How It Started

Dr. Jane Goodall started Roots & Shoots over 30 years ago when she met with some young people who were eager to fix local problems. She was struck by their energy, their optimism, and their willingness to tackle crises they didn’t create. Roots & Shoots helps young people harness this energy and become the community leaders not just of tomorrow, but of today. Watch Jane talk Roots & Shoots with Jimmy Fallon.

Today, Roots & Shoots is a globally-recognized youth leadership program. In Canada, over 12,000 young people are actively involved in projects. Over 80,000 community members are being directly impacted.

How It Works

Roots & Shoots is open to young activists from pre-school to post-secondary. Anyone 18 and older can become a member and start their own project today. Adult champions who work with youth under 18 can start a project for their classroom, youth group, community centre, or anywhere  youth gather.

There are 4 steps to every Roots & Shoots project:

  1. Get Inspired
  2. Map Your Community
  3. Take Action
  4. Celebrate Your Impact!

Using our online guide, and available support from JGI Canada staff, Roots & Shoots teaches young people how to design projects that tackle the intersection of biodiversity loss (animals), environmental inequity (people), and climate change (the environment). Oh, it’s free!

Are you an adult champion? Get started here.

Young advocates 18+, get started here.

What It’s All About

Hear from other Roots & Shoots members who changed the world, and were changed in return. That’s what it’s all about.

What Others Have To Say

Find Your Path to Get Started

Young Leaders (18+)

If you’re 18 or older, you can start your own Roots & Shoots group or project in your community, on your campus, or in your home.

Adult Champions

Are you an educator, parent, or adult community leader who works with youth? You can start a Roots & Shoots project or group with the young people in your life.

Our Program Partners

Roots & Shoots Projects Across Canada

Resources

Our Resource section includes things like our Climate Change Curriculum Guide and our Biodiversity Guide. These can be helpful tools for any project!