Since its founding in 2015, the Good Work Institute has facilitated networking and programming to strengthen the local community, economy, and ecosystem. Rooted in principles of social justice, democratization of wealth and power, and diversity, GWI’s work has historically relied on the dynamic and propulsive alchemy of group gatherings to effect change. But amid the early waves of the pandemic, such large-scale face-to-face meet-ups became impossible.
The Good Work Institute is finally returning to in-person programming May 12-15, with the Rooted Resources festival. This weekend-long series of educational and exploratory events takes as its focus the behemoth topic of economic inequality and aims to examine the ways that localized spending and circular economies can create pathways to equity and economic resilience in our communities.
“This festival represents a radical opportunity to gather citizens and community leaders together, to learn from each other, and inspire a sense of shared purpose as we create community-led solutions for a Just Transition in the Hudson Valley,” says Vonda Brunsting, GWI board member and equitable investment advocate. Just Transition is an economic and social movement that seeks to care for the planet and its residents, prioritizing localized economies and good work prospects as means to a healthy, thriving, and inclusive ecosystem—both natural and social.
The Rooted Resources festival’s focus on democratizing wealth, communities, and work will foster a space where participants interact to collaboratively develop ideas and initiatives to shift our collective consciousness toward a group mentality. “We’re energized to be bringing so many different perspectives and projects together under this one umbrella theme,” says Helene Lesterlin, a GWI Worker Trustee. The festival will include informational sessions on cooperative business models, community funds, storytelling for change, dealing with the trauma of money, property as wealth, indigineous land stewardship, cultural practices of sharing resources, and more.
The programming will span formats from panel discussions to keynote presentations and interactive workshops. Things kick off Thursday evening, May 12 with a virtual orientation and overview of the schedule.
Friday’s programming at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston will feature Omar Freilla, social entrepreneur and movement builder with a passion for building structures for community self-determination; and Betty Francisco, CEO of the Boston Impact Initiative, impact investor, and business executive. Soak up spring on Saturday with a slate of al fresco programming under tents in Midtown Kingston, in the parking lot between Big Bubble Laundromat and the future Kingston Food Co-op. There will also be wellness opportunities, food, art, and music throughout the day, with a closing session at the Greenhouse.
Rooted Resources wil; wrap up Sunday morning with an interactive workshop called “Stories of the Future: Envisioning Pathways to Local Economic Power,” designed to help participants reflect on the weekend’s learnings and create action plans for themselves.
The Rooted Resources Festival is free to all, but registration is required.
This article appears in April 2022.
