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Alternate ROOTS sprang into being in order to meet the distinct needs of artists who work in and with communities, artists who work for social justice, and artists who create work by, for, about and within communities of place, tradition, affiliation, and spirit. Founded in 1976 at the Highlander Center in New Market, Tennessee, R.O.O.T.S. was originally an acronym for Regional Organization of Theaters South. The organization eventually added Alternate and dropped the acronym. ROOTS quickly established itself as a thought leader in the field of community-based arts and the only regional collective of artists committed to social and economic justice. In response to the needs of the growing field of community-based

arts, ROOTS evolved to a multidisciplinary member-based and artist-driven organization. Member artists develop programs and ROOTS provides resources for the needs of these socially conscious artists working in the Southeast.

As a progressive arts organization, ROOTS is at the forefront of establishing model programs for regional cultural organizing in the US. ROOTS is an exemplary incubator for participatory democracy. Through the practice of our guiding principles - Equitable Partnership, Shared Power, Open Dialogue, Individual and Community Transformation, and an Aesthetic that embraces both beauty and justice - we continue to be a model program for regional organizing that is responsive to and reflective of the needs of this unique artistic community.

A regional arts service organization with over 30 years of history, Alternate ROOTS is an invaluable national resource to artists, organizers and cultural workers. As a visible champion of activist artists, ROOTS is looked to for leadership, particularly in the Southern United States, where it provides its most direct services to its members. Alternate ROOTS provides the connective tissue for a distinct segment of the arts and culture field - artists

who have a commitment to making work in, with, by, for and about their communities, and those whose cultural work strives for social justice. While this is a large sector in US arts and culture as many artists work in this way and share these aims, it is, for the most part, informally organized and collaborations are often the result of chance as much as choice. Alternate ROOTS is striving to increase those chances.

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Friends,

For the past 10 summers, I have gathered at camps throughout the South with members of my beloved artistic family to practice the ritual of regeneration. Year after year, I return to this particular place of spirit and tradition to discover new methods of strengthening my voice, renewing my energy, and developing the skills I need to return home and invigorate my community.

ROOTS is a retreat for some, a vacation for others, to even more a family reunion of kindred souls eager to try something new in the quest for change. At ROOTS the conversations are often challenging but the generosity brought to the space each year is unmatched. And this year is no different.

Artists, organizers, and educators have once again trekked from far and not so far away places to gather together in the mountains of North Carolina to spend a week, or weekend, recharging themselves for the numerous challenges we face throughout the year.

The economic meltdown and subsequent recovery efforts have forced both public and private sectors to recognize the similar challenges we all face in this 21st century global society. Creating art in concert with the needs of community is now being recognized as a valuable commodity, worthy of recognition. This was demonstrated by the historic invitation of more than 60 community arts practioners being invited to participate in a conversation at the White House on May 12, 2009.

As we begin what will undoubtedly be a beautiful week, I challenge each of you to spend the next few days opening yourself up to the limitless possibilities of your imagination. Take time to reconnect with old friends, also take time to make new friends and lay the foundation for future collaborations.

We are creative beings with the ability to solve the most complex problems; a trait the world needs now more than ever.

It is truly a great time to be an artist.

Carlton Turner, DirectorAlternate ROOTS

ROOTS Director Carlton Turner visits the White House in May 2009.

From the Desk of the Director

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Registration. $300.Travel. $183.

Membership. $65.Being in the right place at the right time. Priceless.

Welcome to the 33rd Annual Meeting. A whole slew of people have been working for many months to get you here. There’ve been countless hours of conference calls, committee meetings, and subcommittee meetings. By my estimate, fully 60 people have directly con-tributed to your being here today.

Our theme, Re-birth of a Nation, could not be more appropriate for this gathering . Just as our society is undergoing great change, so is ROOTS giving re-birth to itself as we adopt a new strategic plan, re-envision our governance and staff structure, and re-organize the An-nual Meeting in many different ways.

So what we have here, is a grand experiment. The people have spoken, through docu-mentation, evaluation, and reflection, over the past several years, and we’re trying hard to implement many new ideas that were introduced or honed through that process in order to maximize the Annual Meeting experience.

Here are just a few of the conversation strands you’ll be witnessing, reaping the benefits from, and participating in:

• an all-conference opportunity to engage in conversation about racism and how it affects our lives and this organization

• the elimination of work-study and transitioning to an all-conference work co-op so that all participants can both contribute to the “behind the scenes” work and enjoy the benefits of being at the AM with more equitable distribution

• reorganization of the schedule so that business happens in concentrated chunks and studios/open space/trainings happen together for the most amount of time we could squeeze out of a week

• a strong emphasis on the first-year experience, particularly through the Hospi-tality Team

• increased attention paid to our sustainable practices as a temporary commu-nity thanks to the Green Team

• let’s not forget the forethought and planning by the Technology, Documenta-tion/Evaluation, Youth, and Culinary Teams/Captains as well!

• more pool time and a siesta every day!

It’s been my great pleasure to work with the folks involved in this process to date, as well as to make the transition from being a ROOTS member to a staff person in a way that felt almost effortless—or, dare I say, priceless?

