the botanical industry, this virtual Learning Lab will explore:
- How can medicinal plant sourcing enhance global wellbeing?
- How do we cultivate true respect for plants, people, and planet?
- What systemic changes are necessary?
- How can we collaborate to drive meaningful transformation?
Previous SHI Learning Labs have been structured around the work of Theory U and the Presencing Institute. The 2026 series will build on this foundation while also incorporating insights from in-person SHI Learning Journeys (Appalachia, Oregon, and Nicaragua), the 2025 SHI Alumni Learning Lab, and ongoing SHI Working Group initiatives to bring these values into practice. We will share case studies to illustrate tools and best practices to help implement these ideas in new initiatives (to be undertaken individually and collaboratively).
This Learning Lab is an excellent opportunity to bring in more employees of current SHI member companies and for potential new SHI members to learn from our approach.
At The Synergy Company, engaging multiple team members in the Sustainable Herbs Initiative has been invaluable. SHI empowers our employees across departments to put sustainability into practice, bringing back resources and best practices that show up in our work together. I encourage other companies to involve more people—this approach multiplies the benefits and deepens impact.
Zacharia Levine, Head of Organizational Stewardship The Synergy Company
Dates/Time
Four Virtual Sessions, please commit to attending at least 3 of the sessions and to making up any you miss.
- Jan 13, Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3; 11 am-1 pm ET
- Possible additional time: Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 8 am – 10 am ET
Facilitators
The series will be co-facilitated by SHI Founder and Director, Ann Armbrecht, and Julie Arts, a senior Faculty member and consultant with the Presencing Institute, which offers a model of awareness-based systems change that works at getting to the root causes of systemic change and identifying key steps to address those issues.
Who They Are For
This Learning Lab is best suited for those working in the herbal products industry in some capacity.
Participation Cost
- Free for active SHI Supporters/Members
- $300 for non-SHI Members
- Scholarships available (for more information go here).
Register your interest here and we will follow up shortly.
Read more about the SHI Learning Labs: