July 2nd, 2025
Dear Friend,
On June 25th, 257 community leaders (Konbitè) from across Haiti came together for Gwoup Konbit’s 5th annual conference, this year on the theme “Let’s Apply the Values and Principles of Konbit.”
The day marked the 14th anniversary of the Konbit movement, the 4th anniversary of Gwoup Konbit—and the first anniversary of the date that the UN-backed multinational police force put boots on the ground in Port-au-Prince. While so many organizations across Haiti struggle to function throughout this crisis, the June 25th conference is a continued reminder of what is possible when the work is powered by Konbit.
More than 500 people applied to take part in this year’s conference, the last large gathering of Gwoup Konbit before the official launch of the Konbit Guide this August, and just over 250 participants were selected. The conference was broadcast virtually via Zoom and social media, and clips of interviews and workshops were shared throughout the day, generating more than 40,000 views.
Speakers both virtually in person reflected on the importance of konbit to Haiti’s past and future:
“This movement doesn’t import solutions. It studies the history and sociology of the Haitian people to understand what unites and moves them forward. Roots is proud to contribute to this dynamic.” – Chad Bissonnette, President & Co-founder, Roots of Development
“Konbit founded the Haitian nation. It is our social contract.” – Louino Robillard, Co-founder, Gwoup Konbit
“Konbit is not just about carrying stones; it’s about sharing good ideas to defend what is just and useful for development.” – Marie Claude Bayard, daughter of Odette Roy Fombrun, known as “Manman Konbit.”
Also at the conference, three young leaders received the Prim Pou Chanjman (Award for Change) for their exemplary community initiatives; three movement members were honored for outstanding audiovisual production work; and, for the first time, the Konbit Digital Award was introduced to recognize actors using digital tools to promote social change in Haiti.
Gwoup Konbit said of the event: “The Grand Workshop of June 25, 2025, not only celebrated 14 years of the Konbit movement but also laid the foundation for a new phase of structuring, expansion, and collective action. It established itself as a strategic hub for adopting tools of change, blending Haitian traditions with contemporary realities. It is a renewed promise that, despite challenges, the Haitian people continue to believe in the power of Konbit to build the future.”
Gwoup Konbit’s mission is to foster a society where the social contract is rooted in the principles and values of Konbit. They mobilize leaders, organizations, and community groups to create participatory spaces where resources—like knowledge, culture, and funding—are shared to drive social change. Their commitment lies in strengthening solidarity, sustaining transformative initiatives, and fostering the sustainable development of communities. Learn more at rootsofdevelopment.org/about-gwoup-konbit/.
The Heroes of the Massacre River DC Premiere
Want to see what Konbit looks like in action? Join Roots of Development and the Embassy of Haiti for the DC premiere of The Heroes of the Massacre River, a new documentary about a Konbit-powered canal project! Get your tickets now at 2025haitimovie.eventbrite.com.
The screening will be held at DC Bryant Street Alamo Drafthouse on July 16th at 6pm, followed by a Q&A with Samuel Dameus, the director and producer of the documentary, and Dr. Cassandra Jean Francois, one of the leaders of Gwoup Konbit, our partner in Haiti.
The documentary is the story of the Canal of Ouanaminthe, a project on the border of Haiti and the Dominican that was completed through community action despite political conflict, international disputes, and the ongoing crisis in Haiti. The project was a true example of the konbit values and principles in action and a testament to how progress can be made throughout this crisis if the work is powered by communities.
The screening counts as a LEARN event on your Solidarity passport! To learn more, visit rootsofdevelopment.org/support-through-solidarity/.
Even if you can’t join us at the premiere, we hope you’ll support our work with Gwoup Konbit by donating at rootsofdevelopment.org/donate/.
Sincerely,
Charlie Estes
Managing Director