And to see if this grand experiment works.

Happy Re-birth Day, Y’all!

Shannon M. TurnerManager of Programs and Services

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Greetings Annual Meeting Attendees,

The Staff and Development Work Group, have been fast at work over the past three months crafting a development work plan, researching new funding opportunities, and launching the ROOTS 3.5 Campaign for the Future.

Many of you have read about the ROOTS 3.5 campaign on the website but, just in case you have not heard about it yet, it is our campaign to establish a firm financial footing for ROOTS as we begin to plan for the 35th anniversary in 2011.

This is the time to begin to think about what the organization should look like in the future, what kinds of programs and services might we need to support our members, and most importantly, what does it mean to be a durable, sustainable organization in an economy undergoing a structural rather than a cyclical shift?

We want your input and best thinking to help re-imagine ROOTS thirty-five years in the future. What would you like to see?

With that in mind, strategically we are looking to grow and strengthen two streams of income for ROOTS, earned income and donations from individuals. Both of these offer us unrestricted income to be used as needed for operations. In this economy, this is the best kind of income to have, as we can respond to opportunities or threats as quickly as needed.

If you have not made a contribution yet to the 3.5 Campaign for the Future, there is no time like the present to do so. You can easily make a donation online, or send a check to the office. Please be as generous as you can, every little bit helps.

If you have any questions, or if I can be of any help, please call me at the office 404-577-1079, or reach out by email at keryl@alternateroots.org.

Here’s to a fabulous Annual Meeting.

Keryl McCord and the Development Work Group

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(you might want to know about what you’ve gotten yourself into…)

The ROOTS Annual Meeting is a fun, challenging, and life-altering gathering for many people. Be-

cause this is an experiential event, it may be difficult to describe the Annual Meet-ing to someone who has not attended before. Below are some questions to answer som of the things that might come up if this is your first Annual Meeting.

In case of an emergency, what do I do?If the incident is in fact a real emergency, please consider that 911 might be the fastest and safest first line of defense. After that, or perhaps instead of, here are some other helpful numbers:

Shannon Turner, AM Coordinator, 540-552-3482Carlton Turner, ROOTS Director, 601-473-6074Lutheridge Guest Services (a staff member is always carrying that phone), 828-606-5684. Parkridge Hospital is the closest. 100 Hospital Drive Hendersonville, NC 28792, 828-684-8501.Mission Hospital is also nearby. 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, 828-213-1111

Who attends the Annual Meeting?Artists, cultural workers, educators, art sup-porters and activists/organizers, as well as many others from throughout the South, other parts of the US, and even some international friends, attend the Annual Meeting. Partici-pants are people who want to meet and learn about the work of community-based artists making change happen. They are people who want to learn new methods of interacting with their communities; people who want to work towards the elimination of all forms of oppression; and people who are concerned about the/their environment.

Who will be performing?Check out the Studios and Performances sections for a full line-up of who will be featured this year. In addition to a dynamic

important information

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performance schedule, there are also informal opportunities for attendees to perform. Mini-performances are a regular feature of “Good Morning ROOTS,” business meetings, and late-night cabaret/open-mic sessions are open to anyone who has something to share. These performances are an integral part of a ROOTS gathering.

Is there wireless access? How will I check my e-mail?!?!?Yes, there is wireless access in Efird Hall and in the Faith Center. If you do not have a computer there are plenty of folks who have laptops that are very generous and will let you borrow to check your email. AND we encourage you to be a low-tech as you can this week. It can be a lovely thing to step away from your computer for a week.

Can I drink at the Annual Meeting?Yes. If you’re over 21. We like to let loose around here. We do, however, have a few things for you to keep in mind. Not everyone drinks or feels comfortable around drinking, either because of personal/health choices, religious convictions, or any other reason. Please be discreet about your alcohol consumption and do not push it on others. Additionally, not everyone at the AM is over 21. There will be alcohol-alternative events planned in the late evenings, which you can participate in, even if you just want to take a break from Late Night. Legally, we want to make sure that we look after each other – please don’t do something that would jeopar-dize the organization’s liability.

Pool HoursTuesday 1 - 5 pm

Wednesday 7 - 9 am1 - 5 pm

Thursday 7 - 9 am10 - 12 pm1 - 5 pm7 - 10 pm

Friday 7 - 9 am1 - 5 pm

Saturday 7 - 9 am1 - 5 pm

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Schedule

All-Conference Session: Creative program updates and evaluations; conduct-ing organizational business, surveying the field; planning the future and clarifying our vision; voting in new members. All meeting attendees, no matter how new they are to the organization, are encouraged to participate.

tuesday, august 11Time Event Location

10:00 - 12:00 pm Executive Committee Meeting Faith CenterRSC Planning Meeting

12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch Lineberger Hall3:00 - 4:00 pm Work Co-Op Team Captains Meeting Efird Hall4:00 - 5:00 pm ROOTS 101 Efird Hall

Youth Gathering / Orientation Mission HallWork Co-Op Team Meetings Various Locations

