Our Mission:
We are an organization dedicated to nurturing humans heeding the call to serve because when they are sustained, their service in the world becomes sustained. Our goal is to cultivate an international ecosystem of embodied leadership that serves the world’s most vulnerable communities.
All too often we hear stories of mentors, activists, healers, or teachers who stop serving their communities due to burnout, financial burden, and loss of hope or inspiration.
As Medicine People, we understand this.
Mindi Counts, executive director of Inner Ocean Empowerment Project and the founder of Medicine People has been mentoring fellow leaders, healers, and teachers for over a decade and reports that this trend is undeniable. In fact, when asked why she thinks there aren’t more people taking an active role in societal change she says, “because they are already maxed out by their own lives – it feels impossible for most people to tackle anything beyond their day to day hurdles. Let alone take on the greater, global challenges. That, combined with a lack of skills to self-regulate around everyday stressors, leads many people to shy away from getting involved in what is happening beyond their own small worlds.”
Our Vision:
Nurturing and protecting those who are working toward making the world a better place is our priority. Our unique vision holds humans heeding the call to serve – as the centerpoint for sustainable change. To support them enables us to support the communities that benefit from their essential leadership.
Our Philosophy:
In our modern world, many of our leaders are not in the traditional leadership roles; they are the healers, the teachers, the parents, the volunteers, the artists, and the visionaries committed to changing the status quo. These leaders – though often overlooked, are setting the foundation for their clients, patients, colleagues, children, and students to heal deeper and vision wider, catalyzing actionable, measurable change.
At Medicine People, we hold self-leadership as the centerpoint for all other forms of leadership.
Therefore, the foundation of our offerings rest on ancient teachings from Buddhism which relies simultaneously on the development of our internal world alongside the activity and participation in our external world. We also incorporate five-element psychology which sees humans as inextricably connected with the natural world and honors the unique medicine each of us carries within.
Our program name and offerings are inspired by the Medicine Buddha who represents the healing power of compassion, kindness, mindfulness, and medicine. In this context, medicine is not something physical, but rather an energy that one can call in, cultivate, strengthen, and return as an offering of service to the world. Through this lens, anyone can cultivate the qualities of a Medicine Buddha without obtaining a degree in physical or energy medicine, and become what we call Medicine People.
There are three main branches through which we serve:
TEND
To facilitate any type of transformation, we must first tend the process of healing inside ourselves. Therefore, Medicine People’s TEND program offerings are focused on self-care for the everyday leader. Our TEND programs serve as a community refuge for healing from burnout, loss of hope or inspiration, and other common challenges experienced by those in a leadership position. We guide our participants through nervous system recalibration and reigniting the fire that initially drew them into their service.
We offer a wide range of TEND programs including:
- Earth-Centered Retreats and Solos
- Seasonal Retreats Based on the Wisdom of the Five Elements
- EFT, Sound Healing and Vibrational Therapy
- Art Therapy including Creative Arts, Music and Writing
- Meditation and Mindful Living
GROW
Many seasoned leaders understand that the real education doesn’t begin until your hands are in the dirt. That’s because to be an effective changemaker, we must continue our education beyond academia. We must learn to integrate our education with our experiences, our gifts, and our unique service to the world. In our GROW program, we focus on community-building as well as skill-building in support of integration and evolution for the everyday leader.
We offer a wide range of GROW programs including:
- Mind-Body Leadership Practices
- Integrative Health and Wellbeing
- Eco-Leadership and Sustainability
- Cultural Competency and Inclusivity
- Global Leadership and Cultural Exchange
- Storytelling and Communication for Impact
SERVE
After experiencing our TEND and GROW programs, our participants find themselves having built community, recovered from burnout, regained their sense of hope, and found their inspiration restored. Naturally, they reignite their flame, rediscover their unique medicine and are then invited to embody their skills through sacred activism. Medicine People offers ongoing support, guidance, and mentorship for participants longing to create and facilitate healing-centered, community service programs.
In addition, we offer a wide range of SERVE programs including:
- Service Immersion Opportunities in the US and abroad
- Mentoring and Coaching for Leaders
- Strategic Planning and Visioning
Fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion,
participants of our programs can expect:
- Development of self-leadership
- Strengthening of nervous system regulation
- Hearty self confidence and healthy self awareness
- Clarification and cultivation of their unique offering
- Cultivating empowerment in others to meet their community needs
Awareness of issues concerning underserved communities
Through classes, workshops, retreats, and service immersions we foster an environment that nurtures diverse learning styles and builds nourishing, sustainable community.
