About Roots & Shoots
What is Our Mission?
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, people, and the environment.
© the Jane Goodall Institute SpainHow did we start?
Roots & Shoots began in Tanzania, when a group of teenagers approached Dr. Jane about concerns for their community. Dr. Jane encouraged them to take action in their local communities. Inspired and proud of what they were achieving Dr. Jane spread their stories to youth around the world, who were equally eager to make change.
© the Jane Goodall Institute / By Prospere KafundiWhat do we do?
Roots & Shoots groups take positive action through local and international projects that benefit the environment and improve the lives of people and animals. They learn about issues affecting our world, become better global citizens and share insights and ideas for making positive change happen. Most importantly they learn that… Every Individual Can Make a Difference.
© the Jane Goodall InstituteAbout Dr. Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and United Nations Messenger of Peace, is a world-renowned ethologist and activist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world, and ourselves. Dr. Jane believes that every individual can make a difference and that today’s young people are some of the most compassionate, creative, change-makers our world has ever seen. Young people driven to take action are one of her reasons for hope, which is why she created the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots program in order to empower and encourage youth of all ages to pursue their passion, mobilize their peers, and become the compassionate citizens our world needs to ensure a better future for people, other animals, and our shared environment.
© the Jane Goodall Institute Argentina“There’s a powerful force unleashed when young people resolve to make a change” Dr. Jane Goodall
© the Jane Goodall Institute / By Mark Maglio“Roots & Shoots breaks down barriers between religions, races, cultures and between us and the natural world” Dr. Jane Goodall
Our global impact
young people took part in our youth programs worldwide in 2021
active R&S groups in 2021
active countries now, and growing all the time
hours of activities recorded in 2021
Find your local Roots & Shoots Office
Click on the map or direct link below to connect with a Roots & Shoots team member near you.