about Us
Mission
Roots co-creates community connections and provides access to resources for rich real world social & educational opportunities for Columbia Youth. As a community resource and education center, we aim to empower individuals of all ages to celebrate lifelong, self-directed learning and livelihood development. We aim to strengthen the emotional , physical, mental and spiritual health of individuals in our community, thereby strengthening the overall Columbia community. Roots seeks to aid in the growth of the local economy and culture by modeling practices of sustainability.
For a more nuts & bolts discussion of what goes into choosing participation in Roots, or unschooling in general, click here.
A Practical Guide to Roots Education by Liz Klug
The House
Facilitators
Liz Klug Roots Founder
I studied education as an undergrad for three years at the University of Dayton before I ever learned about alternative models to the traditional schooling system. I moved to Columbia after the war started and was happy to be here. I heard John Taylor Gatto speak at the Blue Note in my fourth year of college at MU. Everything clicked for me when it came time for questions after Gatto’s talk, and a young girl spoke her truth of happiness and success without school. My mind was freed and I found Y.A.L.E. the Youth Alternative Learning exchange started by Linda and Ken Green. I dove deeply into world of alternative education with fellow Columbians. I met incredible people working actively with their Youth to create better lives without traditional schools. I was inspired and assured. I had to start another school and work there. My time in the public school system left me sick in body, mind, and spirit. I was no longer treating my fellow humans as people. I had to herd them through the curriculum that I so desperately tried to make relevant to their lives and futures. Much of my time and passion fell upon deaf ears, as complacency and apathy had set in. I returned from California in 2006 with the veg-e-bus and my college degree in education and decided to go for it.
I hung fliers once, but mostly had made connections through Y.A.L.E. We started Roots in the Fall of ’06, and it has been an incredible journey so far. We began in Christine’s basement as she and I had built strong connections regarding the failures of traditional schooling. We quickly outgrew the small space and Paula and Ken offered the amazing “blessing space.” Indeed, it has been. I have personally grown from my interactions with all of the families and my dedication to the space we are creating. I feel more connected with my own potential and truth as I witness so many young people do the same. It is amazing to be a part of such a wonderful process of developing Roots. I’m so glad that others are passionate about having the freedom to explore the potential of each moment. I look forward to people of ALL ages enjoying Roots and learning here, as the diversity is key to cultural richness. I look forward to continuing to build Roots as a model for sustainable livelihood development in Columbia.