Introduction & Group Norms

Welcome to Winter Roots!

This is a space for slowing down, asking bigger questions, and reimagining how we work in the nonprofit sector.

Over these three months, we're creating a container for collective learning; deep reflection that happens when nonprofit humans gather without pressure.

You're part of a community of over 250 people from across the U.S. and Canada who are all asking similar questions about sustainability, leadership, and building healthier organizational cultures. Whether you join every session or catch recordings when you can, whether you speak up or listen quietly—we’re so glad you’re here!

How Winter Roots Works

Three types of sessions:

• Speaker-Led Sessions: Deep dives into big-picture topics with guest speakers. These focus on listening and learning.

• Collective Learning Sessions: Spaces facilitated by Abbey to process what we're hearing and think together. These invite sharing reflections.

• Podcast Interviews: Practical conversations answering your nuts-and-bolts questions

The rhythm:

• Sessions run January through March 2026

• Most sessions are 60 minutes

• Most speaker-led sessions are recorded

• Collective-learning sessions are not recorded

• Check the full schedule below for details

Joining live sessions:

• After registration, you’ll get a Zoom link to add to your calendar. It’s the same link for every session. Register here if you need a link.

• Join from any device—computer, tablet, or phone works

Recordings:

• Available within 48 hours of each session - will stay up for a week after they’re posted!

If you miss a session:

• Catch the recording when you can, or read the notes from the collective learning sessions.

• There's no falling behind here

• Jump back in whenever works for you

Our Group Norms

• Cameras on or off are always optional. Do what helps you be present.

• There are no required contributions. Show up how you're able. Listening is participation.

• Coming late or leaving early is okay. Life happens. We're glad you're here for whatever time you have.

• This is a learning space, not a performance space. Half-formed thoughts and questions are welcome.

• Take what's useful, leave what's not. Not everything will resonate with everyone, and that's completely fine.

Questions about anything here? Email Abbey at abbey.drake.harlow@gmail.com

Winter Roots Schedule

Winter Roots Live Sessions

Recordings, slides, and notes will be posted to this hub after each session.
The collective learning session topics are informed by the surveys many of you filled out when you signed up!

• January 13, 2026
  The Humanity Behind the Nonprofit Experience, Anna Adachi-Mejia
  Speaker-led session
  Recording available here until January 21, 2026 Passcode: 550Rj?^8
  Notes and resources available here forever! (Includes Anna’s Notes on Being Human)

• January 20, 2026
  Finding Your Way
  Collective learning & reflection

• January 27, 2026
  Transforming Boardrooms: Mastering Diversity in Governance, Charlene Holmes
  Speaker-led session

• February 3, 2026
  Joy, Impact, and Staying Connected
  Collective learning & reflection

• February 10, 2026
  Beyond the Story: Creating a Trauma-Informed Storytelling Practice for Good, Maria Bryan
  Speaker-led session

• February 17, 2026
  Money and Power
  Collective learning & reflection

• February 24, 2026
  Burnout & Boundaries, Abbey Harlow
  Speaker-led session

• March 3, 2026
  Leadership, Communication, and Breaking Down Silos
  Collective learning & reflection

• March 10, 2026
  The Place Between Two Somewheres, Lorna Jane Norris
  Speaker-led session

• March 17, 2026
  Internal Culture and How We Work Together
  Collective learning & reflection

• March 24, 2026
  Neuroinclusive Employment, Mel Houser
  Speaker-led session
  (30-minute session - not recorded)

• March 31, 2026
  Equity, Structures, and Reimagining How We Work
  Speaker-led session

Podcast Releases

(Episodes are released during the season and posted here.)

• January 21, 2026
  Databases

• February 4, 2026
  Grants

• February 18, 2026
  Branding

• March 4, 2026
  Programming

• March 18, 2026
  Recruiting Leadership

• April 1, 2026
  Planned Giving