^LIFT ACUPUNCTURE STUDENTS OF COLOR

THE STORY

• Who are we and what experiences or values do we have that call us to leadership in this work?

We know what it feels like to be marginalized, devalued, underestimated, under-resourced, and overlooked. We also know what it feels like to heal, to be part of community, to act in service, to be resilient, to create anew, and to prevail. We know community acupuncture is one of the ways for us to find healing, to reclaim dignity in the healthcare system, and to thrive in spite of any oppressive conditions we find ourselves overcoming.

"Limited plot lines have us convinced that poor people are a problem that needs fixing. What if we recognized that what's working is the people and what's broken is our approach? What if we realized that the experts we are looking for, the experts we need to follow, are poor people themselves? What if, instead of imposing solutions, we just added fire to the already-burning flame that they have? Not directing -- not even empowering -- but just fueling their initiative." -- Mia Birdsong, TEDWomen 2015, “the story we tell about poverty isn’t true”

• What do we want to do and who will it serve?

Our studies at POCA Tech in Portland, Oregon, and our future practice as community acupuncturists, along with this community-supported fundraising effort is sustaining the legacy of healers of color through the reclamation of leadership in restoring health in our communities and dignity within the healthcare system.

• What has been keeping us from achieving this vision?

Acupuncture studies and licensure can easily cost upwards of $40,000 in the United States. Our community acupuncture studies at POCA Tech, board exams, study materials, and other fees are projected to cost us at minimum $22,000. Within the healthcare system, and within the acupuncture profession itself, there is an evident need for more representation of people of color to treat and support patients of color within our own communities. Both the cost and accessibility of healthcare as a profession for marginalized communities is a hurdle we are working to overcome. This fundraising effort is one small way for us to work towards reclaiming leadership and dignity within the healthcare system for healers and communities of color.

• How will attending POCA Tech and raising this tuition to become licensed acupuncturists support us in overcoming our challenges?

This fund will allow the POCA cooperative to contribute their efforts at the intersections of social, racial & healing justice by supporting students of color to be trained in Liberation Acupuncture so that they can be placed on the frontlines of restoring mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health in historically marginalized communities.

COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED FUNDRAISING GOAL

First, we aim to support one student in urgent need to start student clinical practice by raising $3,287 in tuition and clinic fees before January 20, 2019.

Second, any amount of funds raised beyond the $3,287 goal for this campaign will be added to the collective pool for all students of color at POCA Tech to access!

Next, we plan to develop a legacy fund with fifty-thousand dollars available to support the studies and acupuncture licensure for up to five students of color per year to learn and practice community acupuncture.

ARE YOU WILLING TO SUPPORT US?

We find ourselves in deep gratitude for the support we continue to receive for our efforts to finish school, become acupuncturists, and practice in community. Your kind words, offers to share this fundraiser digitally, over text, emails, and in person, is truly phenomenal. We know we need to take care of one another -- we see you in your care for us & we love you right back.

The first deadline for this community-supported campaign is Sunday, January 20th.

Can you give $20 or $30 and a share or a prayer towards sustaining the legacy of healers of color in restoring health in our communities?