26 years ago (or 9,497 days), Dr. Jane and a group of teenagers in Tanzania turned a back porch gathering into strategy session that would start them on a journey toward building a better future. Those 12 students would represent the very first Roots & Shoots group…the first of now thousands of groups in more than 100 countries motivated by seeking knowledge, living compassionately, and taking action to create a better world for all living things.
Since that day in 1991, the Roots & Shoots global network has truly blossomed and there are now Roots & Shoots offices, educators, and members all over the world. Together, the actions taken by each individual weave together to create a tapestry of hope…a powerful ripple of change.
This Is What Change Looks Like
How has Dr. Jane inspired you to take action? Click above to share your story of #HopeinAction.
Composting and recycling? Check. Caring for companion animals? Check. Combatting bullying? Check.
From cheering the elderly to removing invasive plants to advocating for endangered species, Roots & Shoots projects are taking on all kinds of challenges facing their communities. And, with support from their peers, their educators, and inspiration from Dr. Jane, compassionate young Roots & Shoots leaders never back down from a challenge.
Hundreds of thousands of youth have entered over 6000 projects in the Roots & Shoots Project Database — projects that have positively impacted millions of people and animals (and the environment we share.)
Ready to be inspired? Meet the Roots & Shoots Projects of the Month.
Growing Up “Jane”
For 26 years, Roots & Shoots has been in the “business” of growing compassionate leaders who are more than just change-makers in their communities today. These bright, empathetic, critical thinkers will grow up to be the decision-makers for their families, communities, companies, and maybe even their countries and the world. They will become the type of leaders who will make the right choices to build a better world for people, animals and the environment. Compassionate leaders like these:
“When I found out about the good things Dr. Jane had done for chimpanzees, I knew that I wanted to do something similar but for the animals of my island, Puerto Rico.”
– Isabella, Roots & Shoots Project Leader
“Dr. Jane has been a huge role model of mine. I love that she’s a woman who redefined man. I firmly respect her idea that just because there may be a problem that doesn’t affect you directly doesn’t mean that it isn’t your problem.”
– René, Roots & Shoots U.S. National Youth Leadership Council Member
“With Roots & Shoots I have been able to accomplish things I never imagined I would be able to. Roots & Shoots also allowed me to set future goals for myself and be even more aware of the impact I can make on the world.”
– Jesus, Roots & Shoots Alumnus
“Throughout my thirty plus years of teaching, I have never witnessed a program that has had a bigger impact on youth than Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots. Facilitating Roots & Shoots has reminded me of the incredible power we have in the classroom.”
– Renée, Roots & Shoots Educator
Want to read some more Roots & Shoots stories? Click here.
Get Involved
Start writing your own Roots & Shoots story by joining Roots & Shoots for free, starting a service campaign, or supporting our work to grow compassionate leaders.
