Autumnal Equinox: a time to honor endings and beginnings. A time of equal light, equal dark. A time to reflect on what we’ve gathered and collected – the fruit from our seeds sown.

(Photo above: funky creations from keiki at SKEA's Fall Art Camp using invasive waiawī [strawberry guava] we've removed from our forest.)

We’re sitting deep into September's equinox and October’s full moon illumination. We’ve gathered the season’s harvest: engagement of over 50 individuals through Nature & Art as Therapy; a graceful settling-in and sharing of Pāpā Forest in South Kona; and the cultivation of many meaningful relationships with participants, stakeholders, and engaged community members. These are just a few examples of opportunities explored and progress worth celebrating.

With this abundant basket of metaphoric fruit resting in our arms under the moon’s luminosity, we’re satisfied but far from complacent. There’s still so much more to become. And we’ve had a vivid reminder lately: Root & Rise (and any organization or movement) is SO much stronger – more efficient, effective, and aligned with community need and opportunity – when we approach the work as a team, as a collective.

In addition to the many folks who have invested in Root & Rise through giving of funds, expertise, time, supplies, and other kinds of support (like subscribing to our newsletter and sharing on social media), our Steering Committee is the behind-the-scenes engine that keeps this baby running. Please take a moment to read about these talented and inspirational individuals.

Ways YOU can be involved TODAY:

• Participate: dive into a personal growth experience through a Nature & Art as Therapy workshop, or request a one-on-one or group session, tailored to your interests, needs, and preferences. 

• Contribute funds: Individual donors play a HUGE role in our sustainability - you’re the heartbeat! We’re excited to launch our monthly giving program by the end of the year, but for now, please visit HERE to make a one-time gift.

• Donate supplies: We hope to collect these items second-hand, but gratefully accept whatever comes our way. For local donations, please call 617-543-8065 or email rootandrisehawaii@gmail.com. Any mailed items can be sent to: PO Box 377452, Ocean View, HI, 97604

   

  • Glass containers (wide-ish mouth) or aquariums, with or without tops (example)

  • Pompoms, glitter, sequin, feathers, any decorative crafty material 

  • Acrylic paint

  • Wooden picture frames (with or without glass)

  • Hardcover books (can be in poor condition, but not moldy)

  • Window screen (example)

  • Blender

  • Paper cups and small plates (unused, please)

  • Yarn, string

  • Assorted paper

  • Highlighters, markers

  • Plastic bins of all sizes with lids (example)

Reaching Kaʻū

This workshop, facilitated in partnership with the wonderful Wendy Schwartz of Hilo VA, guided participants (primarily adults with significant mental health diagnoses) to develop a personalized safety plan to use in times of crisis. Participants also crafted visual representations of safety through collage: a common, yet deeply therapeutic, reflective activity. Mahalo Chad of Steadfast Housing for supporting his clients to attend!

This workshop, originally created in collaboration with the Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s Suicide Prevention Core Team, can be done at home. Here are our DIY instructions. A safety plan can save a life. At the very least, this practice helps us reflect on how to overcome adversity and what makes life worth living.

Other announcements

• Mosaic Garden Stone workshop has been rescheduled for November 11th, 10-12pm at outdoor studio in South Kona (mauka Miloliʻi). Call 617-543-8065 to register. Flier to follow later this month. 

• For the past two months, we’ve been participating in RaisingChange’s Grant Writing Workshop. The experience has increased our understanding of grants as one piece of fund development. Last week we submitted a grant proposal (fingers crossed!), and are currently working on several more to support Nature & Art as Therapy.
   

• Thank you Vibrant Hawaiʻi for designating Root & Rise as a Kahua Hub as a part of an island-wide network of over 40 Resilience Hubs. Kahua Hubs are volunteer-driven and activate to provide for basic needs, increase equity, and strengthen individual and community resilience for the general public in a geographic region. We hope to engage our community from Ka’ū to North Kona through our mission and this partnership with Vibrant Hawaiʻi.