Making a Difference that Matters, Especially When No One is Looking
In a world where corporations hold significant harmful influence over society, it becomes crucial for businesses to prioritize ethical values and act as positive forces for good. When it comes to the business of doing the profound and sacred work of psychedelic guiding, there are many ethical considerations. It is a profession that has repeatedly been subject to the damaging effects of colonization and capitalism. But the levels of greed, voyeurism, and exploitation are heating up as these substances are increasingly being legalized, decriminalized, and researched for pharmacological usage. Corporations are realizing the possible economic gain of commodifying these substances and experiences. Therefore, we as psychedelic partitioners are being called to respond with an increased visible commitment to acting honorably both personally and professionally. Protection for the substances, work, clients, and practitioners is of the utmost importance.
Myco-Vision's economic impact is a small drop in the ocean of capitalism, but that does not excuse us to act out of balance with our core ethics. Rather we are deeply committed to the ethical practices that shape our company's philosophy and guide our interactions within the community. When it comes to our ethics, our three guiding principles around equity that are at the foundation of all that we do. They include our commitments to equity in access, practice, and enforcement. Our commitment to equity in these areas guide our every decision and interaction, and underline our commitment to creating a better world.
We firmly believe that cost should never be a barrier to accessing psychedelic treatment services. We understand that every individual has unique financial circumstances, and we want to ensure that our services are accessible to all who can benefit from them. To achieve this, we offer all our services on a sliding scale, and we provide one psychedelic journey support session per month entirely free of charge to person on our waiting list with the highest current need. This initiative allows access to individuals who otherwise might not have the means to experience the benefits of psychedelic therapy. We believe that this approach creates a more inclusive and equitable environment for underserved and marginalized communities.
Furthermore, we recognize the importance of having facilitators in every community who can relate to and represent every person. We humbly understand that we are not equipped or qualified to serve all people, and no matter how accessible our services are, it does not benefit everyone. In an effort to aid historically marginalized populations in gaining greater access to psychedelic treatment options, we donate 3% of our annual income to psychedelic training scholarships for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. These scholarships empower individuals to study in the tradition of their choice, fostering more inclusive practices and access to care, allowing them to reach and help those within their community.
Indigenous peoples, including Native Americans, have been the custodians of vast knowledge surrounding naturally occurring psychedelic substances for thousands of years. Unfortunately, their sacred medicine practices are often criminalized, and they face obstacles in accessing historically significant ceremonial plants and lands. At Myco-Vision, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Indigenous peoples to the field of psychedelics. In reverence to the centuries of Indigenous peoples whose knowledge and wisdom have made our practice possible, we donate 3% of our annual income to the Native American Rights Fund. This organization works tirelessly to protect Indigenous rights and the unique relationship these communities have with their sacred plants. Our financial support contributes to their mission of advocating for Indigenous autonomy and self-governance, fighting for their cultural practices to be recognized and respected.
The War on Drugs and the enforcement of the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 have had a destructive punitive impact on minorities, stemming from racial discrimination in law enforcement. Over-policing in certain targeted communities has led to the overwhelmingly disproportionately high number of Black individuals in the modern prison system. In Oregon, where the use of psilocybin, a Schedule 1 substance, is legalized for clinical treatment, non-violent drug offenses outside of this system still face active persecution. We strongly oppose the systemic racial injustices perpetuated by the War on Drugs. We recognize the urgent need for equitable enforcement practices and comprehensive drug law reforms that prioritize racial equality. To contribute to the fight against racial discrimination in drug law enforcement, we donate 3% of our annual income to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. This support aids their efforts to rectify systemic racial biases, advocate for justice, and create lasting change.
In a world often driven by profit, Myco-Vision is challenging ourselves and those we work with to act at all times with compassion and loving kindness. Our commitment to equity in access, practice, and enforcement is deeply ingrained in our everyday operations. We prioritize social responsibility and actively work to create a positive impact on our community. These are not just words on a page - they are core values that guide our actions and shape our vision for a more equitable world. We believe there is still time to make a difference that truly matters in the face of our modern reality, and we challenge ourselves and those we work with to do all that is possible to this end.
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