The Taproots Project

tap·root: n. 1. main root of a plant, 2. the root that anchors a tree firmly to the ground,
3. something that provides an important central source for growth or development.

What passions and beliefs drive grassroots community organizers to do what we do? The Center for Community Change believes that the answer to that question has the potential to transform American politics.

The Center recognizes that the progressive movement has been running on the fumes of the New Deal, bereft of new compelling ideas that can engage and energize a movement for social justice. In our view, the major barriers to the emergence of fresh thinking are ingrained habits of mind within the progressive movement that have evolved over many decades. Breaking those habits will require audacity, honestly, patience and mutual respect.

Seasoned organizers – who have the best read on the problems, beliefs, aspirations and concerns of those least able to participate in America’s democracy – have largely been left out of conversations about a progressive future for America.

The Taproots Project is creating a space for community leaders, grassroots organizers, public thinkers, and other progressive leaders to engage in deep reflection and thoughtful debate about the core beliefs at the root of our drive towards social and economic justice.

From these new collaborations, The Center for Community Change aims to develop a compelling narrative about our vision for a better America, what went wrong, and what must be done to get us where we want to go.

We have been engaged in a program of deep listening to explore the thinking of our base constituencies on the kinds of moral and social questions that inspire action for social change. Unlike the typical focus group process which seeks to find solutions to short term tactical problems, our emerging process brings together organizers and community leaders and asks open-ended and big questions seeking to draw upon personal experiences.

Now, the Taproots Project is reaching outward to engage a cross-section of thinkers in structured conversations on a range of economic topics as well as the importance of spirituality.

Click below to listen to a discussion between Juliet Schor and Betsy Taylor about the culture and economics of consumerism.

Culture and Economic of Consumerism – 6/30/2005