Roots first
Helping Social Impact Organizations Empower the Communities they Serve.
Community-centric consulting that scales local projects into lasting impact.
Strategic Design & Implementation
Deliver impactful community programs using a tailored approach rooted in community collaboration and evidence-informed practices. Build on your organization's existing strengths to make meaningful change.
Community-Driven Solutions
You know that community engagement is key to deepening your organization's impact.
But it's hard to do.
Roots First helps you leverage local leadership to make lasting change.
philosophy
Cultivating Community.
As a society, we are stronger together.I believe that generations should be united, and that our past enriches our future.My work addresses social isolation, health and well-being, and food insecurity through impactful community programming and partnerships.My work and research has placed a special focus on the perspectives and meaningful engagement of older adults.My approach is to listen, learn from and engage community partners in order to collaboratively develop, scale and fund community programs.
outcomes
Deepen Impact
Develop programs that foster belonging, build health, reduce isolation, and create meaningful connections.
Co-Build Capacity
Empower your community leaders with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to drive sustainable change.
Enhance Evaluation
Develop and implement effective metrics and storytelling tools to measure impact, showcase successes, and inform future strategies.
Engage & Share
Foster collaboration and share insights through workshops, online platforms, and community events to inspire action and amplify impact.
About
Andrew Sweetnam
Founder & Lead Consultant
Andrew is an experienced community builder with over 15 years of professional and academic expertise in health across community and institutional settings.He has led, developed and funded community projects addressing food insecurity, social isolation and well-being in diverse demographics, including older adults. He works closely with local leaders to drive lasting impact.As a Health & Aging Researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Social Gerontology, Andrew brings a unique blend of expertise and practical knowledge needed to support organizations in creating meaningful, community-driven solutions.Some achievements include:
Providing strategic guidance for national and local non-profits and municipalities.
Securing over $300,000 in funding for community development projects
Managing a team of 500+ volunteers in operating a large urban farming organization
Helping facilitate organizational strategic planning for a national non-profit
Coordinating and leading a network of 18 non-profit organizational leaders to enhance local programming
Developing a network of community leaders to build equity and inclusion into food justice movement
Creating new strategic partnerships to enhance community development.
Testimonials
In the media
Media & Publications
Presentation: Agency of Older Adults in Food Justice
Podcast: Healthcare Prospectives: Importance of Community Health
Feature Article: Healthy Community Builder Spotlight
Publication: Building collective agency: the role of Community Food Organizations in empowering older adults for social change (under peer review)
Publication: Food Agency of Older Adults attending Community Food Organizations (under peer review)
Publication: Pathways, Barriers, and Contributions of Older Adults in the Food Justice Movement: A Narrative Review (under peer review)
Publication: Food Insecurity in Ontario’s Long-Term Care: A Qualitative Content Analysis (under peer review)
contact
Let's chat about your project!