Equitable Access & Reciprocity

Generosity. Interdependence. Reciprocity. Stewardship.

At Northern Songlines, we prioritize accessibility and embrace diverse forms of reciprocity. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our guests and participants, which helps us continue offering programs and retreat spaces that are available to everyone. We encourage participants to thoughtfully and honestly assess their personal abundance, limitations, skills, and capacity to contribute.

Ways to give back include:

  • Paying our suggested program fee
  • Paying a discounted rate based on your self-assessment
  • Paying more than our suggested program fee to help subsidize our equitable access capacity
  • Offering service or skills to help steward our retreat center
  • Providing homegrown or wild-harvested foods
  • Contributing firewood or building materials
  • Teaching a skill to our family or learning community
  • Offering professional services or healing modalities
 

For more specific ideas or to share your unique way of contributing, please feel free to contact us.

The amount of time, materials, services, or financial contribution you offer is entirely up to you. If you’re unsure where to begin, our suggested program fees can serve as a guide, or you’re welcome to reach out to us for a conversation—we’re always happy to discuss options. We simply ask that your contribution comes from the heart, while considering your personal situation and needs. Above all, please ensure that your generosity does not cause you any hardship.

This reciprocal model enables us to continue offering transformative experiences while celebrating the diverse abundance that each participant brings. Together, we create a flow of generosity that uplifts and supports everyone.

NOTE: Some of our guest teachers may require monetary compensation for their travel and time. When a program requires financial contribution to attend, we will clearly note this on the registration page. Sliding Scale Fees may still be available. Thank you!

How to Use this Self-Assessment

This self-assessment is designed to help you reflect on your personal circumstances and make an informed decision about your program contribution. Our Program Suggested Fees serve as a helpful starting point, but we encourage you to adjust your contribution based on your current financial situation, skills, and capacity to give in other ways.

  • Step 1: Review the Program Suggested Fees as a baseline for the full program cost.
  • Step 2: Consider the questions in the self-assessment to honestly evaluate your financial resources, abundance, and any limitations.
  • Step 3: Reflect on alternative ways you may contribute, such as offering skills, services, or materials, if financial contribution feels difficult.
  • Step 4: Based on your reflection, adjust your program contribution in a way that feels generous, but also sustainable for you.

If you are uncertain about your contribution, or would like to discuss options, feel free to reach out to us. We are always happy to have a conversation about how you can best contribute while ensuring that our programs remain accessible to all.

Program Pricing Self-Assessment

Social and Marginalized Identities

  • Are you part of a marginalized community (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQ2IA+, disabled) that faces systemic barriers and discrimination?
  • Do you encounter social challenges that affect your financial situation or access to resources?

Economic Stability and Basic Needs

  • Do you frequently experience difficulty meeting essential needs such as food, housing, and healthcare? This might indicate that a higher level of discount could be necessary for you.
  • Are you living paycheck to paycheck, or do you find it challenging to save money due to financial constraints?

Employment and Income

  • Are you working more than 40 hours a week to make ends meet, leaving little time or energy for other activities?
  • Is your current job or income insufficient to cover basic expenses or provide financial stability?

Debt and Financial Pressure

  • Do you have significant debt that impacts your ability to cover essential needs?
  • Does the thought of additional expenses, such as program fees, cause you stress or hardship?

Caregiving and Financial Burden

  • Are you a caregiver whose financial resources are primarily dedicated to supporting others, limiting your ability to cover additional expenses?

Health and Disability

  • Does an illness, mental health condition, or physical disability affect your ability to work or earn money?

Access to Resources and Privilege

  • Do you own property, have a retirement account, or access to substantial savings?
  • Can you afford discretionary spending, such as vacations or new items, without financial concern?
  • Do you choose to work part-time or not at all due to financial security or other resources?