LA Rooted emerged as a beacon of transformative youth advocacy. Founded in March 2013 in collaboration with Everything is Medicine, LA Rooted is more than just a program; it’s a journey embracing community leadership, ancestral wisdom, and environmental stewardship. Our hands-on, inquiry-based approach draws from the rich tapestry of cultures and biodiversity in Los Angeles, focusing on empowering underserved communities. With recent expansions, including a dedicated queer collective component, we’re committed to celebrating youth heritage and ancestry, paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient future.”

What we do:

Address Youth Challenges: Equitable Access and Empowerment

Urban youth of color face daily challenges stemming from inequitable access to healthy food, resources, and safe physical spaces. Alarming obesity rates among youth disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Moreover, an inequitable system of punishment and violence impacts students of color across the nation. Socioeconomic limitations and inadequate city planning further compound these challenges, affecting health, opportunities, and the environment.

Empower Youth for Transformation

L.A Rooted is committed to empowering every young person through an education that fosters self-esteem, self-identity, and healthy daily practices. Our philosophy aligns with Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of education as a means to develop critical thinking and character. The program centers around youth leadership and encompasses areas like community wellness, empowerment, healthy lifestyles, food equity, safe transportation, and environmental sustainability.

Holistic Educational Program

The program employs a transformative pedagogy that equips youth with perspectives and tools to address real-world challenges within their communities. Core program components include:

• Zero Waste Initiative: Teaching youth about reusing, repurposing, and recycling through practical daily practices.
• Self-Healing and Physical Wellbeing: Nutritional workshops and kinesthetic activities like cycling, hiking, and yoga promote mental and physical wellness.
• Cultural and Environmental Connection: An interdisciplinary curriculum engages students with the natural world through activities like backpacking and vermicomposting.

Fostering Positive Relationships: The People’s Museum and Outdoor Connections

The People’s Museum broadens students’ perspectives by connecting them with professionals, activists, and artists. This innovative approach combines field trips, oral histories, and hands-on experiences to enrich students’ knowledge and understanding of their surroundings. Outdoor connections allow students to explore their impact on nature and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Promoting Self-Healing and Self-Love

L.A Rooted emphasizes the importance of self-appreciation and care through activities like cycling, yoga, and nutrition workshops. By nurturing a strong mind-body connection, students develop self-love and resilience. The program believes that caring for one’s body through physical and mental exercise and proper nutrition leads to transformative change.