Creating ways to reach community and engage folks can take many forms. We may think of free clinics, but it can also be in community education such as Make & Take Classes, an Herb A Month, Care Kit Making & Sharing, Community Gardens, Plant Walks, and other community models. People love receiving and we can make an impact, but people also love learning. Empowerment and knowledge sharing can make an impact long after we have gone.

Lets take a little look at some of these different models and how this might look in a community model.

Community Outreach In this framework can encompass many other types of community care and projects, including:

Make & Take
Host an event where everyone learns how to make something such as a tea blend or salve. Everyone can blend or make their item and take it home. Everyone can make extra to share out to community members in need.

Plant of the Month
Host a get together and share more about one specific seasonal or native local plant - bring a live and dried sample, pass out blank monograph sheets and everyone can take notes. Make tea for a tasting, etc.

Care Kits
Make care kits for unhoused in the winter or for a women’s shelter or for residents at a local senior center. Include GRAS and easy to use items such as a multivitamin, hand lotion, rollerball, inhaler, sample tea bags, mini soap, cough drops - seasonal items work best.

Plant Walk
Host a plant walk to share more about local plants, plant conservation, pollinators, wild medicinals, and invasive species. Checkout the member portal for a sample waiver and permits.

Free Clinic
Host a free clinic day. Include other modalities and things for folks to do while they wait for a consult such as yoga, foot soaks, hand massage, and so on. Collaborate with other modalities for a holistic whole body event.

Seed Swaps
Host a seed swap day at a local park, and people can trade or get seeds to start their gardens. Host a few how to chats during the day such as how to start seeds or tips on direct sowing success. Check out your local seed swap regulations before you plan it!

Community Garden Day
Does your community group or HWB Chapter have a community garden? Host activity days to get local folks involved and engaged. Host a planting or weeding day and combine a group work event with educational info such as a chat about the medicinal herbs you are growing and their uses.

Webinars
Host a free online event under a theme such as spring medicinals or herbal support for digestion.

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about how you can build local community and make an impact!

These projects often require community support, aid, mutual work and reciprocity, and solidarity to support those most In need In local communities. They may offer HWB free clinics, community gardens, and other models of community outreach as well.

For information or ideas on Community Outreach projects you could implement and organize in your own community, email office@hwbglobal.org.

By creating local to regional networks of people supporting this work, you can create a more resilient and responsive community. This might include disaster preparedness and training, community classes, empowerment models and more. Visit the member portal for hundreds of ideas, resources, and support.