Rising, Rooted, and Resilient
How regenerative farming supports community revitalization.
Interweaving stories of community, farming, and sustainability, Thriving Communities' 2025 film series explores the stories of three incredible organizations from as many different regions around the U.S.
Gather and Explore
Our 2025 theme, Rising, Rooted, and Resilient, aims to inspire and inform about the potential of regenerative agriculture, healthy food, and cultural revitalization to heal and nurture communities.
At this year's Gathering at the Whidbey Institute, November 6-8, 2025, we will spotlight the incredible work of three organizations focused on regenerative farming and community well-being through film and facilitated discussion over a three-day retreat.
What is farming if not community connectedness to nature, soil, and the human spirit?
Rising, Rooted, and Resilient: Revitalizing Community Through Regenerative Farming
Starting in 2024, our journey across the United States brought us inspiring stories from three extraordinary organizations and the individuals behind them who are reawakening their communities through sustainable agriculture, cultural reconnection, and the power of resilience.
Rising, Rooted, and Resilient showcases the unwavering spirit and innovative practices that are shaping a brighter future for us all.
Films and Communities in Focus This November
Malik Yakini, DBCFSN Photo: University of Michigan
Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network Network (Detroit, MI)
The Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) is leading a food justice movement in the heart of Detroit. Led by the visionary Malik Yakini, the DBCFSN is transforming the city's food system, putting equity and community ownership at the forefront. Proactive initiatives like the Detroit People's Food Co-Op and D-Town Farm create a model for sustainable, just, and thriving urban communities.
Corbin Scholz, Rainbow Roots Farm. Photo: Rainbow Roots Farm
Farming in Iowa, Corbin Scholz
In the fertile heartland of Iowa, Corbin Scholz is sowing the seeds of change from Rainbow Roots Farm to her current role as Farm Manager at Seed Savers, Corbin's journey reveals the challenges of a young farmer, but also the opportunities for making an impact. As a young woman in a male-dominated industry, Scholz is breaking down barriers and demonstrating the power of local, sustainable agriculture. Her commitment to soil health, women farmers, community well-being, and food access is an inspiration to farmers and food advocates everywhere.
Sara Patterson (l), Red Acre Farm Photo: Red Acre Farm
Red Acre Farms CSA (Cedar City, UT)
In the vibrant community of Cedar City, Utah, Sara Patterson is helping to cultivate a brighter future at Red Acre Farms CSA. Through her dedication to organic practices, community-supported agriculture, and local food systems, Patterson is nurturing the land and the resilience and health of her community through legislation and innovation. Her story exhibits the transformative impact of a young leader in sustainable agriculture.
Part I: Regenerative Farming