4:30 - 5:30 pm Technical / Critical Response Coordination Meeting

Faith Center

5:00 - 5:45 pm Opening Reception Efird Hall6:00 - 7:00 pm Dinner Lineberger Hall

7:30 - 10:00 pm Opening Night Faith Center10:30 - 11:30 pm Scholarship Orientation Lineberger Hall

10:00 - until Late Night Efird HallRegistration is open from noon - 7 PM in Lineberger Hall

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Schedule

wednesday, august 12Time Event Location

7:00 - 8:00 am Energize Your ROOTS - Laugh Yourself Fit with Eleanor Brownfield

Faith Center

7:30 - 8:15 am Early Morning Pool Time8:00 - 8:45 am Breakfast Lineberger Hall

9:00 - 12:00 am Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla CottageYouth Team Building and Art Making Mission Hall

9:00 - 9:30 am Good Morning ROOTS Faith Center9:30 - 11:45 am All Conference Business Meeting Faith Center

12:00 - 12:45 pm Lunch - Regional Caucus Picnic Lunches Various Locations1:00 - 1:45 pm SieSta

1:00 - 1:45 pm Energize Your ROOTS - Hip-hop Dance Break Efird Hall2:00 - 6:00 pm Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla Cottage

Youth Art Making Workshop Mission Hall2:00 - 2:30 pm Performance:

Bob Kilby, Nick Marchese, & Tom KilbyFaith Center

2:30 - 5:30 pm All Conference Business Meeting Faith Center6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner Lineberger Hall7:00 - 8:30 pm All Conference Business Meeting Faith Center7:30 - 9:30 pm Youth Village Film Series Khonjoy Upstairs

8:45 - 10:30 pm Performances: Deborah J. Hunter, Bailey Barash, Jeff Mather, Saddi Khali, and RISE

Faith Center

CritiCal response will happen immediately following evening performanCes.10:15 - 10:45 pm Studio Leaders Evaluation Debrief Faith Center Porch

11:00 pm - Until Late Night Various LocationsRegistration is open from 8:30 - 12:30 pm & 5:30 - 6:30 in Lineberger Hall.

Late Night: Based on an open mic or cabaret format, Late Night is an opportunity for you to get up and show some of your stuff. Totally casual and off-the-cuff, Late Night is a place where our night owls come together to share poetry, dance, skits, monologues, blog entries, whatever you want to show. Each evening has a host/hostess/hosting team and that’s who you would speak to about getting on the list.

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Schedule

Time Event Location7:00 - 8:00 am Energize Your ROOTS - TBA Faith Center8:00 - 8:45 am Breakfast Lineberger Hall8:45 - 9:00 am Good Morning ROOTS Faith Center

9:00 - 12:00 pm Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla CottageYouth Team Building and Art Making Mission Hall

9:00 - 11:45 pm All Conference Business Meeting Faith Center11:45 - 12:00 pm Performance: Clear Creek Festival Faith Center

12:00 - 12:45 pm Lunch Lineberger Hall1:00 - 1:45 pm SieSta

1:30 - 2:00 pm Energize Your ROOTS: Yoga with Leah Smith

Efird Hall (U)

2:00 - 5:45 STUDIOS (see listing)2:00 - 6:00 pm Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla Cottage2:00 - 6:00 pm Youth Art Making Workshop Mission Hall5:30 - 6:00 pm Performance: Loup Garou Artspot Produc-

tions, Inc. with Nick SlieChapel

6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner Lineberger Hall6:30 - 7:15 pm Artistic Assistance Exhibition Faith Center6:30 - 9:30 pm Safe Haven/Youth Village Camp Fire (12+)

7:30 - 10:00 pm Performances: Faith CenterSpiritHouse, Inc., Montres Henderson, Liza Garza, Kia Mercedes Carcallen, Omari Fox

CritiCal response will happen immediately following evening performanCes.11:00 pm - Until Late Night Efird Hall

Registration is open from 8:30 - 10:30 am in Lineberger Hall.

thursday, august 13

Critical Response: Annual Meetings give members the chance to perform their original work, see other members’ work, and to participate in the Critical Response Process (created by Liz Lerman); a powerful, but user-friendly tech-nique designed to provide artists with critical feedback on works-in-progress.

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Schedule

Time Event Location7:00 - 8:00 Energize Your ROOTS - Laugh Yourself Fit

with Eleanor BrownfieldFaith Center

7:30 - 8:15 Water Aerobics with Lisa Suarez Pool8:00 - 8:45 Breakfast Lineberger Hall9:00 - 9:30 Good Morning ROOTS - Open Space Kickoff Faith Center

9:00 - 12:00 pm Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla CottageYouth Team Building and Art Making Mission Hall

9:45-11:30 pm Open Space11:40-12:00 pm Work Co-opTeam Meetings Mission Hall

12:00-12:45 pm Lunch - Rhizome Caucus Lineberger Hall1:00-1:45 pm SieSta

2:00-5:45 pm All Conference Session on Uprooting Racism Faith Center2:30 - 6:00 pm Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla Cottage2:30 - 6:00 pm Youth Art Making Workshop Mission Hall6:00 - 6:30 pm Work Co-Op Team Captains Meeting Lineberger Hall6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner Lineberger Hall6:30 - 7:30 pm Welcome Block Party, Take 2 Courtyard7:00 - 9:00 pm All Conference Session on Uprooting Racism Faith Center

9:00 - 12:00 pm Youth Village/Safe Haven Teen Party Mission Hall9:00 - 9:30 pm Performance: Faith Center

GaBrilla Ballard Race Peace Mondo Bizarro/M.U.G.A.B.E.E

9:45 - 10:45 pm Race Breakout Groups / Story Circles Various Locations11:00 pm - Until Late Night Efird Hall (U)

Registration is open from 8:30 - 10:30 am in Lineberger Hall.

friday, august 14

Open Space: A meeting technique that acknowledges your power to set your own agenda. Come prepared to share with one another. Studios, workshops, discussion sessions, and performances will all happen during time designated as Open Space.

