Social & Environmental Justice

Planting Seeds of Change

Roots2Empower uses direct service, education, public policy, and community engagement to confront social injustice and advance equity in southern New England. 

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We Believe

All people have the right to meaningful participation in the decision-making that impacts their lives. As society transforms to address the intersecting climate, health, and economic crises, underrepresented people must be at the table, shaping the solutions.

By centering community-driven strategies that provide direct support for youth, individuals, and families facing systemic barriers, our advocacy can create a thriving society for all.

Our Mission


We foster an equitable, community-driven transition to a regenerative future through public education, skills-building, and environmental connection.

Our Vision

Our vision is a just and equitable Southern New England powered by deep democracy and a regenerative economy rooted in belonging, care, and cooperation.

We envision a region where all families have access to the healing power of nature, sustainable energy, dignified housing, and nutritious food without the systemic barriers of racism, poverty, and mass incarceration.

“There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle, because we do not live single-issue lives.”

-Audre Lorde

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We host community conversations to share information about climate change and clean energy in Rhode Island, hear from community members about the impacts and barriers they’re facing, and envision solutions. 

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How we make a difference

Program Areas

Entrepreneurship Training

We offer a 10-week training program to help startup owners achieve their business goals.

Topics covered include: how to build and present a business plan; founding and entrepreneurial finance; marketing strategies; management; distribution; and technology.


Roots Youth Program

We offer STEM education and career mentorship for youth in low-income communities.

Our programs include an 18-week Youth Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship program, a 5-week clean energy program, herbalism workshops, and hands-on learning in our community garden.

Mentorship

We support entrepreneurs by connecting them with the information, resources, and networks they need, including partners, customers, and investors.

Mentors provide feedback, reassurance, and motivation to help entrepreneurs solve problems and navigate the challenges of starting a business.

Environmental Justice

We address environmental justice issues through advocacy and organizing, notifying communities of environmental hazards and working with partners to resist the expansion of toxic infrastructure.

We build community-driven solutions by bringing people together to learn and envision a healthier future.

Clean Energy

We work to make careers in the clean energy sector more accessible to low-income and justice-impacted folks through advocacy, mentorship, information sharing, and our community training partners.

We also facilitate dialogues to uplift community voices and inform the clean energy transition.

Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is foundational to economic empowerment, personal agency, and building wealth. We teach personal financial literacy that covers how a checking account works, what using a credit card really means, how to avoid debt, credit scores and more. We also train entrepreneurs in financial management for their business.

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