About Jane goodall's roots & shoots program
Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Program: Empowering Youth to Make a Difference
Jane Goodall is a name that needs no introduction. She is one of the most renowned primatologists and conservationists in the world, known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and her tireless efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats. But what many people may not know is that Dr. Goodall has also been working for decades to inspire and empower young people to become environmental leaders through her Roots & Shoots program.
Roots & Shoots USA is the youth action program of the Jane Goodall Institute, founded in 1991 by Dr. Goodall herself along with a group of Tanzanian students who wanted to make a difference in their community. Today, Roots & Shoots operates in more than 50 countries around the world, engaging young people from preschool through college age in projects that promote conservation, sustainability, and social justice.
The mission of Roots & Shoots USA is simple but powerful: "to foster respect and compassion for all living things; to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs; and to inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place for animals, humans, and the environment." The program achieves this mission by providing young people with resources, training, mentorship, and opportunities for hands-on learning experiences.
One of the unique aspects of Roots & Shoots USA is its emphasis on youth-led projects. Rather than simply telling young people what they should do or how they should think about environmental issues or social justice causes, Roots & Shoots empowers them to identify problems in their own communities that matter most to them – whether it's reducing plastic waste at school or advocating for animal rights – and then develop creative solutions using their own skills and passions.
For example:
- In New York City's Harlem neighborhood, students from P.S./M.S. 161 Pedro Albizu Campos School launched a campaign to reduce plastic straw use in local restaurants and businesses. They created posters, videos, and social media posts to raise awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics, and convinced more than 20 establishments to switch to paper straws or eliminate straws altogether.
- In Los Angeles, a group of high school students from the Environmental Charter Schools network started a program called "Green Ambassadors" that trains young people to become leaders in sustainability. The program includes hands-on workshops on topics like composting, gardening, and energy conservation; field trips to local parks and nature reserves; and opportunities for students to design their own sustainability projects.
- In rural Kentucky, a group of middle schoolers from the Appalachian region launched a project called "Paws for Compassion" that aims to improve animal welfare in their community. They partnered with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to organize adoption events, fundraisers for pet food donations, and educational campaigns about responsible pet ownership.
These are just a few examples of the hundreds of Roots & Shoots projects happening across the country every year. What sets these projects apart is not only their focus on tangible outcomes – reducing waste or improving animal welfare – but also their emphasis on building leadership skills among young people.
Through Roots & Shoots USA programs like Youth Leadership Councils (YLCs), young people can take on even greater responsibilities as ambassadors for environmental action in their communities. YLC members receive training in public speaking, event planning, fundraising, advocacy strategies, and other skills that help them become effective change-makers.
In addition to its youth-led projects and leadership development programs, Roots & Shoots USA also offers resources for educators who want to incorporate environmental education into their classrooms or after-school programs. These resources include lesson plans aligned with national standards; professional development opportunities for teachers; online courses on topics like climate change or biodiversity; and access to Jane Goodall's vast library of educational videos and materials.
Overall, Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots program is a shining example of how young people can make a difference in the world when given the tools, support, and inspiration they need. By empowering youth to take action on issues that matter to them, Roots & Shoots USA is creating a generation of environmental leaders who will continue to advocate for a more just and sustainable future.
rootsandshoots.org
