Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots
An Environmental Club and Service Organization for Kids and Teens
Apr 19, 2007
Roots and Shoots is an international service organization founded by well known conservationist, Jane Goodall. Roots and Shoots groups around the world are made up of caring kids and teens who want to make a difference in their communities. There are three components to the Roots and Shoots model for success: compassion, knowledge, and action. Roots and Shoots groups are focused on helping people, animals, and the environment, so projects and activities give young people the chance to learn about issues in their communities (and the world) and even take action to bring about change.
While Roots and Shoots group leaders have common goals, no two groups are alike. Each group’s activities are tailored to meet the needs and interests of the children in the group as well as the needs of the local community. Roots and Shoots groups are often born when an established group of kids such as a church group, scouting group, or homeschool group officially apply to become a chapter. This gives the group leaders access to a multitude of resources, including an extensive project database along with the Roots and Shoots handbook which outlines the model for success. Roots and Shoots groups can also be founded when someone in the community sees the need for an environmental club in the area, recruiting new members by posting flyers and messages on local websites.
One Roots and Shoots group in Orlando is made up of homeschooled children who are under the age of seven, so the leaders keep the age of their members in mind and plan activities accordingly. The group events help the children learn about issues like recycling and conservation through real-life experiences that are engaging and age-appropriate. For example, this group of young children was visited by a local beekeeper who showed the little ones an “observation hive” filled with live bees (enclosed in glass), followed by yummy honey tasting and the opportunity to make hand-rolled beeswax candles.
This environmental club benefits from a cooperative group structure in which parents take turns planning activities each month, using a “unit study” approach which incorporates high interest themes. Other events on the calendar for this group include visiting a natural manatee refuge, a recycling plant, and a wildlife rehabilitation center. The children will also participate in service projects such as a reusable bag campaign and a supply drive for a local homeless shelter.
The parents of these young children are doing more than teaching their little ones about Earth-friendly living; they’re demonstrating to them at an early age that their actions can truly impact people, animals, and the environment. As these children grow, their roles in the group will grow as well, with them eventually planning and executing service projects based on needs they see in the community.
Wondering if there’s a Roots and Shoots in your area? Check out the official website for more information. If no group exists, consider starting one yourself. Some groups are extremely successful with only a few families participating, so don’t be scared off by the idea of managing a large group. You can set a limit for the number of families involved, and asking parents to join committees means you won’t end up doing all the work yourself. This cooperative group structure will also keep things fresh and interesting since the talents and creative abilities of all the parents in the group will be utilized rather than just a few.
Not ready to start your own Roots and Shoots club? Signing up for an individual membership will provide you with activities to do with your own children as well as information on the latest Roots and Shoots international campaigns.
