GrassROOTS Community Foundation

2023 Roots, Rock, Run 5k and the Roots Picnic
2023-06-03 08:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Lloyd Hall Recreation Center, 1 Boathouse Row, , PA 19130, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, United States
On June 3rd, the morning of the Roots Picnic, GCF will host our annual Roots, Rock, Run 5k. This annual event celebrates the life of Board member Lisa Maxwell and raises funds for our global efforts to end period poverty.
This year is particularly special because GCF has launched a new initiative, our Global Menstrual Equity Council (GMEC). Read below to learn all about this work spearheaded by Lisa Maxwell and her SuperGirl daughter, Amina Anekwe.
You can register for the race in person or virtually. Registration is open. The top 2 winners of the R3 will win free tickets to the Roots Picnic.
Marley Dias, founder of the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign will be signing books. Bring a copy of Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You.
Free copies of Black Girl Books and Parent Like It Matters: How To Raise Joyful Change-making Girls will also be available for giveaway.
Music provided by DJ Scotty Nevers

Vision Statement:
The GrassROOTS Community Foundation Global Menstrual Equity Council (GCF GMEC) envisions a world where menstrual equity is achieved, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to health education and menstrual products, empowering them to live healthy, dignified lives.
Mission Statement:
The mission of GCF’s Global Menstrual Equity Council is to raise awareness, advocate for policies, and implement initiatives that promote menstrual equity worldwide. We strive to increase health literacy about periods, provide emergency access to menstrual products, and facilitate universal and sustainable access to menstrual products through policy advocacy.
Goals:

Increase Health Literacy: Promote comprehensive health education that includes menstrual and reproductive health, breaking taboos, and fostering understanding and acceptance of menstruation as a natural and healthy bodily process.
Provide Access to Menstruation Products: Develop sustainable solutions to ensure reliable access to affordable and environmentally friendly menstrual products, such as reusable pads or menstrual cups, particularly in areas with limited resources or infrastructure.
Advocate for Policies: Collaborate with local and global stakeholders to influence policies that support menstrual equity, including those that facilitate scientifically accurate health education and awareness programs that makes access to menstrual products ubiquitous.

Objectives:

Develop educational materials: Create culturally sensitive and age-appropriate resources on menstrual health, hygiene, and management, focusing on schools, community centers, as well as legal and healthcare facilities.
Establish distribution networks: Establish partnerships with organizations and communities to establish distribution networks that ensure the availability of menstrual products in under-resourced areas.
Engage policymakers: Collaborate with policymakers and influential stakeholders to advocate for legislation and policies that promote menstrual equity, including comprehensive menstrual health education as well as the provision of free or subsidized menstrual products in all public spaces.
Conduct research and data collection: Design research studies and collect data on the status and impact of menstrual inequity and the effectiveness of interventions, using evidence to drive policy change and program improvement.

Founding Member Countries:

Ghana
Jamaica
Kenya
South Africa
United States

By pursuing these goals and objectives, GCF GMEC aims to contribute to the global movement for menstrual equity, creating a more equitable and inclusive society where menstruation is celebrated, understood, and supported.

2024 Roots, Rock, Run 5k
2024-06-01 08:30 - 12:00 | Lloyd Hall Recreation Center, 1 Boathouse Row, , PA 19130, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, United States
Roots, Rock, Run 5K supports the GrassROOTS Community Foundation’s global menstrual equity work, where we increase knowledge, provide menstrual supplies, and advocate for legislation to #endperiodpoverty. Your participation helps make this possible, with funds raised supporting this vital cause.
This year’s R3 5K offers a hybrid experience, allowing participants from our Global Menstrual Equity Council in the US, Jamaica, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and beyond to choose between live or virtual races.
Whether you join us in person at Lloyd Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or participate virtually from anywhere in the world, your contribution will make a difference.
Proceeds from your registration will directly support our efforts to increase menstrual equity and #endperiodpoverty.
As a token of our appreciation, the top three winners will receive special GrassROOTS tees, and the first-place in-person winner will also receive two tickets to the Roots Picnic.
Early registration is $20.00 until March 31st, with prices increasing thereafter. The first 50 registrants, whether for the live or virtual race, will receive a commemorative t-shirt.
Join us on Strava to support your training and stay connected with the GrassROOTS community. For any inquiries, please contact David Coughlin at djcoughlin13@gmail.com or 215-917-5025.
Let’s unite under hashtags #rootsrockrun5K #investingirls #endperiodpoverty and tag @grassrootsfound to spread the word and make a difference together.
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION

Give Thanks for Girls Benefit Brunch
2024-11-09 11:00 - 14:00
Join us and Newark Symphony Hall for the Give Thanks for Girls Benefit Brunch on November 9th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the historic Newark Symphony Hall, 1020 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102.
The keynote features Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry, Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University in the Department of Politics and International Affairs and Director of the Anna Julia Cooper Center, in conversation with Marley Dias, founder of the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign. Together, they will discuss the theme: “Why We Must Invest in Girls.”
We will also celebrate community changemakers, including:

Amina Anekwe, a junior at New York University, honored for her work in advancing menstrual equity.
August Daniels and Jacsyn Scott, recognized for promoting freedom and education through their leadership of GrassROOTS’ Banned Book Club.
Olivia Raymond, a first-year student at Brown University, for her work in drafting legislation focused on mental wellness.

