about the sliding scale

Offering a sliding scale for classes and workshops comes from a desire to create multiple access points so that folks from a diversity of economic backgrounds and circumstances might take part.

Importantly, the sliding scale thrives on trust. I trust you to be honest in your assessment of your economic reality. Please be mindful that being honest with yourself and your financial situation when engaging with sliding scale practices grows strong, equitable, and sustainable communities. It also respects the work of teachers and creators, like myself.

Tier 1 of the sliding scale is the actual cost of the class. If you choose a ticket price below the Tier 1, you are receiving a discount. Tier 2 pricing is for those who are able to meet their basic needs but have little-to-no expendable income. Paying for this class may qualify as a sacrifice but it would not create hardship. Tier 3 pricing is for those who struggle to meet basic needs and paying for this class would still be a significant hardship.

Content on this page is borrowed and adapted with permission from Alexis J. Cunningfolk and Worts & Cunning Apothecary.

Tier 1 - Secured Seat

You should choose this cost level if you are comfortably able to meet all of your basic needs (like food, housing, health care, and transportation)—and all or some of the following apply to you:

  • own a home or property

  • have full-time employment with benefits or are unemployed by choice

  • have regular access to health care

  • have access to financial savings, inherited wealth, or expendable income

  • can afford annual travel for leisure or periodic time off without financial burden

  • have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education (or gender and racial privilege, class background, etc)

Tier 2 - Shared Kindness

You should choose this cost level if you occasionally stress about meeting basic needs (like food, housing, health care, and transportation) but can still regularly secure them—and all or some of the following apply to you:

  • have some debt but it does not prohibit the ability to meet basic needs

  • own a home, or rent in a property with affordable or high-cost rent

  • have reliable employment and access to health care

  • have some access to financial savings, expendable income, or family money and resources in times of need

  • can afford travel for leisure annually or every few years without financial burden

Tier 3 - Cherished Support

You should choose this cost level if you frequently stress about meeting basic needs (like food, housing, health care, and transportation) and cannot regularly secure them—and all or some of the following apply to you:

  • support children or have other dependents

  • have debt that sometimes prohibits the ability to meet basic needs

  • have medical expenses not covered by insurance

  • have immigration-related expenses

  • are unemployed or underemployed

  • qualify for government or public assistance

  • do not have access to savings, or no or very limited expendable income

  • cannot afford a vacation or to take time off without financial burden