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Schedule

Time Event Location7:00 - 8:00 Energize Your ROOTS: Yoga with Leah Smith Faith Center8:00 - 8:45 Breakfast Lineberger Hall9:00 - 9:30 Good Morning ROOTS Faith Center

9:00 - 12:00 Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla CottageYouth Village Art Making Workshops Mission Hall

9:30 - 12:15 STUDIOS Various Locations12:00 - 1:15 Lunch Lineberger Hall

1:00 - 1:45 SieSta

1:00 - 2:00 Energize Your ROOTS Hip-hop Dance Break Efird Hall (upstrs)2:00 - 6:00 Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla Cottage

Youth Art Making Workshop Mission Hall2:00 - 3:15 STUDIOS5:30 - 6:00 Work Co-op Team Captains Meeting Picnic Shelter6:00 - 9:30 Dinner and Closing Ceremony Picnic Shelter

10:30 - Until ?? Closing Night Jam Session featuring Mr. Nick Various LocationsRegistration is open from 8:30 - 10:30 am in Lineberger Hall.

saturday, august 15

sunday, august 16Time Event Location

7:00 - 8:00 Energize Your ROOTS Faith Center8:00 - 8:45 Breakfast Lineberger Hall9:00 -11:45 All Conference Closing Business Meeting Faith Center9:00 - 11:30 Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla Cottage9:00 - 12:00 Youth Village Project Completion / Clean up Mission Hall

11:30 - 1:30 pm Operation Cleansweep Entire Camp12:00 - 1:30 pm Lunch Lineberger Hall

Everyone must be checked out of their rooms by 12:30 pm.

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Schedule

Time Event Location7:00 - 8:00 Energize Your ROOTS: Yoga with Leah Smith Faith Center8:00 - 8:45 Breakfast Lineberger Hall9:00 - 9:30 Good Morning ROOTS Faith Center

9:00 - 12:00 Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla CottageYouth Village Art Making Workshops Mission Hall

9:30 - 12:15 STUDIOS Various Locations12:00 - 1:15 Lunch Lineberger Hall

1:00 - 1:45 SieSta

1:00 - 2:00 Energize Your ROOTS Hip-hop Dance Break Efird Hall (upstrs)2:00 - 6:00 Alternate Sprouts (Co-Op) Ages 0-5 Carla Cottage

Youth Art Making Workshop Mission Hall2:00 - 3:15 STUDIOS5:30 - 6:00 Work Co-op Team Captains Meeting Picnic Shelter6:00 - 9:30 Dinner and Closing Ceremony Picnic Shelter

10:30 - Until ?? Closing Night Jam Session featuring Mr. Nick Various LocationsRegistration is open from 8:30 - 10:30 am in Lineberger Hall.

Uprooting Racism TrainingOur time together on Friday will be devoted to addressing and uprooting racism. We’re very excited to be partnering with The People’s Institute on this endeavor. Please read more here about this organization:

The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB), is a national and international collective of anti-racist, multicultural community organizers and educators dedicated to building an effective movement for social transformation. The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, affectionately known in the community as The People’s Institute, considers racism the primary barrier preventing communities from building effective coalitions and overcoming institutionalized oppression and inequities. Through Undoing Racism™/Community Organizing Workshops, technical assistance and consultations, PISAB helps individuals, communities, organizations and institutions move beyond addressing the symptoms of racism to undoing the causes of racism so as to create a more just and equitable society.

Founded in 1980 by long-time community organizers Ron Chisom of New Orleans, and Dr. Jim Dunn of Yellow Springs, Ohio, The People’s Institute has impacted the lives of nearly 130,000 people both nationally and internationally. In a 2002 Aspen Institute survey of eleven top racial justice organizations, five credited The People’s Institute with having the most effective anti-racist analysis. For more informaiton visit www.pisab.org.

Hilda Willis, YouthHope Clark, Documentation/EvaluationMargo Miller, TechnologyMecca Burns, Hospitality

Pegah Rahmanian, HospitalityRobert “Bobby B” Martin, Green TeamSheila Gaskins, HospitalityWill Merwin, Culinary

The membership and staff of Alternate ROOTS would like to extend a very special thanks to the Annual Meeting Work Group, who worked tirelessly for many months to help make this gathering happen. Through conference calls, time when there was not coordinator, through tough decisions, and fun ones, we thank you for your hard work.

