Every year after I return with my group of youth from the annual RIC conference I feel just as it claims - rooted in and connected to a community.  That feeling carries with me and my team throughout the year, and it is a feeling and a connection that we return to often for reflection, energy, and ideas.  We tell stories from our experience, share games and knowledge, reconnect and grow the relationships we made there, and always look forward to planning our next year experience.  Our team after RIC has stronger leadership skills, a closer bond, and an knowledge that they have comrades in the fight for food justice.  We also feel rooted to the work we do at home while connected around the country to other teams - having the chance to outreach to them for advice, ideas, or to share successes is a really important part of the RIC network for us.  Right now we are anticipating our regional RIC gathering and connecting in person with those comrades close to us in order to build community, explore the issues facing us in our food system, and think creatively about taking action towards those issues.  Then on to North Carolina this summer!

katie