7 Pillars: Our Commitment to Inclusive Growth Through Participatory Development
Cultivating Growth and Diversity in the Plant Medicine Landscape
Participatory development is a valuable approach which UPMA employs to involve its members and stakeholders in decision-making, project development, and collaborative initiatives. Here are ways we implement participatory development within UPMA.
1
Inclusive Governance:
- Encourage diverse representation in leadership roles, ensuring that various perspectives are considered.
- Hold regular meetings or forums to discuss goals, priorities, and strategies.
2
Member Surveys and Feedback:
- Conduct surveys and feedback sessions on association activities, priorities and areas for improvement.
- Use this feedback to shape the association’s program and initiatives.
3
Project Planning and Implementation:
- Involve members in the planning and execution of projects related to plant medicine research, conversation, or community engagement.
- Create project committees with member representation to ensure collective decision-making.
4
Collaborative Research:
- Encourage members to collaborate on research projects, sharing their expertise and resources.
- Providing grants and resources to support member-led research initiatives.
5
Ethical Guidelines Development:
- Collaboratively develop ethical guidelines for the responsible use of plant medicine, involving members with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
6
Community-Based Initiatives:
- Engage with local communities and indigenous groups in a participatory manner when implementing projects that impact them.
- Respect and incorporate their traditional knowledge and practices.
7
Educational Programs:
- Design educational programs to address their specific learning needs and interests.
- Encourage members to share their knowledge and experiences through workshops and webinars.
8
Advocacy Campaigns:
- Involve members in advocacy efforts by providing opportunities for them to contribute to policy recommendations and advocacy initiatives.
- Collaborate with members on campaigns related to plant medicine and environmental conservation.
9
Transparent Decision-Making:
- Communicate openly with members about association decisions, financial matters and project progress.
- Maintain transparency in governance and operations.
10
Feedback Loops:
- Establish mechanisms for continuous feedback and evaluation of projects, initiatives and association activities.
- Adapt strategies based on lesson learned and member input.
11
Scholarship Selection Process:
- Create a transparent and inclusive process for awarding scholarships, involving members in the review and selection committees.
12
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:
- Collaboratively develop ethical guidelines for the responsible use of plant medicine, involving members with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
By embracing Participatory Development, the Universal Plant Medicine Association can harness the collective wisdom, creativity and enthusiasm of its members to create a more inclusive, effective, and sustainable organization that aligns closely with its mission and values.
