By Jess Torres (they/them)
Rising Director of Programs, Survivor-Educator

In times of uncertainty, sorrow, and rage, it’s only human to feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. Sometimes we lie awake at night worrying about everything happening around us and in our personal lives.

But these moments don’t emerge randomly. They are the result of trillion-dollar investments over decades into a very deliberate political project.

The Power of Opposition—And Unity

That’s why uniting in opposition is such a powerful first step. Opposition is one of the strongest organizing forces we have. But the strength of long-term power building lies in something else entirely: a unifying project.

That’s where local power comes in—where people take their political destinies into their own hands, decide what they will and won’t stand for, and imagine what they want to build with that power. Then they move, fully and collectively, toward that vision.

We build that future by strengthening robust centers of power at the local level—places that can be leveraged in bold, transformative ways.

A Farm Full of Heart

Regenerative farming operates with a deep sense of purpose, compassion and commitment, often beyond food production alone. This involves sustainable practices, community engagement and dedication to sharing the fruits of their labor.

Recently, we were invited by local supporter Gabriella Forte to spend a precious afternoon on her beautiful farm, nestled in the quiet of Carmel Valley. Gabriella greeted us with warmth, clarity, and deep-rooted political insight—her unwavering internationalism and cross-racial solidarity reminded us that liberation is built collectively, across borders, walls, and generations.

She personally toured us around the farm, introducing us to each animal not just by name, but by personality. One story that especially moved us was about Tawta, a special-needs chicken with a crossed beak. Gabriella and her husband raised Tawta in their home, hand-feeding her five times a day. The care they gave Tawta was a mirror of the care Gabriella showed us that afternoon—thoughtful, generous, and full of love.

Gabriella doesn’t just love people (and animals) she takes care of them. It’s a love that says you’re safe here – in a way that whispers you don’t have to carry it all alone. At Rising we strive to emulate this love because that’s what the world needs now, tomorrow and always.

And when all else fails… there are baby bunnies.

P.S. There’s even talk of hosting a Rising event at Bee La Forte Farm—and we’ll be sure to keep you posted!

Curious to learn more about Gabriella’s local farm—and another inspiring one in Brazil?
Read “Trusting Nature” from Edible Monterey Bay