Chip EpstenEbony GoldenEleanor BrownfieldLatonnya Wallace, Co-ChairMargo Miller, Co-ChairMecca BurnsOmari Fox, Concierge Emeritus

Pegah RahmanianPriscilla SmithShannon TurnerShannon Woolley, Work Co-op CaptainShon Sims, ConciergeTrey Hartt

And a final note of thanks. We have been at Camp Lutheridge for five year’s now because they’re so good to work with and are such a lovely venue for us to do what we do. In particular, Matt Lohr (Lutheridge Staff), Neil Robinson (Kitchen), and Liza Anne (Lifeguard) are the people to high five when you meet them.

We’d also like to thank the Work Co-Op Team Captains for their hours of scheduling and preparation for this new way of doing things:

than

ks

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Studiosstudios: Studios, also sometimes referred to as work-shops, provide attendees to the Annual Meeting the op-portunity to work closely with and/or learn from a particular artist or team of artists. In addition to artistic disciplines,

studios often relate to a theme, such as arts-in-education, prison-industrial complex, community partnerships, etc. These workshops are professional development op-portunities for attendees.

Funding the Future: Practical Grantwriting and Fundraising SkillsEleanor Savage, Jerome Foundation, Minneapolis(TH) 2:00 - 3:45 pm Khonjoy (U) This session will involve a short focusing exercise and will cover the basics of how to search for grant opportunities, tips for writing a successful proposal, and fundraising strategies outside of grantwriting.

Stiltacon Nana Projects, Baltimore (TH) 2:00 - 5:45 pm CourtyardSTILTACON brings art to a new level--several feet in the air! Learn to dance, march, spin and entertain yourself and others walking on sticks. Nana Projects studio provides professional training in single point stilt walking for beginner to advanced levels.

Resist, Rebel, Rebuild Ebony Golden, North Carolina/New York (TH) 2:00 - 5:45 pm Thornburg (D) This is a four-hour “green” intensive that explores the inter-relat-edness of the “Go Green” and prision reform movements. The intensive utilizes only recycled and environmentally-friendly materials, as well as Augusto Boal and Anna Deavere Smith methods to create open dialogue about critical application of the “Go Green” movement to address the incalculable amount of people of color wasting away in United States prisons. ‘MasksSandra Hughes, Atlanta (TH) 2:00 - 5:45 pm Efird Hall (U) Movement, masks, music, text and visual art combine in a workshop designed to explore and enact the dynamics of shared power through equal partnership. Masks are potent gateways to transformation able to create a synergy that opens doors to individual and collective possibilities. They reward with ever-growing realizations and connections to unforeseen choices and solutions. To create and perform in a mask with intention is to invite transformation.

studios

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Studios

Presenting Outside the Lines / Outside the WallsHope Clark, MarylandNick Slie, New Orleans (TH) 2:00 - 5:45 pm Khonjoy (D) (SA) 2:00 - 5:00 pm Khonjoy (D)Are you a community festival presenter? Are you an artist presenting other artists?How about someone who has had presenting added to your portfolio of other responsibilities within your organization? Or perhaps you present artists independently?You’ve learned as you go, responding to your community, developing your own networks and pursuing a specific artistic vision. But you may not have had a support structure or pro-fessional training to make the most of your presenting efforts. This set of workshops will be taught by faculty member(s) who represent a great deal of knowledge and experience built up around “the accidental presenter.”

Partnering Fundamentals D. Patton White, Atlanta (TH) 2:30 - 5:20 pm Efird Hall(SA) 9:30 - 12:15 pm Efird HallIn this studio, participants will utilize the fundamentals of western social dance to examine past artist/community partnership experiences, and to create a set of goals for future partnerships. Intended for both the seasoned dancer as well as the inexperienced movers.

Singing in Community: Vocal Harmony and Improvisation Elise Witt, Pine Lake (TH) 2:30 - 5:30 pm Faith CenterLearn more about your own voice, and build community through group singing. Expect elements of Theater, Dance, Tai Chi, Yoga, and Alexander Technique to combine with Vocal Exercises, Improvisation Games, and Songs from many cultures as we explore the rainbow of sounds of which our voices are capable, individually and as an Ensemble. Even people who think they “can’t carry a tune in a bucket” in no time find them-selves part of a glorious choir. Music reading is not a prerequisite.

How We Move: Celebrating Community Culture and Movement-Building in the Face of Adversity Stephanie McKee, New Orleans(SA) 9:30 – 12:15 pm Thornburg (D) This studio will draw upon experiences of staff members at the 7th Ward and Freret Neighborhood Centers in New Orleans to explore the challenges of communication and opportunities for transforma-tion that arise in the context of community-based work for social justice. Within the workshop, Center staff members will present real case studies to exemplify the circumstances of their work, and will engage participants in a critical dialogue about strategies for mov-ing forward.

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StudiosUprooting Racism(SA) 9:30 – 12:15 pm Faith Center (divider rm.) If you enjoy, or at least find yourself challenged by, the training we have on Friday, please join our trainers from the People’s Institute for a more intimate conversation around racism and the ways that it affects all our lives.

