We are local, informed citizens of Columbia County, NY imagining our own future — a future that includes medical freedom and democracy for all.
We are an eclectic bunch of farmers, naturalists, educators, parents, artists, craftspeople, doctors, healers, entrepreneurs and more that share the values of medical freedom. Many of us have been active for decades in environmental causes, local food and social justice.
Our initiative began with families who were directly affected by the vaccine religious exemption repeal in New York. These families gathered to form action steps to restore health freedom in Columbia County. Inspiration came from the anti-nuclear movement of the 1970’s, in which several group members had participated. The group kept up a continuous stream of letters and calls to county officials, ultimately keeping summer camps exempt from vaccine mandates in Columbia County. The diverse backgrounds and expertise of every member were utilized in researching and organizing on all fronts.
In February 2020, the worldwide COVID-19 health crisis ushered in ever more pressure for government prescribed medical interventions. Since then, other have joined the effort, with the goal of making Columbia County a sanctuary, exempt from rogue state and federal health mandates.
Along with efforts to restore health freedom in Columbia County, there is a wish to foster local resource networks in regards to education, food access, and healthcare. A vibrant home school network has come out of these efforts, as well as a network of local food suppliers that do not rely on retail grocers. A network of healthcare providers and healers of every kind is also being formed.
Some recent activities include:
re-imagining education for our children by rejecting permanent online schooling
exploring “home rule" on a county and state level
re-imagining health care by meeting with doctors to explore possibilities like community supported medicine
researching and establishing a local currency
establishing a youth group
guest spots on local public radio
peaceful demonstrations on Saturdays in local towns
getting to know the local town supervisors/government and working with them
screening educational films on vaccines and other issues
meeting with political candidates that support values of medical freedom
spreading the word with the billboard trucks
creating unique and artistic signs/flyers/cards/stickers for demonstrations and for outreach
outreach to like-minded communities in other counties, states and countries
creating a space for people to speak their truth at state-wide demonstrations in Albany
maintaining a lively forum on health freedom
organizing Motor Parades in our area
gathering to sing songs of peace and protest and connection and freedom
hosting freedom picnics
The medical and health freedom movement is growing rapidly, and attracting concerned people with increasingly diverse skill sets. Working together with common aims has involved a form for group work that includes: mutual respect and listening, confidentiality, clear agendas and time frame, facilitated discussion, offerings of inspiring words or song, and defined action items. People from other parts of the state, country and world have reached out asking for help and support in organizing similar local organizations. We envision a powerful network of local citizens across the globe who support and learn from each other’s initiatives.
Contact us and lets be a support for each other on this journey!
Please share your contact information with us if you are already working on behalf of medical freedom in New York, and if you want others to be able to connect with you. Together in this growing movement, there can be more and more activities around the state! Thank you.