About Thrive From the Ground Up
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Generate excitement
Thank you for your interest in Thrive From the Ground Up!
We are excited that more residents are asking how they can become part of the program.
We also want to be clear about how Thrive works.
Thrive From the Ground Up began as a community buy-in model. When the program first started, participants contributed $50 a month for one year. They also invested their time, participation, learning, and effort into helping build the program. Because of that commitment, the workshops, 4-H program, garden support, materials, and other deeper program opportunities were built for participants who had bought into the program.
As Thrive has grown, we know that every new participant may not be able to make the same financial contribution. We do not want money alone to determine who can participate. But we do believe that buy-in still matters.
Why Buy-In Matters
Thrive is rooted in food sovereignty, household resilience, and shared responsibility. We help residents build knowledge, practices, and relationships that strengthen their households.
New participants follow a clear pathway before accessing deeper workshops, garden support, and program resources.
This keeps Thrive fair, sustainable, and focused on long-term household capacity.
Your Thrive Pathway
1. Get the Thrive from the Ground Up Book
The book introduces the purpose and approach of the program.
Amazon: [INSERT LINK]
2. Complete the Thrive Interest Application
You will tell us where you are starting and identify three practices you are already doing or are willing to begin at home.
Application: [INSERT LINK]
3. Participate in a Thrive Community Engagement Experience
Join a Roots of Resilience™ or other community engagement activity to build relationships and become connected to the work.
4. Join the Grow Network
Stay connected through our Zoom gatherings, share progress, ask questions, and continue learning with other participants.
What Happens After the Pathway?
Once the pathway is completed, participants can move into the deeper parts of Thrive framework and programs, including:
- Hands-on Thrive workshops
- The Thrive 4-H program
- Additional garden support
- Materials and supplies when available
- Other participant opportunities and resources
Some community engagement activities may remain open to the broader community, but deeper program benefits are reserved for participants who have completed the buy-in pathway. This helps us welcome new people while honoring those who helped build the program.
Our Approach
Our mission is to help households build more knowledge, preparation, and control so that agencies and organizations are not expected to carry the entire responsibility. Buy-in helps make sure everyone understands their role. For some, buy-in may include money. For others, it may be their time, learning, participation, household practice, and commitment. What matters is that everyone contributes something. Resilience works best when responsibility is shared.
Need Immediate Assistance?
Thrive From the Ground Up is a participation and capacity-building program and is not intended to replace emergency or direct-service assistance. If you are currently experiencing an immediate need for food, housing, utilities, or other basic necessities, we encourage you to use our Community Resource List to connect with organizations designed to provide that support.