Why We Must Invest in Girls

Menstrual Equity: Research highlights that 1 in 5 girls in the U.S. misses school due to a lack of menstrual products (Girls Helping Girls Period, 2023).
Mental Health: Suicide rates for Black women and girls aged 15 to 24 have more than doubled over the past two decades, underscoring an urgent need for mental health resources and supportive environments (Bridge et al., 2021).
Censorship and Representation: The increase in censorship of books by Black women authors and featuring Black girl protagonists has deprived youth of diverse voices and mirrors of their own experiences, which are critical to self-identity and empowerment (American Library Association, 2023).

The Give Thanks for Girls Benefit Brunch is a celebration of Black girlhood and excellence, honoring Black girls who lead change in their communities through service, courage, and impact. These young changemakers inspire the next generation of leaders and make a difference now.
“When a girl is empowered, her entire community thrives.” – United Nations
Join Us Today
Grab a ticket and celebrate the power of girls! Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Email president@grassrootscommunityfoundation.org to learn how you can support girls’ success in the U.S. and across the globe.

GIVE THANKS EVENT REGISTRATION

2025 Roots, Rock, Run 5k
2025-05-31 08:30 - 12:00
Join Us for the Roots, Rock, Run 5K!
Saturday, May 31st | Philadelphia, PA & Virtual

Roots, Rock, Run 5K is more than a race—it’s a movement.
Held each year in Philadelphia on the morning of The Roots Picnic, this community walk/run honors Black Thought, lead MC of The Roots and co-founder and former chairman of GrassROOTS Community Foundation.
For the past eight years, Roots Rock Run 5K has powered our global menstrual equity work—helping raise awareness, distribute menstrual products, and advocate for policies to #EndPeriodPoverty.
New this year:
In 2024, we expanded the race. Our hybrid format allows you to participate from anywhere—virtually or in person!
Why It Matters:
Menstrual inequity is a local and global issue.
Right here in Philadelphia, 1 in 4 residents lives in economic hardship, struggling to afford essentials—including pads and tampons.
Globally, millions of women and girls still lack access to the menstrual products they need to live with dignity.
Be Part of the Change:
Register now: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Philadelphia/RootsRockRun5K
Bring a pad to donate on race day!
✅ Connect with athletes, advocates, and change-makers
✅ Support health, equity, and access for all
✅ Celebrate a powerful tradition of resistance and care

Lead-Up Events:
Rooftop Yoga at Bok
May 13 & May 27 | In partnership with Bok

Mark Your Calendar:
Menstrual Equity Day is May 28th
Join us for a LIVE global conversation featuring Dr. Janice Johnson Dias and our partners from Jamaica (@herflow) and South Africa (@qrate_sa).

Together, we can build a #PeriodFriendlyWorld and achieve menstrual equity for all.

Helping Hands For Jamaica
2025-12-05 13:00 - 16:00 | The Bath Club, 5937 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140
Cocktail Reception Fundraiser
December 5, 2025
The Bath Club
Miami Beach, Florida

Donate Purchase TicketsDonate Join Tyrese, Busta Rhymes, and friends for a cocktail reception fundraiser featuring impromptu live performances, delightful cocktails, and delicious canapes in a historic venue filled with great people. On December 5, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, gather at the historic Bath Club on Miami Beach for great vibes, great eats, and a greater cause … supporting Jamaica.
Reserve your ticket(s) with a charitable donation.

Help us help Jamaica!
Hurricane has severely disrupted the lives of people and communities in Jamaica. Your donation will help grassroots organizations provide urgent relief and support as the people of Jamaica recover and rebuild.
Charitable Beneficiaries
About The Bath Club
The Bath Club is a historic and timelessly elegant venue that was restored by Donahue Peebles, famed developer. Situated on the Miami Beach oceanfront, The Bath Club remains one of South Florida’s most iconic event venues and most elegant private clubs.
Host Committee

Winnie Harlow – Actress, Model, & Businesswoman
Eric Johnson – CEO, Baldwin Richardson Foods
Mona Scott-Young – CEO of Monami Entertainment
Barron Channer – CEO, Managing Principal, Woodwater Group
Dr. Meda Leacock– Director, The Blessings Don’t Stop Initiative
Dr. Janice Johnson Dias – Author, professor, and President, GrassROOTS Community Foundation

Partners

Sponsors
Admission: 21+
Car share recommended; Heavy traffic expected.
Grassroot Organization Partners

Grassroot Organization Partners

Charitable Beneficiaries
Join Tyrese, Busta Rhymes, and friends for a cocktail reception fundraiser featuring impromptu live performances, delightful cocktails, and delicious canapes in a historic venue filled with great people. On December 5, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, gather at the historic Bath Club on Miami Beach for great vibes, great eats, and a greater cause … supporting Jamaica.
Reserve your ticket(s) with a charitable donation.

Free
Includes:

Great vibes
Complimentary food, beverages, and spirits

Premier VIP: $100
General Admission level experience plus

VIP check-in
Dedicated seating
Photo moments

Help us help Jamaica!
Hurricane has severely disrupted the lives of people and communities in Jamaica. Your donation will help grassroots organizations provide urgent relief and support as the people of Jamaica recover and rebuild.
