Roots & Shoots

We are Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, a global program with a straightforward and powerful mission: to empower young people like you to make a positive difference for people, animals, and the world we all share. Our story did not begin in a large boardroom or with a grand announcement. Instead, it started quietly, on a porch in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in February of 1991. On that day, our founder, the scientist Dr. Jane Goodall, sat down to talk with a small group of 12 local high school students. They weren't there for a class; they were there because they were worried. They spoke about the challenges they saw around them—environmental problems, cruelty to animals, and struggles within their own community. They felt frustrated and powerless, a feeling that many young people around the world share when they look at big problems. It was from this conversation, this shared concern, that our movement was born. Our name, Roots & Shoots, was chosen very carefully to reflect our core idea. The 'roots' represent the strong foundation of our shared values and the deep connection we have to our communities and the planet. They are the source of our strength. The 'shoots' are the small, individual actions that spring from this foundation. Just as tiny green shoots push through the soil to become a mighty tree, we believe that small, dedicated actions can grow together to create major, lasting change.

Our mission, which grew from that first meeting, is to foster respect and compassion for all living things. This isn't just a vague idea; it's a guide for action. It means learning to understand and care for the people in our communities, showing kindness to animals, and taking responsibility for the health of our environment. To turn this mission into reality, we developed a simple but effective model that any young person can use. First, we encourage young people to form their own groups. These groups become a team, a place to share ideas and support one another. Next, the group looks closely at its own community to identify local challenges. We don't tell our members what problems to solve. Instead, they decide what matters most to them, right where they live. This ensures that their work is meaningful and has a direct impact. Finally, the group designs and carries out projects that help people, animals, and the environment. This three-pronged approach is central to everything we do, as we understand that the well-being of all three is interconnected. You cannot have a healthy human community without a healthy environment, and the welfare of animals is tied to both. This adaptable model was the key to our growth. From that single group of 12 students, our idea began to spread. First to neighboring towns, then to other countries, and eventually across continents. Today, we are a global network of members in countries all over the world, a diverse family of young leaders united by a common goal to make the world a better place.

The heart of our work is action. Over the years, our members have planned and led thousands of projects, each one a 'shoot' of positive change growing from the 'roots' of their community. The variety of these projects is as diverse as our members themselves. For example, some groups focus on environmental restoration by planting trees. This simple act does so much: it helps restore forests, creates vital habitats for wildlife, cleans the air we breathe, and helps to stabilize the climate. Other groups have taken on the challenge of cleaning up polluted rivers and coastlines. They organize community clean-up days, removing trash that harms aquatic animals and contaminates water sources. Their work not only makes these natural spaces more beautiful but also healthier for every living thing that depends on them. Many of our groups have created community gardens in schools, parks, or abandoned lots. These gardens become vibrant hubs where people can grow their own fresh, healthy food, learn about nature, and connect with their neighbors. They are powerful projects because they help people and the environment at the same time. Other members have focused on protecting local wildlife, running campaigns to raise awareness about endangered species in their area. They might educate their communities about the importance of biodiversity or work to protect the natural habitats that these animals need to survive. Behind every one of these projects is our core belief: that every single individual matters and has a role to play in creating a better world. We provide the tools, the resources, and a supportive network, but the most important parts—the ideas, the passion, and the hard work—come directly from the young people themselves. We believe that when you are empowered to lead, you discover your own ability to change the world.

As we look to the future, our work continues to evolve while our mission remains the same. Today, we connect and support young leaders globally, and technology has become a powerful tool in this effort. Through online platforms and digital communication, members from different parts of the world can share their project ideas, offer advice, and find inspiration in one another’s successes. A group planting mangroves in Indonesia can share their techniques with a group restoring a wetland in the United States. This global exchange of knowledge makes our entire network stronger and more effective. Our primary purpose has always been to inspire hope. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of global problems, but our network shows that there are millions of young people actively working for a better future. By highlighting their stories and celebrating their achievements, we aim to replace despair with determination. Alongside hope, our goal is to empower the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to take meaningful action. We help young people develop skills in leadership, planning, and communication, so they can turn their passion into well-organized, impactful projects. We firmly believe that by working together—across neighborhoods, countries, and continents—we can achieve what no one person could do alone. We are dedicated to building a more just, compassionate, and sustainable future for everyone, and we know that the young people of today are the ones who will lead us there.