Our Core Values

Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary’s mission is to create inclusive and healing community spaces where queer, BIPOC, and other historically marginalized people can connect, heal, and thrive through joyful gatherings, wellness experiences, and resources that nourish the mind, heart, and spirit. We welcome people of all identities who are drawn to meaningful connection. Dandelion upholds these core values in our work, and uses the values to guide how we make decisions, hold space for one another, and represent Dandelion to our community.

Centering Equity

We recognize that belonging grows through relationships grounded in respect. We approach one another with openness, empathy, and care, working together to build a community where everyone has a place and a voice. In pursuit of a more civil and just society, we embed diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization and the ways we carry out our mission. 

Leading by Listening

We believe that the most effective leadership begins with listening. Our organization is guided by the belief that leadership is a shared responsibility, not a position of authority. We value lived experience, open dialogue, and collective wisdom, and we use what we hear to guide our actions. By listening with intention and leading with love, we serve our community in ways that are responsive, respectful, and rooted in trust.

Shared Action, Shared Impact

We can’t do this work alone - and we wouldn’t want to. We believe that meaningful change happens through collective effort. We work collaboratively, share responsibility, and support one another to turn ideas into action. By valuing cooperation over individual credit, we move work forward in ways that are effective, inclusive, and grounded in shared purpose. We commit to follow-through and transparency.

Curiosity in Action

We approach our work with openness, curiosity, and humility. Through honest communication and thoughtful questions, we create space for reflection, feedback, and growth. Curiosity helps us challenge assumptions and continually improve how we serve our community: when things don’t go as expected, we reflect, learn, and adapt, knowing that growth comes from experience. Mistakes are not endpoints, they are stepping stones toward stronger, more informed decisions.

Healing and Trust

We approach conflict and harm with the goal of restoration, not blame. By listening deeply, holding ourselves accountable, and actively repairing harm, we foster trust and healing within our community. Our commitment to restorative practices ensures that all voices are heard and respected. When disagreements arise, we assume the best intent, ask for clarification, and use these tough moments as opportunities to learn. 

Small is Good, Small is All

Inspired by Emergent Strategy and the work of Adrienne Maree Brown, we honor the power of small, local, and intentional actions. Our work thrives when every community member, idea, and effort is valued. By starting small, we build strong foundations that grow into collective impact, proving that even modest actions can transform communities.

Care For the Earth

Equity among humans won’t matter if we don’t have a planet to live on. For this reason, we turn to sustainability as often as we can. This includes using biodegradable cups, lids, trash bags, and other supplies for the storefront, encouraging customers to utilize our product refill programs, and avoiding single use plastic whenever possible. 

Community Safety

Safety is a shared responsibility. By looking out for one another, setting boundaries, and practicing care and accountability, we create spaces where people feel supported, respected, and able to fully engage. We do not use AI products such as note-takers, ChatGPT, or any similar tools in the work that we do. This ensures that sensitive information is kept private, and that real human thought is used to move our mission forward.