Of, By, For, About and With: A Community Story Performance PrimerLisa Mount, Sautee Nacoochee, GA(SA) 9:30 – 12:15 pm Khonjoy (D) Stories from a place, performed by people from that place, have genuine power to transform both the place and its people. For three hours, we’ll explore what this performance genre is, how to do some of the community organizing it takes to implement a project, and what it’s like to experience these stories in hands-on way: by trans-forming transcripts into performance text. Lisa Mount has produced Headwaters, a community story performance, in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia for the last three years, and has worked with the genre’s primary playwright (and ROOTS founding member), Jo Carson, for more than twenty.

The Future Is on the TableJean-Marie Mauclet, Charleston, SC (SA) 9:30 – 12:15 pm Khonjoy (U)This will be a case study focusing on visual artists using the gift exchange concept to gener-ate/ stimulate/strengthen community.

Technology for Technophobes and TechnovisionariesAna Willem, Atlanta, GA(SA) 2:00 - 3:15 pm Faith Center (divider rm.) Human systems and interactions are the starting point of any information technology worth it’s salt. While technological systems can seem intimidating, they exist to support us in our work. This workshop will serve both as a salve to the technologically autistic, and as a space for dreaming for the technological savant. Using the recent technology infrastructure upgrades to the ROOTS ecosystem as a model, this class will help you understand how you can use technology in your work, and how to participate in ROOTS technology in order to fully connect with the beautiful network that is Alternate ROOTS.

Mining Your Personal HistoryBarry Stoneking , Natchitoches, LA(SA) 3:30 - 5:00 pm Faith Center (divider rm.) “Mining Your Personal History” is a creative approach designed for artists working in the disciplines of dance, theatre and performance art or any combination thereof. It is an ap-proach to creating work that is engaging to the viewer while illuminating a social, economic, cultural or political concern. It gives the artist-participant a methodology for creating work that integrates these interests into performance vehicles that are both cohesive and thought-provoking, allowing both the performer and the audience to experience humanity from an alternate point of view. The goal is to foster charismatic work imbued with social conscience.

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StudiosCalling Up a TsunamiShannon Gibney and Valerie Deus, Minneapolis(SA) 2:00 - 4:00 pm Khonjoy (U) This session will explore theories and strategies for engaging basic writing communities of color through critical literacy and arts activism.

Boal & Bogart Marietta Hedges, Washington, D.C. (SA) 2:00 - 4:00 pm Faith CenterThis studio will explore a new training methodology combining elements of Boal’s body mask work and Ann Bogart’s Viewpoints. Merging Gesture, topography and tempo with body mask, participants explore the unexpressed desires and oppression of theatrical char-acters, and perhaps, themselves. We begin with ensemble exercises that foster collaboration, trust and respect and then move on to guided physical work aimed at giving corporal form and expression to subtext - what is not said in a play.

A is for Action Spirithouse, Inc., Durham, NC(SA) 2:00 - 3:15 pm Thornburg (D)This workshop explores the role of the artist in the Prison Industrial Complex abolitionist movement. and provides strategied that help marginalized communities (Black, immigrant, queer, youth) (w)holis-tically transform conflict without the use of the police or prisons.

Sharing Your Message, Building a MovementNick Szuberla, Whitesburg, KY(SA) 3:30 - 5:00 pm Efird Hall (U)The Thousand Kites Studio will explore the intersection of storytell-ing and public policy change in the criminal justice system using new technology and web tools. Participants will have the chance to hear personal stories of incar-ceration and have the opportunity to share their own in an artistic process. Your participation will help design the national outreach of the new Thousand Kites online campaign.

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There are several different programs and services offered to Alternate ROOTS members. These programs have been developed by the membership in response to the needs of the field of community-based artists. Through these programs,

ROOTS has impacted over 1,500,000 people in the Southeast over the past 30 years.

Annual Meeting (AM)The Annual Meeting is the cornerstone program for Alternate ROOTS. It is a 5-day gathering of artists, activists, educators, youth, organizers, and cultural workers – many of whom are ROOTS Board Members – that provides professional development, networking, peer review of artistic projects, and opportunities for making art. This is the annual business meeting of the Board of ROOTS and is open to the public.

Community/Artists Partnership Program (C/APP)C/APP is an annual grant that supports and promotes community-based residencies by providing resources of information, funds, and training to foster and support collaborations between artists and community-based organizations. ROOTS artists’ grassroots-organizing methods are integral to C/APP projects and establish collaborations designed to give voice to community members, to empower individuals and communities who previously felt disenfranchised, to celebrate local and regional histories and culture, and/or to build progressive change.

Resources for Social Change (RSC)RSC is a training program of Alternate ROOTS devoted to teaching, sharing and exchanging ideas, methods and techniques for creating social change through the arts. The work that ROOTS member-artists do requires a commitment to forging equal partnerships with community members. Forging these equal partnerships demands a wide set of skills not usually taught in arts academies: deep

listening; acceptance of differences; the ability to communicate across culture, race, gender, age, ability, and class; creativity and flexibility when faced with challenges; negotiation and conflict resolution skills; and the ability to share power equitably.

