.png)
OUR MISSION
Free Root Operation is a nonprofit organization intercepting poverty induced gun violence by investing in the healing and empowerment of Black and Brown communities in Chicago and beyond through centering opportunity and compassion as core values of the organization.
COMPASSION
We target those most vulnerable to the school to prison pipeline and prison industrial complex by creating an open dialogue about the experiences of poverty, trauma, and oppression as a way to foster community healing.
OPPORTUNITY
We fight to make resources available,—such as jobs, food, housing, and financial agency—to communities plagued by gun violence. During emergencies resulting in a lack of sustainability, we provide specialized programming to mitigate harm to the communities we serve.
PROGRAMS
CHICAGO ACTIVIST-ORGANIZER FUND
This fund is dedicated to the activists and organizers that are working towards liberation. We aim to financially support activists and organizers in sustaining themselves, reaching their goals, and staying safe.
DATA COLLECTION IN SOUTH SHORE
In 2018 and 2019 the Free Root Operation held our Day of Action. This was an opportunity for people to canvass and ask South Shore residents what they need, and what they want the community to look like.
CHICAGO FOOD PAIRING PROGRAM
This food pairing program strives to combat the unequal distribution of city resources by fostering meaningful connections between residents of the South and West sides and residents of the more affluent parts of our city.
EDUCATION EMANCIPATION
A program dedicated to providing children in Chicago Public Elementary Schools with access to a quality and equitable education.
GET CONNECTED
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Sign up for updates on FRO programs, POC owned businesses, mutual aid resources, and our insight on issues impacting Black and Brown communities.
