Wrapping up 2018: 10 years & growing
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2018 has brought many opportunities for growth to Third Root. As a community, we have been challenged to show up in a variety of ways that have not always been easy. This year, we saw many people stretch, lean in, and fall back to pursue new opportunities. There are valuable lessons to be learned and we appreciate bearing witness.
It is impossible to separate the challenges of the year from opportunities. The scaffolding just outside this building offers an apt metaphor. When it went up, we worried that it would diminish our presence and block out our light. Instead, it’s given us shelter, it’s diverted the rain from coming in and causing damage (which is an ongoing infrastructural vulnerability). It’s been a place to fly our flag. It’s done its job-offering a structure for growth. There were many other things that at first created concern, but have evolved into blessings helping us to grow.
In the past year, we came face to face with the ways that employees have felt inequities in the workplace, and how we have fallen short of our mission to center people of color, especially people of African descent. We’ve recognized how Third Root has operated as a “labor of love” which meant that people often couldn’t make enough money to sustain themselves without additional work, leading to burnout and high turn-over. We encountered a financial crisis, created and compounded by multiple factors, which served as a wake-up call we couldn’t fail to heed.
Amongst and because of these trials, we grew.
We made it to and through our tenth year anniversary
: simply surviving that long as a small cooperatively run business is a huge accomplishment! We began work with
AORTA
to address inequitable practices and move towards our mission of undoing oppression. We increased wages for administrators, owners, and practitioners. We’ve continued to offer affinity group programs like
Brown Sugar: Yoga for Folks of Color
and
Yoga for Abundant Bodies
, and started new programs like Needles & Nidra, QTIPOC Sangha, and an innovative iteration of the herbal education program led by Avi-Rose.
In response to a financial crises, we launched a fundraiser and exceeded our goal of $25,000. Avid Third Root supporters have come together to create working groups focused on financial sustainability for Third Root. They hosted a beautiful event at
BarChord
that raised $1,614. They’ve presented ideas for approaching funders and are working on gathering data to inform applications. They are bringing fresh energy, creativity, and drive to our fundraising efforts.
We’ve been able to purchase much needed equipment, such as electrical stimulation machines, to grow our offerings. We are also on the cusp of a grand redesign of the apothecary that will accommodate the blossoming of our new
herbal education program
. We’ve seen our reach and our revenue increase significantly. Our enhanced efforts to embody our values with staff and wider community have resulted in more people doubling down on their own healing. While we can’t say what the future will bring, this is a time to applaud and celebrate these monumental achievements we’ve reached together, as a unified force.
Above are just a few of the successes and meaningful actions of the year. It has taken a village to make this possible, and we have so much gratitude to offer. We are grateful for our brilliant administrative staff and practitioners; our amazing teachers, facilitators, and loving volunteers; and to the members of our fundraising committees. They, and our donors, took us from wondering how long we could keep the door open to having the space to envision healing and growing into the coming years
—
and opening that door wider! Every member of this community
—
from collective member to yoga student and in between
—
has made this ten year journey called Third Root a lesson, a blessing, and a lifetime of fulfillment. We are grateful to have the honor of standing arm and arm with you to build this peaceful corner of the earth.
Throughout 2018, many transitions have occurred in our volunteer program, staff, and leadership. We’ve welcomed on board as official employees Aya Bonner Mercer, Angela Ruggerio-Corliss, Marcia Song, Kandice Harper, Beverley Hutchinson, Rachel Casiano, and Avi-Rose. Olivia Quiroz has stepped away from her role as massage manager and practitioner. Most recently,
Mona Eldahry
no longer holds sessions at Third Root, and
is pursuing her private practice and continued education. We’ve created a role called Constituent Thought Partner that allows people who are deeply involved with the overarching operations of the business to contribute their ideas and participate in decision making, as well as take on various projects without being legal owners of the business. Shri Devi was the first person to hold this position. Nicolette made a transition from legal owner to Constituent Thought Partner in January. She capably managed our volunteer program for several years and, as part of this transition, has passed that hat to Nanyamka. We’re thankful to Shri, Nicolette, and Nanyamka as they all continue to shine their particular talents our direction and grow with us as their lives grow in many directions.
Lastly, Jomo Alakoye-Simmons has left the collective. He will be pursuing his acupuncture practice full time. He will always be a beloved member of our community, and we wish him peace, prosperity, and joy along his new and exciting path.
Moving into 2019 brings us all a feeling of renewal. As we welcome the returning of the light, we feel ready to move past feelings of crisis and lean into the curve of opportunity instead. Third Root is in reflection now and will be in flux for some time to come, but we've tested our foundations and let go of what doesn't serve us best. We're making ourselves ready for the great growing season ahead. We will be working to increase avenues for involvement in leadership at Third Root through roles like the Constituent Thought Partner and community advisors. We’ll strengthen our investment in anti-oppression efforts through our continued internal work with AORTA. We will also have public offerings to make space for dialogue with a wider base. We are excited to participate in the
Cooperative Accelerator Program
, working with experts from
New York City Network of Worker Cooperatives
,
CAMBA
&
FPWA
to enhance our operating structure and ensure our vitality and longevity as a business. This year has taught us that we don't heal alone, but in community.
In 2019 we hope to see Third Root Community Health Center moving deeper into our vision of interdependent healing justice, from the inside out.
Take the best care & thank you!!
Third Root Collective & Co.
Julia, Geleni, Emily, Nicolette & Shri Devi
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Third Root Community Health Center | 718-940-9343 | info@thirdroot.org | thirdroot.org
380 Marlborough Rd, Brooklyn, New York 11226
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