Artistic AssistanceAlternate ROOTS’ commitment to supporting the growth of individual artists extends to facilitating their evolution by providing funding for collaborations, workshops, travel and additional skill building endeavors. The Artistic Assistance Program bridges the fissure between grant sources and individual artists. Artistic Assistance gives small grants, which range from $250 - $1000, designed to provide both veteran and emerging artists with a

“string theory” am 2008

rsC learning exChange

programs

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source of critical funding to deepen and explore their creativity.

Showcases and FestivalsFestivals are designed to showcase the work of Alternate ROOTS members to a larger population of Southern citizenry, as well as foster a deeper relationship among, artists, presenters, educators, community activists and youth. Through festivals, Alternate ROOTS provides a forum for artists to expand their connection within Southern communities. Festivals also provide nontraditional and emerging presenters, who would otherwise make more “commercial” choices, an opportunity to bring professional community-based artists to their venues. Additionally, non-traditional organizations are enabled to become presenters for the first time.

state of the nation art & performanCe festival

Re-birth of a Nation. Transformation. ROOTS is in the midst of a dynamic cycle of change. As the world is evolving, so are we.

This is the year in which ROOTS is taking steps toward transformation, from infrastructure to organizing. Change can make us uncomfortable because we are walking in the midst of the unknown. However, as artists we are blessed with the curiosity and creativity to imagine new possibilities.

We can shape the world – and birth beauty, equity, and justice. To be Re-born is to audaciously claim our boldness and brilliance as innovators in finding new ways to practice our art-making and how we engage within the communities we serve to reflect our values.

Through business, art-making, art-sharing, and cooking together this week we have an opportunity to be the change we want to see in the world. Your participa-tion is encouraged as we build the organization that serves the members.

It is a thrill to imagine how we, as Art-ists, Lifelong Learners, and Creatives, will embody our principle of transfor-mation and Re-birth Alternate ROOTS.

Welcome to 33rd Annual Meeting.

Ashley Sparks, ChairAlternate ROOTS

a word from the chair

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Carlton Turner, Director Carlton has been a member of Alternate

ROOTS since 2001 and has served as the Louisiana/Mississippi representative for one year. Carlton had the priviledge of visiting the White House twice this past spring to meet with the Obama administration on issues of Cultural Policy.

Carlton is also artistic director and co-founder, along with his brother Maurice Turner, of the performing group M.U.G.A.B.E.E. (Men Under Guidance Acting Before Early Extinction) a group composed of two brothers performing a theatrical blend of jazz, hip-hop, spoken word poetry and soul music. M.U.G.A.B.E.E. is currently working with Mondo Bizarro, Roadside Theater, and Junebug Productions to create a new performance project on issues of race and racism in the United States.

Keryl McCord, Resource Development DirectorA veteran arts management professional, stage manager, and director, her career now spans decades, and thousands of miles as she has lived and worked on both coasts, spend-ing ten years in the Bay Area, working as Managing Director of Oakland Ensemble Theater, and serving as a board mem-ber for Theater Bay Area, the theater service organization for

non-profit theater companies.A brief stint as Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theaters, led her to Washington, DC as Director of Theater Programs for the National Endowment for the Arts. Finally the call came to serve as Managing Director of Crossroads Theater Company in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was in NJ that she spent six years working with the African Grove Institute for the Arts, (AGIA) founded by the late August Wilson, Dr. Victor Walker, and Professor William Cook.

Shannon Turner, Manager of Programs & ServicesHaving lived in Blacksburg, VA for ten years, Shannon was wrapping up her MFA at Virginia Tech when the tragic shootings occurred there in 2007. She worked in the Blacks-burg community for nearly a year following the tragedy to spearhead an organization called HERE: Honoring Experi-ences, Reflections, and Expressions. HERE’s goals were to facilitate ongoing artistic response and dialogue toward the community’s healing.

staff

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2008-09 Executive Committee

Ashley Sparks, ChairOmari Fox, Vice-Chair

Priscilla Smith, Treasurer

Regional RepresentativesFlorida

Mike Anestor

Louisiana/MississippiSaddi Khali

Melisa CordonaStephanie McKee

Nick Slie

Alabama./Georgia/South CarolinaBeth HeidelbergShonderica SimsValencia GoodwinDoris Davenport

Latonnya Wallace

Kentucky/North Carolina/TennesseeJerita WrightDan Brawley

Lauren Fitzgerald

Maryland/Virginia/W. Virginia/DCSheila Gaskins

Brandon DuMonde

Texas/ArkansasS.T. Shimi

SatelliteJamie Merwin

Eleanor Savage

Youth Cecelia Johnson

Shannon worked for over a year as development director for Synchronic-ity Performance Group in Atlanta, GA before coming to ROOTS. She enjoys her residence in the Little 5 Points community, and along with her active membership in Alternate ROOTS since 2005, she serves on the Advisory Board for the Community Arts Network.

Ex Com: The “Executive Committee” of ROOTS is frequently referred to as the “Ex Com.” The Ex Com is comprised of elected representatives, a slate of officers, and the staff.

