ABOUT GRASSROOTS & GROUNDWORK

The Grassroots & Groundwork conference, sponsored by the Northwest Area Foundation of St. Paul, Minn., brings together service providers, business and civic leaders, educators, researchers, private citizens, policymakers, faith leaders and more to lift up success stories in the struggle against poverty. The conference features national speakers – Marian Wright Edelman, Robert Reich, Angela Glover Blackwell, Elouise Cobell and Dr. Mae Jemison, to name a few – who continue to capture our hearts and propel our efforts.

In the conference’s break-out sessions, organizations from across the country – chosen after an extensive selection process – share an impressive array of models for reducing poverty and building communities. Since 2004, the conference has explored topics such as building access to credit, combating predatory lending, addressing food security, advancing public policy solutions, forming community partnerships, enhancing workforce development, providing affordable housing, expanding “green” job training, promoting small business opportunities and advocating for living-wage jobs. 

Attendees learn what really works, grab on to proven or promising ideas, walk away with real tools, and shape the ideas to fit in their own community. They continue to build relationships with colleagues and share their passion for poverty reduction long after the conference ends.

If you’re interested in learning and sharing ideas – that are practical, proven, innovative and sustainable – for moving from poverty to prosperity, and you’re ready for a shot in the arm to give you the energy to continue building a future free of poverty, consider attending Grassroots & Groundwork.