Medicine People programs blend interactive, experiential learning with hands-on immersive experiences that uniquely enable our participants to integrate and embody self-leadership.
Certification Programs (Coming Soon!)
We offer two specialized certification programs. Applications open Fall 2024 for the Summer 2025 cohort. Click here to be notified when registration opens.
Embodied Healer Leadership Certification
The Embodied Healer Leadership Certification (EHLC) program is a transformative process of heeding the call to develop oneself in service of collective well-being. It involves a deep understanding of humanity’s interconnectedness with all of life on Earth and a conscious acknowledgment of one’s unique power and privilege. When developed and honed, this holistic and regenerative approach to leadership becomes not only medicine for oneself, but also medicine for our world.
Program Highlights:
1. Foundational Understanding:
- Exploring the principles of embodied leadership.
- Understanding the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.
- Recognizing and utilizing one’s unique power and privilege responsibly.
2. Self-Development and Awareness:
- Techniques for personal growth and self-awareness.
- Mindfulness practices to enhance presence and focus.
- Developing emotional intelligence and resilience.
3. Holistic Health and Healing:
- Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health practices.
- Learning various healing modalities and their applications.
- Promoting self-care and well-being as foundational to leadership.
4. Community and Collective Well-being:
- Strategies for fostering a sense of community and belonging.
- Leading initiatives that promote collective health and harmony.
- Building inclusive and supportive environments.
5. Conscious Leadership:
- Principles of ethical and compassionate leadership.
- Empowering others through inclusive and participatory approaches.
- Navigating power dynamics and promoting equity and justice.
6. Practical Application:
- Designing and implementing projects that embody healer leadership.
- Engaging in community-based initiatives and service.
- Utilizing feedback and reflection to enhance leadership practice.
Who Should Enroll:
The EHLC program is ideal for healers, community leaders, educators, wellness practitioners, and anyone committed to personal and collective transformation. Whether you are beginning your journey or looking to deepen your existing practice, this certification offers valuable insights and tools.
Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the EHLC program, participants will be able to:
- Lead with compassion, mindfulness, and a deep sense of interconnectedness.
- Apply holistic healing practices to enhance personal and community well-being.
- Recognize and utilize their unique power and privilege for positive change.
- Foster inclusive and supportive environments that promote collective health.
Certification Process:
The EHLC program includes a blend of online coursework, immersive workshops, and practical fieldwork. Participants must complete all modules, actively engage in personal and community projects, and pass a final assessment to earn their certification.
Join the Movement:
Embark on the path of Embodied Healer Leadership and contribute to the collective well-being of our world. Enroll in the EHLC program today and become a catalyst for transformation!
Community Health Activist Certification
The Community Health Activist Certification (CHAC) program is a comprehensive and dynamic training designed to empower individuals passionate about making a positive impact on public health in their communities. This certification equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to become effective health advocates, educators, and leaders.
Program Highlights:
1. Foundational Knowledge:
- Introduction to public health principles and practices.
- Understanding social determinants of health and their impact on communities.
- Overview of health disparities and strategies to address them.
2. Community Engagement:
- Techniques for effective community outreach and engagement.
- Building partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders.
- Strategies for fostering community participation and empowerment.
3. Health Promotion and Education:
- Designing and implementing health education programs.
- Utilizing various communication methods to disseminate health information.
- Promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors through advocacy and education.
4. Advocacy and Policy:
- Understanding health policies and their impact on communities.
- Developing skills in advocacy and policy change.
- Navigating the legislative process and influencing health policy decisions.
5. Practical Skills:
- Conducting community health assessments.
- Planning and executing health campaigns and interventions.
- Utilizing data and research to inform health strategies.
6. Ethics and Professionalism:
- Upholding ethical standards in public health practice.
- Building cultural competency and sensitivity.
- Developing leadership and professional skills.
Who Should Enroll:
The CHAC program is ideal for community leaders, health workers, educators, students, and anyone interested in promoting health and well-being in their communities. Whether you are just starting your journey in public health or looking to enhance your existing skills, this certification provides valuable training and resources.
Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the CHAC program, participants will be able to:
- Advocate for and implement health initiatives within their communities.
- Educate community members about important health issues and resources.
- Influence health policy and promote equitable health outcomes.
- Lead community health projects with confidence and effectiveness.
Certification Process:
The CHAC program includes a combination of online coursework, interactive workshops, and practical fieldwork. Participants must complete all modules, engage in community projects, and pass a final assessment to earn their certification.
Join the Movement:
Become a certified Community Health Activist and contribute to the health and well-being of your community. Enroll in the CHAC program today and start making a difference! Email us at: [email protected]