Growing Together: The Branches of the New Roots Society
The strength of a community is in its connections. The Branches represent the ways we support each other, exchange knowledge, and create something bigger than ourselves. They are the relationships we build, the skills we share, and the networks that make life more resilient and meaningful.
While I can make a small difference by myself, when multiple people come together with a common purpose, real change happens. Whether it’s through trade, shared work, or simply knowing there’s someone to call when help is needed, these connections form the foundation of a thriving, self-sustaining community. The Branches are about putting that into practice. Not just talking about it, but living it.
What Growing Branches Could Look Like
Alternative Economies That Work for People
Resources shouldn’t be locked behind paywalls or controlled by the highest bidder. Things like organizing swap meets for clothes and tools and creating barter systems help keep wealth within the community. Cooperatives and local trade networks give people more options and more control over their life.Sharing What We Have, So Nothing Goes to Waste
Food security starts at the local level. Neighborhood produce exchanges keep fresh food circulating where it’s needed, and free CSA programs ensure no harvest goes to waste. When people pool their resources, access to healthy food becomes a right, not a privilege.Events That Bring People Together
A community is strongest when people actually know each other. Workshops, potlucks, and open discussions aren’t just social events, they’re opportunities to share skills, ideas, and support. These spaces help people connect in ways that go beyond small talk and deepen relationships and support networks.Practical Solutions for Local Resilience
Real change happens at home. Greywater systems, energy co-ops, and community composting make neighborhoods more self-sufficient. Supporting policies for eco-friendly housing and infrastructure makes these ideas accessible, not just wishful thinking.Education That’s Actually Useful
Information should be easy to access, not buried behind paywalls or jargon. Newsletters, online hubs, and hands-on training give people the tools they need to build a better way of living. When knowledge is freely shared, solutions spread faster.
Why This Matters
Strong communities don’t happen by accident. The systems most of us rely on weren’t built with our best interests in mind. They prioritize profit over people, convenience over sustainability, and isolation over connection. The result is more dependence on corporations, fewer real relationships, and a way of living that leaves people exhausted, disconnected, and struggling to keep up.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. When people work together, instead of against each other, life gets easier. When skills, food, and resources are shared, everyone benefits. A thriving, resilient community doesn’t just focus on survival, they can focus on creating a way of living that feels good, makes sense, and actually supports the people in it.
How You Can Help Make This Real
Change doesn’t come from one person doing everything. It comes from many people doing what they can. Here are a few ways to get involved:
Show Up: Come to a swap meet, a workshop, a gathering. Meet people, learn something new, and get connected.
Share What You Have: Extra produce from your garden, tools you don’t use all the time, or a skill you’re willing to trade.
Start Something: Host a local food exchange, organize a skill-sharing event, or create a barter network in your town. If you need help, we’re here.
Spread the Word: Talk to your neighbors, invite friends, share ideas. The more people who know, the stronger this gets.
Support the Work: If you have space, resources, or expertise to offer, we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a venue for events, knowledge to share, or hands to help, every contribution matters.
No one has to do this alone. The more people who take part, the stronger and more self-sufficient we all become.