This fall, SHI is offering a new Learning Lab (register here) that brings the practical skills and practices of the SHI Toolkit 3.0 into spaces where we explore not just how to do this work, but why certain practices matter and what shifts are needed across the industry to support them.
The real challenge in herbal sourcing isn’t complicated in theory. We all know that the long term supply of the raw materials on which our companies rely depends on ecologically, economically, socially, and culturally resilient source communities. This work also asks us to wake up to what’s actually happening in the systems we’re part of, to listen to voices and perspectives of those who haven’t always gotten a seat at the table, and to remember that we’re working with plants as living beings, not as raw material.
Over four sessions, we’ll work with SHI members and guests to build three things simultaneously: practical skills you can use immediately, awareness based systems level thinking so you understand the why and the leverage points, and relationships with peers who are doing this work alongside you. Central to all of it will be practices of deep listening, paying attention to the unseen, and connecting with the plants and the people in your supply chain as whole beings.
This is valuable for everyone at herb companies committed to ethical sourcing, whether you work in purchasing, finance, marketing, or operations. We’ll draw from real scenarios and the experiences of people actually living this every day, including the voices and wisdom of those closest to the source.
You will leave with:
- Real insights into sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationships from companies doing this work
- Understanding of how your sourcing choices ripple across the whole system and practices for listening more deeply
- A network of colleagues who get it and who you can turn to
- Practical case studies and tools adapted to your company’s situation
- New ways of connecting with the plants and people at the foundation of your supply chain
Format
Four live virtual sessions, two hours each. Please plan to attend at least three of the four.
- Grounding in Vision and Values: Values at the heart of herbal medicine and bringing the values into sourcing. We’ll connect with the plants we work with and remember why this work matters. Guest Speakers Nikita Agarwal (Herb Artizan) and Guido Masé (Traditional Medicinals).
- Awareness of History and Trade: The legacy of the herb industry and working toward partnership. Who has been heard and who hasn’t. Who gets to decide what happens in the supply chain. Guest Speaker Raj Vable (Young Mountain Tea)
- Systems Awareness: Mapping the system, identifying leverage points, and constraints to action. Learning to see and listen to the whole.
- Courage, Integrity and Responsibility: What will I do now? Acting from a more awake and centered place. Guest Speakers Chante Wiegand (The Synergy Company) and Ellie Thorne (Blue Sky Botanics)
- An optional ten minute Movement Medicine session, led by Sally Armbrecht, begins 15 minutes before each session.
Each session will invite you to apply the questions and practices in concrete cases in your work. Though optional, these exercises are intended to deepen your grasp of the material and support you in incorporating these practices more directly into your company’s work.
Work initiated in the Learning Lab can continue through SHI’s Monthly Meeting and Quality and Sourcing Working Group.
Dates: Sept 15, Sept 29, Oct 13, Oct 20
Time: 11am to 1pm ET
Facilitator: Facilitated by SHI Director Ann Armbrecht with guest presentations by SHI members.
Cost/Register here
- Free for active SHI Supporters and Members (contact Ann for coupon code)
- Regular registration after September 1: $300 for non-members
- Scholarships available, fill out form here.
A note from a past participant
“Participating in the Learning Lab provides both learning and inspiration. It forces me to think beyond myself and the day-to-day needs of my business and think about what I can do for the people who supply herbs for my business.” Amit Agarwal, Herb Artizan
