“People feel seen, cared for, and credit The Root with transforming their lives by fostering a sense of belonging.”

— The Root Feedback Community Survey Report

At The Root Social Justice Center, we are working to create safe spaces, foster belonging, and amplify BIPOC voices—and we need your help to continue this vital work. Thanks to the support we received on Giving Tuesday The Root has made a strong step toward our annual goal of $100,000. Will you join us with a contribution to help us reach our $100,000 goal and sustain our impact?"

Building community and cultural pride while getting our self care needs met at the Back to School BIPOC Hair Clinic.

We believe belonging is the foundation of a strong and vibrant community. As an organization that centers Blackness and prioritizes the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), belonging is at the heart of everything we do at The Root. When BIPOC feel seen, valued, and connected, the community as a whole transforms. Isolation gives way to connection. Systemic inequities are met with collective action. Networks of mutual care and support flourish. Safe spaces for collective healing take shape. When we center Blackness and prioritize the needs of BIPOC our entire community thrives.

Your Support Strengthens Our Roots

We invite you to join us in sustaining this vital work. Today, your support is more critical than ever. The recent passage of House Bill H.R. 9495 threatens nonprofits like ours, targeting essential social justice work and endangering organizations serving marginalized communities. Your tax deductible contribution will help us push back against these threats and continue offering safe spaces, strengthening collective impact, and providing healing initiatives for BIPOC individuals.

Listening and Growing Together

In 2024, nearly 100 people responded to our Feedback Community Survey, highlighting The Root’s role in fostering belonging and reducing isolation for BIPOC. Respondents shared that our programs make Brattleboro more inclusive, with 69% feeling more connected to the community, including underserved youth. Folks praised the spaces we create for critical conversations on race and equity and noted how our collaborations strengthen organizations and collective social justice efforts. Many expressed a desire for The Root to address emerging community needs and expand our impact—looking to us for leadership and support, while also keeping folks updated on our work and future initiatives. We deeply appreciate this feedback. Your insights guide our work and help us better meet the evolving needs of our community.

In 2024, we launched the BIPOC Playgroup in direct response to your feedback, addressing a vital community need.

Expanding Our Team and Impact

We are excited to announce that The Root is one step closer to having a full team for operation. Over the summer, The Root hired four Black identified individuals to join our all BIPOC team, strengthening our commitment to leadership by and for the most impacted communities. These new team members will lead programs and initiatives designed to uplift and empower BIPOC individuals, ensuring our work remains rooted in the needs and experiences of most impacted communities. Learn more about our team at: therootsjc.org/our-team

Our expanding  Root Team! (including  team member Allison Smith, not pictured)

And in direct response to an emerging community need, we launched a new program branch: the Asylum Seeker, Refugee & Immigrant Community (ARC) program. Led by and for asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants, ARC is dedicated to fostering belonging, celebrating our communities’ rich cultural diversity, creating safer spaces, and promoting community cohesion.

The Root's refugee-led soccer team at the ARC Community Sports Event.

Building Collective Power

In 2024, we partnered with over 70 organizations, businesses, foundations and community leaders on advocacy campaigns, legislative initiatives, art shows, and celebrations of Black joy. These collective efforts address systemic barriers and amplify BIPOC voices, creating a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community.

Mutual Aid: Supporting Individuals and Families

Through our Mutual Aid Support Network (MASN), we provided over $35,000 in direct support to more than 50 BIPOC individuals and families this year. MASN does more than offer financial aid—it builds networks of care and solidarity. As one participant shared:

“I have rarely felt as supported as I did by The Root. For someone who has often felt isolated, it was deeply moving to witness a community come together. This program is a profound expression of love and care.”

— MASN Participant

With the challenges ahead, your support means more today than ever. Your donation helps us sustain and grow our programs while continuing to invest in our physical space as a vital hub for collaboration, organizing, and community-building—ensuring those most impacted lead the way. Together, we’ll build a future rooted in justice, equity, and belonging. Will you help us reach our $100,000 goal?

With deep gratitude,

The Root Social Justice Center Team