Our foundation believes in seeding new ideas. We asked our grantees and partners, if you could plant a seed for the new year, what would it grow?

I would plant a seed that would bring World Peace, so that the people of the world would communicate as a tool to settle disagreements instead of weapons. Along with World Peace the seed would grow abundance for all.

—Joy Rucker, The Black Harm Reduction Network

If I could plant a seed for the coming year, it would be one that sprouts into a world where access to high-quality healthcare is a universal reality, irrespective of geographical location or socioeconomic status. Ultimately, nurturing this seed would cultivate a world where healthcare is a human right, not a privilege, where the well-being of every individual is valued, and where no one suffers due to lack of access to adequate medical care. Such growth would not only heal bodies but also nurture stronger, more resilient communities worldwide.

—Cheryl Lulias, President & CEO, Medical Home Network

If I could plant a seed for the new year it would grow comfort and belonging.

Our vision is for all young people to take refuge from the daily stressors of their lives and feel comfort and belonging every time they set foot in the Youth Center. GCYC catalize's our youth's ability to explore their interests, their futures and their true selves.

—Remington Price, Center Director, Gary Comer Youth Center

Black Health, Wealth, and Joy

—Tracie M. Gardner, Senior Vice President of Policy Advocacy, Legal Action Center

we are a seed.
we have forgotten what we are.
we have relinquished our powers.
our true nature understands
that we have a connection to everything,
that each of us is a seed - containing all that we need for growth,
life, expression and authenticity.

see yourself
as this glorious bundle of grace.
open yourself to this inner wisdom,
and grow into the piece of heaven
that you were meant to be.

—Colleen Carroll, Artist, Leeward Farm

On our blue sphere in the cosmos,
Let us each plant a seed of peace
And nurture it for the harvest.

—Abigail Foerstner, Associate Professor, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University

Thank you

A very special thank you to all of our contributors for your vital work toward stronger, healthier, and more peaceful communities. You bring us hope.

Illustrator Ellen Litwiller used ink made by artist Colleen Carroll, a dear friend and colleague. Colleen coaxed these beautiful pigments from the trees and plants of Leeward Farm in the Driftless Area in Wisconsin.

Colleen's ink in the studio.