Sliding Scale Fee / Pay What You Can!
What is a sliding scale fee structure?
Sliding scale fee approaches enable folx to access services no matter their financial situation. The scale is centered around the actual cost of a service but also provides payment options above and below the base cost. Ideally, folks with financial security who can pay more for a service elect to pay an amount above the full cost so that folks without financial security are still able access services without risking access to their basic needs. When the sliding scale is used in an equitable way, the cost of services averages to meet the base cost and providers/educators are still paid appropriately for their time and expertise.
Why do we use a Sliding Scale at OSH?
We live in a white supremacist, capitalist society that creates disparities in access to healthcare, healing services, and education. We value making services accessible to those who need them while being compensated for our work. Offering a sliding scale fee approach to services is one social justice tool at our disposal to help decrease the impact of these disparities in a way that aligns with our values.
Where do you fall on the Sliding Scale?
Here are 3 tools to help you determine where you fall on the sliding scale. We ask that you use these tools to make an honest assessment of your financial situation and choose a registration amount.
The Green Bottle diagram was developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk and describes what different financial situations can look like in day to day life. You can learn more about this sliding scale fee approach at http://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/a-better-sliding-scale
This is an interactive tool that helps you compare your perception of your income to others in your country. https://www.compareyourincome.org/
Finally, each registration option has a brief description of financial stability and employment considerations.