Thriving Communities

The Thriving Communities team has been in motion this April, documenting community stories on Whidbey Island, leaning into this year's theme, The Regenerative Power of Community.

Photo: Aimee Vallet

Pictured: Jerry Millhon, Holly Harlan

What's not to love? Community conversation, documentaries on farming, special presentations? All the stuff we love. Get yourself to the Spokane screenings of Regenerating Community about and Rising, Rooted, and Resilient about , Saturday, April 11.

Photo: Keymah Durden, Co-Founder, Rid-All Green Partnership, Cleveland. Still from Regenerating Community, DP .monagle

Details: https://www.thrivingcommunities.org/event-details/in-person-screenings-of-rising-rooted-resilient-and-regenerating-communities

In Detroit, Black farmers spent 14 years building a community-owned grocery store. In Cleveland, a group turned a forgotten dumping ground into a working urban farm.
Two documentary films about food sovereignty, urban farming, and what happens when communities stop waiting and start building. Free screening this Saturday, followed by discussion with special guest Duaa-Rahemaah Hunter.

Hosted by and

April 11 · 1 PM · Carl Maxey Center, Spokane
Sponsored by Black Earth Day: Seed to Soul

More on the blog: https://www.thrivingcommunities.org/post/what-black-farmers-in-detroit-and-cleveland-are-building-and-why-it-matters

Join Spokane on Saturday, April 11, at 1:00 PM for screenings of Thriving Communities documentaries about urban farms and . Explore food sovereignty, resilience, and community-led change happening in Detroit and Cleveland. Screening at the Carl Maxey Center (3114 E Fifth Ave, Spokane, WA).

Read more: https://wix.to/063Q740

One of our favorite moments of filming Land and Heart in Iowa was the team lunch on the farm. Eating together has benefits that go beyond social connection. Sharing meals with friends actually has a positive impact on your microbiome and digestion — and can help your overall outlook and health. Community meals, potlucks, shared tables — they're feeding more than just your body.

Read more on the blog: https://www.thrivingcommunities.org/post/the-biology-of-belonging-goes-deeper-than-you-think

At , aquaponics is a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving. The 40,000 sq. ft. system works in harmony: nutrient-rich water from Tilapia tanks feeding the soil for growing food, while the plants naturally clean the water for the fish.

It’s a living system that provides fresh, organic food for the community and heals the land. Don't miss a screening of Regenerating Community and Rising, Rooted, and Resilient - about community farm in Detroit with Spokane on April 11! Details on our events page: https://www.thrivingcommunities.org/events

What happens when different generations actually talk to each other? Research shows communities thrive when people share purpose and interact across differences. Read our short piece on how intergenerational conversation builds connection and resilience. https://wix.to/ZvCVTi7

Photo: Still from "Rooted in Communty" documentary by Thriving Communities, photography, Bow Jones

What Happens When Different Generations Actually Talk to Each Other Research shows that communities thrive when members have shared purpose and interact frequently across differences.

Join Meaningful Movies Spokane on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM for two Thriving Communities documentaries that explore food sovereignty, community resilience, and transformation in Detroit and Cleveland.

Watch stories of neighbors reclaiming food systems and building hope at the Carl Maxey Center (3114 E Fifth Ave, Spokane, WA). Learn more: https://wix.to/TdlaFM5

Two Films, Two Cities, One Vision: Detroit and Cleveland's Stories of Food Sovereignty On Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM, Meaningful Movies Spokane presents two powerful documentaries about transformation, resilience, and community-led change at the Carl Maxey Center (3114 E Fifth Ave, Spokane, WA).

Walking groups are having a moment — searches are up 300% and people keep showing up for connection, not just exercise. Read the quick 2-minute breakdown on what’s driving the trend and why communities are stronger for it. https://wix.to/CiunAKm


https://wix.to/FGqrsF3

The 300% Rise in Walking Groups (And Why People Keep Showing Up) Searches for "local walking groups" are up 300% and forecast to continue growing in 2025 (Westfield Health, 2025). Walking groups are having a moment—but not for the reasons you'd think.Yes, walking is good exercise. But that's not why people keep showing up.In Australia, walking group participant...

Last spring, we held a premiere with in Detroit! It was an incredible evening of community and reflection. Films create connection and conversation. Love what you do.

Since 2012, we’ve created more than 60 films in 35+ communities, highlighting real solutions in food security, housing, healing, and more.

If these stories give you hope, a small monthly gift is one of the most powerful ways to help. Monthly support lets us plan ahead, say “yes” to more grassroots leaders, and keep sharing the stories that move resources and inspire action.

Thanks for being part of this circle of support. 💛

Watch Land and Heart here: https://vimeo.com/1091872806