New Roots Institute

🌱Planting New Roots 🌱 This summer, I had the privilege of being part of the New Roots Leadership Academy—a transformative 8-week experience. The academy brought together over 80 fellows from different backgrounds, all united by a shared commitment to making a difference. The diversity of perspectives provided a global view of the challenges we face and the solutions we can create together. Throughout the program, we delved into the complexities of factory farming and explored its connections to the environment, animal welfare, public health, and social justice. We had the chance to learn from nearly 70 experts from diverse fields, and I left each session feeling more informed, inspired, and ready to take action. Some of the sessions that stood out to me were 🌟 "Seeding Innovation" with T.K. Pillan, founder of Veggie Grill by Next Level and GroundForce Capital 🌟 "The Power of Communication and Language" with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, host of the Food for Thought podcast and founder of The 30-Day Vegan Challenge 🌟 "How One Little Nugget Can Change the World" with Christie Lagally of Rebellyous Foods These conversations gave me practical tools to apply in my work and inspired me to think more strategically about how I can contribute to this movement. One of my biggest takeaways? Activism isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. We all have unique strengths, and the best way to create change is to lean into what drives us. 🌍✨ Thank you Becca Rogers for encouraging me to apply and being an incredible source of support throughout the program. I also want to thank my group leader David Burnett and my cohorts Sophie Cazares, Avani Srikanth, Bruni Fischer, Madisyn Gaither, Olman Pineda, Bhart Lal, Rebecca Zewdie, and Meghan Johnston for providing an engaging space for meaningful discussion. Lastly, I'd like to thank the entire New Roots team (Monica Chen, Lauren Ferrucci, Tanwi Wangikar, Leo Balik, Ryan Gourley, Brece Clark, Rowdy Keelor, Caroline Kraus, Natalie Amezcua, M.A Humane Education, Jesse Tandler, Lucy Whitney, Jessica Cohen, Lilly Smith, Abigail Crawford, Claire Deshaies, Keith Allison, Josh Kidwell, Eleanor (Ellie) Grondin, and Sara Wilson for creating such an inclusive and supportive environment for students to tackle tough topics and become proactive problem solvers. The connections I’ve made and the skills I’ve developed have been invaluable, and I’m excited to continue growing as a leader in this space. 💪 #Leadership #SustainableFoodSystems #Community #Growth #EndFactoryFarming #PlantBased

As we reflect on the past three months, we are thrilled to share some recent highlights from New Roots Institute: Classroom Lessons: 🌱 New Roots Institute educators have delivered over 1,400 lessons in the academic year to classrooms across the United States, each one empowering students with transparent knowledge about our food system. 🌱 Our team has expanded and we recently established two new hubs in Portland, Maine and Charleston, South Carolina. We are excited to begin visiting classrooms in these locations in the fall! Leadership Academy: 🌱 We welcomed highly-motivated high school and college participants to the Leadership Academy, an 8-week educational fellowship where they are developing skills and training to advance systems-level change. 🌱 Five New Roots Institute alumni are facilitating Leadership Academy discussion groups. Alumni Network: 🌱 Our alumni network continues to grow. Many New Roots Institute alumni have secured positions in various sectors within the movement to end factory farming. We are excited to continue empowering the next generation with the knowledge and training to skillfully contribute to our shared mission of ending factory farming. #NewRootsInstitute #EndFactoryFarming #EducationForChange

"Every time I think I get it all, I'm introduced to new ideas and perceptions, and I'm constantly amazed by the thoughts put forward by the other fabulous fellows." Much intention goes into our programming to provide a robust learning community for leadership development. Thank you, Sanchita _, for sharing your Leadership Academy experience so far. We're thrilled to support you as a fellow this summer, and beyond! 🎉

There are a few spots left for Leadership Academy! Learn more and apply on our website: https://lnkd.in/eMBt5RUc

The application deadline for the Leadership Academy has been extended! We are now accepting applications until all seats are filled. The Leadership Academy is an eight-week educational fellowship in sustainable food systems leadership where you’ll be surrounded by like-minded, high-achieving peers who share your passion for making a real-world impact. If you or someone you know would be a great fit, apply today! #LeadershipDevelopment https://hubs.ly/Q02zM7qF0

Welcome to all newly accepted Leadership Academy fellows! We are gearing up for an impactful summer where fellows will build the foundation to create real-world impacts on our food system. Applications are open through June 5 and reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eMBt5RUc

Unlock your full potential and lead with purpose. Tanwi, New Roots Institute’s Leadership Development Coordinator, reflected upon her experience in our leadership development programs: first as a fellow, then alumni, and now a full-time team member. "I really wanted to learn more and become a force for positive change in my own community, and I just didn't know how. New Roots Institute's leadership program gave me the knowledge and skills I needed... I was able to connect with so many students from around the country and professionals who are working in the movement to create a more just and sustainable food system, and I learned the skills I needed to advocate for change in my own community." The Leadership Academy is an 8-week educational fellowship in sustainable food systems leadership where you have the opportunity to connect with driven peers, thought leaders and organizations, and develop the skills to advance systems-level change. 📢 Applications are open to high school and college students on rolling basis until June 5! Learn more and apply now: https://hubs.ly/Q02x9d6-0

Join the Leadership Academy and embark on a transformative journey in sustainable food systems leadership! Over eight weeks, immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment alongside like-minded peers passionate about making a real-world impact. Gain insights into the challenges of industrial animal agriculture and cultivate the skills needed to drive systemic change. 💡 This isn't just another online course—it's a collaborative hub where ideas flourish, friendships blossom, and collective aspirations thrive. By applying, you also have a chance to be selected for our yearlong fellowship. Best part? The Leadership Academy operates on a pay-what-you-can basis, ensuring accessibility for all applicants. 🌍 Keen to know more? Register for our info session on Monday, May 20: https://hubs.ly/Q02wQ65R0 #LeadershipAcademy #NewRootsInstitute #LeadershipDevelopment

This past weekend, I had the honour of attending Food 4 Thought where I met inspiring future food leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs that are passionate about food security, public health, animal welfare and environmental justice. While I am fairly new to the alternative protein scene, it was inspiring to hear about others' experiences. Particularly impactful were seminars like "Navigating Controversy in Conversation" by New Roots Institute, where I learned soft skills like active listening and genuine humility. I also gained insights into terms such as food swamp and food sovereignty from Megan Chen, who started her own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation, The Urban Garden Initiative. It was an enriching weekend filled with diverse learnings, leaving me feeling empowered and motivated to contribute positively to the future of food systems. Special thanks to Shawn Mobley, co-director of the event for the special invitation. His dedication to fostering a collaborative community, equipped with the tools and knowledge to shape the future of food into one that is more sustainable, equitable, healthy, and cruelty-free, made the experience truly remarkable. #sustainability #foodsystems #alternativeprotein #agriculture #health #animalwelfare #environmentaljustice