Roots Academy

The Grass Roots Organizers (gRo) Roots Academy is a 6-week, comprehensive and dynamic course designed to empower individuals
and build community-led capacity with the skills, knowledge, and encouragement needed to drive positive change.

Apply for Roots Academy
Apply for Roots Academy

gRo Roots Academy

  • The Jordan Bridge, connecting Portsmouth and South Norfolk, at dusk with city lights and cloudy sky

    The Grass Roots Organizers (GRO)

    Rooted in the principles of community organizing, advocacy, and needs assessment, this program provides a solid foundation for participants to become effective advocates and catalysts for social change. Healthy communities and growth-center political environments require civically engaged citizens to lead the way toward progress. For that reason, the Roots Academy operates in the belief that empowered, informed, and strategically-minded people and organizations can play a pivotal role in driving positive change within their communities. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical exercises, and community engagement, the program seeks to create a cadre of advocates capable of addressing the unique needs and challenges of their respective

    Apply for Roots Academy
  • Sunset over the Norfolk, Virginia skyline with boats in the water and colorful clouds in the sky.

    Roots Academy - First Cohort Curriculum

    Intro to gRo & Community Organizing

    Community Organizing History & Systemic Inequalities

    Exploring Organizing Principles, Tools & Planning

    Strategic Storytelling

    Purpose in Planning

    Graduation

    Apply for Roots Academy

Healthy communities and growth-center political environments require civically engaged citizens to lead the way toward progress.

Apply for Roots Academy
Apply for Roots Academy