A Note from Herbalista
This year the systems around us shifted in ways that challenged our ability to offer free and accessible herbal education. A platform that we had relied on changed hands, raised their prices, and reminded us that even the most generous work is vulnerable when built on foundations that we do not own. Taking down the Herbalista Free School from the Teachable platform was hard—a challenge felt not only by us, but by the many learners who had finally found in our coursework a chance to explore herbal medicine without the usual financial barriers.
The flavor of it all is bittersweet (my favorite flavor), because despite the difficulties, our work continued. Students reached out with encouragement. Volunteers kept making medicine, growing herbs, and sharing the health. I was reminded that Herbalista has always been more than a platform — it is a community. And luckily, we were still able to complete our final offering with the Community & Community Care Course. Over 2,300 people joined us in exploring the many ways we can show up for one another, build our local herbal infrastructure and cultivate a more vibrant and verdant community.
This year highlighted the importance of building structures that can weather change, particularly as our world grows more precarious. And we mustn’t shy away from these truths — they actually sharpen our understanding of what is needed. So what was taken apart in 2025 will be rebuilt in 2026, stronger and closer to home as the Free School returns to our own hearth, at the Herbalista website.
This past year was also especially meaningful as we transitioned away from fiscal sponsorship with MPower Now. We are so deeply grateful for their loving guidance and steady support over the past decade. As part of this transition, we launched a new sustaining membership program. If you made the move with us, thank you. If you have not yet rejoined, we warmly invite you to do so.
I am pleased to share with you this year’s service report, filled with all the herbwork that we have done together. May we continue to put our beliefs to work, and demonstrate our love through action.
Herbally yours,
Lorna Mauney-Brodek
