Cooperation + Adaptation = Resilience

The staff and board at HMI are gravely concerned about the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on our global community and particularly those within our Holistic Management community performing the vital work of growing healthy food and creating food security for our local communities. 

Because we have already created a work-from-home business model, much of our daily work is less affected. Our online and distance learning courses continue to serve agriculture producers from all over the world. However, we are following CDC guidelines for any in-person events and are working to make these programs virtual or one-on-one. We are also expanding our outreach efforts to provide more education to consumers and producers on the importance of regenerative agriculture to create resilient food systems and landscapes. 

Holistic Management reminds us to assess our situation and revise plans based on current conditions. The fundamentals of the process are to identify symbiotic relationships (cooperate) and adapt to changing conditions. It is through that process that we develop resilience – with families, communities, and the natural resources upon which we depend.

Many of our practitioners and Certified Educators are community leaders. We know you will be called on during this challenging time. As you find community solutions we hope that you will share them with us via HMI’s Facebook page or send us an email at [email protected] so we can spread your solutions across our global network. The more we share our knowledge, the better we will all be able to collectively adapt and survive whatever lies ahead. As always, we offer scholarships to our training programs for those in financial need. If you need help replanning or just want an outside sounding board, we have a variety of programs and can connect you with an experienced professional during the upcoming challenges. 

Lastly we would like to offer the list of following resources for people to get up-to-date information about how to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19, as well as mental health resources specifically for those living in rural communities. May we all find ways of being both productive and safe in uncertain times.

-The HMI Board and Staff

Steps to Take

• Stay informed. Not just about COVID-19, but also about what families and communities are doing to be resilient, particularly in rural settings.
• Remember that Holistic Management® includes three parts in the decision-making tool-social, economic, and environmental. Now is a good time to use your holistic goal/context to drive your decision-making
• What can you do to support your community? Whose direct sales are dropping while everyone is buying hand sanitizer? Who is most vulnerable?
• Your health enables you to be a resource to your community (human and biological). Diet, exercise, and sleep are key tools for overall health. Being in nature with fresh air and sunshine is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
• Talk with others. Listen to others. Social distancing does not mean communication should cease.

Resources

CDC Guidelines for Eventshttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/index.html

CDC Guidelines for Social Distancinghttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

For immediate mental health needs, please contact one of these national hotlines:

• Farm Aid Hotline
  800-FARM-AID (327-6243)
  Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  800-273-TALK (8255)
  24/7
• Use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat Both are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
• 2-1-1, a comprehensive hotline that connects callers with local resources