Florida Regional Representative Mike Anestor fundraising at the 2008 Annual Meeting

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An Alternate ROOTS Glossary of Terms

ROOTS has a 30+ year history of creating and defining language. Here are a few things you might hear, though not all of these terms are ROOTS-specific:

Letter of Intent (LOI): Often granting organizations, such as foundations, ask for an initial 2-3 page letter introducing the organization, the project idea, and briefly outlining what a full request for funds would go toward. If the funder likes the LOI, a full application will be recom-mended.

Mini-performances: During “Good Morning ROOTS,” you will have the option of using up to 5 minutes to perform, talk about, or demonstrate in any way you see fit, just what it is you’re up to when you’re not attending meetings.

Region: ROOTS has a 14 state service area, plus the District of Columbia. Our service area has been subdivided into re-gions, which are MD/VA/WV/DC, KY/TN/NC, GA/SC/AL, FL, LA/MS, TX/AK.

Request for Proposals (RFP): When a funder is announc-ing a new round of grant opportunities, or has a project to announce, they will sometimes broadcast throughout the field what is known as an RFP. The RFP typically gives a brief introduction to the foundation, describes the funding program, outlines the timeline for due dates and announcements, has contact info, and occasionally features some frequently asked

questions.

Rhizome: Taken from a horticultural term that relates to plants that grow through their “root structure,” rhizomes are small groupings of ROOTS members and friends who convene and participate in ROOTS-related activities across the region. Rhizome events are generally coordinated through ROOTS Regional Representatives. A Rhizome is often a smaller grouping within a region, ex.: GA/AL/SC = Region, Charleston = Rhizome activity.

Spontaneous performance/happenings/combustion: Also known as “gettin’ ROOT-y.” We occasionally burst out into song during the middle of a meal, create an impromptu performance on the way to the pool, or make a sculpture of tin cans. You don’t need

permission to join this sort of thing – you just have to give yourself permission.

Strategic Planning: This is the process of setting priorities and new directions for an organi-zation. These priorities will serve as a road map for future programmatic decisions. Every 3-5 years ROOTS evaluates and sets new directions. This year we will be spending some time in an all-conference session in order to discuss and ratify our new strategic plan. All meeting attendees, no matter how new they are to the organization, are encouraged to participate.

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Alice LovelaceAcoustics with Heat Productions, LLCAdrienne ClancyAlicia E. Murphy Geroge KingAmelia PickeringAnn M. KilkellyApril TurnerArianne R King ComerArtSpot ProductionsAshley SparksBailey BarashBarbara NesinBeverly BotsfordCamille H ShaferCarlton TurnerCarol Burch-BrownCarolyn R. MorrisCaron AtlasChip Epsten/Dagmar EpstenChloe Anne Smith

Chris DoerflingerChristina A. FischerChristopher O FoxColgate F Holmes - Elizabeth T HolmesDana LuptonDaniela I. LombardoDiane Williams - Ra-pheal WilliamsDr. Doris DavenportEleanor BrownfieldElise WittEmanual Bailey - Linda Parris BaileyFast & French, Inc.Felicia D FurmanSamuel ThompsonFund For Southern CommunitiesGeorgia Shares, IncGretchen S. BarbatisiGwylene Gallimard Helen Beth Heidelberg

Isabel-Lee Malone Keith HennessyJaehn ClareJanelle TreibitzJean MartinolichJeff MatherGrace MatherKatherine MatherJohn KramelJosephus MartinJudilee ReedJudith G DewittJudith JenningsKathie E deNobrigaKent Klein Latonia WallaceLaura SchandelmeierLekia HallLinda KeslerLinda Parris-BaileyLisa MountLooking For LilithMarie Cochran

Marquez D RhyneMary LuftMary Monica Nolan Mathew Schwarzman; Miriam C. ZarskyMike AnestorMollie Lakin-HayesM.U.G.A.B.E.E.Orisirisi African Folklore Inc.Pacific Trade Group, IncPaul Andre Bonin Paula LarkePriscilla SmithThe Voices Project Ramona LarocheRebecca J. WilliamsRobert B. KIlbyRobert M. ShifaloRodger FrenchRoscoe Reddix, JrSevananda Natural

FoodsShannon TurnerShannon WoolleySheila A KerriganJoan M. KerriganStephen J Becker Stephen T. Clapp Stevens Seaberg Tawnya Pettiford- WatesThe Conciliation Project The Mekye CenterThe Praxis Project, IncThomas C. Kilby - Mary Monica NolanTom KilbyToni B ShifaloTrina FischerVerizon on behalf of Lekia HallWZ Designs, LLC

The 33rd Annual Meeting of Alternate ROOTS is made possible through support from the following:

Ford Foundation

nathan Cummings Foundation

national EndowmEnt For thE artsinstitutE oF intErnational EduCation

southErn arts FEdEration

Throughout the year Alternate ROOTS is supported by the following:Nathan Cummings Foundation

The Ford FoundationShubert Foundation

Leveraging Investment in Community (LINC)National Endowment for the ArtsAppalachian Community Fund

McMaster CarrBureau of Cultural Affairs Atlanta

Fulton County Arts CouncilGeorgia Council on the Arts

The Annual Meeting Program was designed by Carlton Turner. Photos provided by Dan Brawley, Saddi Khali, Carlton Turner, and various members of The Conciliation Project. Cover art designed by Kai Porter.