Pathways

AMI strives to reach its mission through interrelated pathways:

1. Creating a space on Allegheny Mountain for deeper connection, cultivating an innovative small farm, while also utilizing alternative foodways such as agroforestry and tending the wild ecology of the land

2. Offering diverse classes in order to teach skills, enliven local wisdom and lore, foster strong relationships, and catalyze hope for positive culture change

3. Supporting other organizations with land-based and community-strengthening efforts

 

Values & Beliefs

AMI is committed to six interrelated values in developing our priorities and we strive to reach them through organization's operations.

Community:  Especially considering the deep ideological divides currently creating division in our society, AMI believes that working together within reciprocal ecological relationships and across political, cultural, and social boundaries is critical for real change. We believe in creative collaboration that  promotes the resiliency, adaptability, and strength of our communities, transcending politics by directing energy towards shared projects and concern for our homes and land. AMI recognizes the collective energy in diverse thought, backgrounds, skills, and education as a  powerful tool for innovation, leadership, and positive change. Celebration, ceremony, and ritual all play a vital role in creating community.

Education:  Leading with questions rather than answers, The Village is a space for exploring how we can create and live into a more beautiful world. Education at AMI is experiential, knowing that we learn best with our hands deep in the soil and our faces whipped by the wind and the sun—action, experience, discovery, and exploration inspire our pedagogy. We believe that immersive experiences, coupled with reflection, encourage the development of new skills, attitudes, and ways of thinking.

Environment:  All relationships are ultimately ecological in nature, binding us to the earth that sustains us. By knowing and connecting to our local ecosystems and emulating natural systems, we become better stewards of the land, our relationships, and the “earthly gifts” as Robin Wall Kimmerer calls them. Our sustainable farming practices are guided by a deep reverence for the natural world and a desire to use regenerative approaches that are supportive of non-human life. By emphasizing biodiversity and protecting watersheds, we work to replenish the health and vitality of the precious soils that sustain us.

Equity:  We value a stable food system that enables healthy food for all. Communities and individuals thrive when every person has the opportunity to live in thriving ecological balance, as well as to grow and enjoy healthy, affordable, and culturally significant foods. By sharing  knowledge, expanding local food production, training farmers, and leveraging the impact of institutions, we can advance equity in the food system and local environments.

Health:  We believe in the interconnectedness of environmental, personal, and community health. Healthy soils produce nutrient-dense foods that nourish and sustain us. Healthy individuals form strong communities that, in turn, prioritize and foster social, economic, and environmental well-being. Most importantly, this can only happen within thriving and healthy ecological systems.

Integrity & Respect:  We lead with honesty, empathy, positivity, and transparency within our organization, in our partnerships, and throughout the communities we serve, respecting the ideas and thoughts of all those involved with AMI, regardless of their role or position. We honor the Indigenous communities and others who stewarded the land before us and remain true to our mission to cultivate healthy communities through food and education.