2026 Annual DC Event

October 29th, 2026

Dear Friend,

Since our founding, Roots has been about offering an alternative to the top-down, donor-driven aid system. The alternative we have helped grow in Haiti, and now offer to the world, is effective, more sustainable, and most importantly, led by the people it is meant to serve.

But simply building an alternative and supporting it ourselves isn’t enough. We need people to understand it, advocate for it, and really invest in it. That’s why we’ve stepped up our research and advocacy efforts these past two years, publishing original research, serving as the engine behind collective action, and taking our work to the global stage.

All of this work—the advocacy, the research, and the direct support to Haitian communities—is made possible by your support. We have the time and resources to invest in this locally led alternative and fight for a stronger, more sustainable global aid system because of you.

So, as we officially kick off our 20th year of supporting Development without Dependency in Haiti, I want to say thank you. What started in one communal section of La Gonâve now reaches all ten departments in Haiti, thanks to the support of the Roots family over the past twenty years.

Some of that family came together last Thursday for our Annual DC Event. We’re very grateful to everyone who turned out, especially our featured guest, Ambassador David L. Cohen, our moderator Stacey Samuel, as well as Ambassador Lionel Delatour, Ambassador Josué Pierre, Deputy Ambassador Mark Glauser, our Honorary Host Committee members, and our Diamond-level sponsors, Verizon and the WK Kellogg Foundation.

If you weren’t able to join us this year or otherwise contribute, please make your donation toward Roots of Development today to support Development without Dependency as we go into our 20th year!

Sincerely,

Chad Bissonnette

---

A CONVERSATION WITH
AMBASSADOR DAVID L. COHEN

“I think the essential message of the organization is the only message for the future of Haiti: the need for local control, empowering the people of Haiti to govern themselves and decide their own future.” — Ambassador Cohen

---

CONNECTION & EXCHANGE

In addition to a thought-provoking conversation with Ambassador Cohen, our guests enjoyed music, food, and drinks at the beautiful Studio Theatre! Thanks to everyone who attended—find all the photos from the evening at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD8G3a. Don’t forget to tag Roots when you post!